The Brain Coach

In this episode of The Brian Coach , Mary explores the growing and concerning phenomenon of extreme social withdrawal. Mary compares Japan’s 'hikikomori' to the Western trend of 'bedrotting'.

Hikikomori, describes individuals—often young adults—who isolate themselves in their homes or even a single room for months or years due to social pressure, anxiety, and mental health challenges. Once thought to be a youth issue, it now affects middle-aged adults, leading to societal concerns such as elderly parents supporting their reclusive adult children.

Bedrotting is a viral social media trend in the U.S. that involves spending excessive time in bed. It is often framed as 'self-care' but potentially signals deeper mental health issues like depression and burnout.

Mary discusses the importance of community and strategies to address these challenges before they become long-term crises.

Whether in Japan or the U.S., these trends highlight the broader issue of disconnection and the need for stronger social support systems. Tune in for an insightful conversation on mental health, cultural influences, and how we can better support people struggling with social withdrawal.

In this episode of The Brain Coach podcast, Mary explores the concept of an “ideal day” and how to structure your day with a balance of productivity, relaxation, and connection. Rather than striving for perfection, the focus should be to incorporate elements that align with your personal values and energy levels.

Mary shares key elements that contribute to a good day, including:

    1.    Get A Good Start – Establishing a morning routine that sets a positive tone, whether through quiet time, movement, or a mindful activity.

    2.    Do Meaningful Work – Engage in purposeful activities that provide a sense of accomplishment while maintaining balance.

    3.    Take Breaks & Seek Harmony – Step away from work to recharge yourself, move, or enjoy small pleasures.

    4.    Connection – Prioritize interactions with your loved ones or have meaningful conversations.

    5.    Personal Joy – Incorporate activities that bring happiness, incorporate hobbies or relaxation.

    6.    End of Day – Wind down your day with gratitude and reflection.

We hope you'll follow along and use these tools to design your own ideal day!

In this podcast episode, Mary explores the difference between hope and optimism and shares why both are crucial for emotional resilience, especially in uncertain times.

Learn practical strategies for managing stress, limiting negativity, and fostering a mindset that balances realism with positivity. Through deep breathing techniques, perspective shifts, and intentional actions, you can build resilience and find hope—even when the world feels overwhelming. 

Tune in for insights, encouragement, and inspiring stories that will lift your spirit! 

In today's episode, Mary explores the crucial role glucose plays in our health and why maintaining a stable glucose curve supports brain health and prevents problems like aging, arthritis, Alzheimer, and metabolic disorders.

Even if you feel healthy, your glucose levels can be out of balance leading to spikes and crashes in blood sugar.

Food isn't good or bad, it's simply energy. The key is understanding how your body processes it so you can make intentional choices. Enjoy your treats but be mindful. Want to learn more? Stay tuned this season for deeper dives into how glucose and metabolism impact brain health.

#HealthTips #GlucoseBalance

Constant digital stimulation isn't just a distraction, it's damaging your memory. In this episode, Mary explores how the habit of reaching for your phone rewires your brain, making it harder to retain information and focus.

Learn how embracing boredom and setting boundaries with technology can strengthen memory and cognitive function.

Tune in for simple strategies, like a digital detox and scheduled internet use, to help you reclaim your attention and sharpen your mind!

In this episode, Mary shares how something as simple as blowing bubbles can help calm the nervous system.

This fun and relaxing activity can shift your focus away from stress and anchor you to the present moment. Learn how the slow, controlled exhalation involved in blowing bubbles stimulates the vagus nerve, helping to reduce the fight, flight, or freeze response.

Whether you're a child, an adult, or a professional, blowing bubbles can ease anxiety, reduce sensory overload, and bring a sense of joy. Tune in and give it a try!

Welcome to Season 2 ofThe Brain Coach podcast, hosted by executive function expert and 'Brain Coach' Mary Turos.

This season, Mary delves into the latest research and insights from her work as an executive function coach for teens and adults, exploring effective strategies her clients find beneficial.

In this episode, Mary examines the profound impact of trauma on the mind and executive functioning, highlighting its long-term effects on an individual’s life. She also shares a simple, practical tool to help regulate the brain by first calming the body and central nervous system.

Breani Bridges is an employment consultant who helps adults with disabilities prepare for and navigate work and life. Breani provides supportive services for all ages; young adults transitioning from school to adults moving into retirement.

Breani began her career as a peer educator in the Maryland public school systems where she gained experience working with students with disabilities and autism. She is an impassioned expert who helps young adults transition to life outside of school and navigate the reduced resources young adults face after leaving school.

In this episode, Mary and Breani discuss the importance of meeting kids where they are, using positive experiences to encourage growth, and how "safe risks" promote growth and increase capacity to adapt and address their disability.

Breani shares practical advice for where families and individuals can find resources, as well as her plans to build a Maryland-based community center for adults with disabilities.

To contact Breani, email her at: [email protected]

On today's episode of the podcast, Brain Coach Mary Turos speaks with Denise, a mom raising a daughter with Down syndrome. Denise discusses her experiences, from receiving her daughter's initial diagnosis to navigating years of medical programs and everything in between. Mary and Denise talk about myths commonly associated with Down syndrome, how having a disability impacts families, and Denise's personal experience of being a young mother of a child with Down syndrome. 

Denise offers advice for families facing Down syndrome diagnosis, and how social media can provide a supportive network. 

Some topics discussed in the episode: 

Welcome To Holland Poem

https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-holland

Down Syndrome Creed: 

https://www.gradsa.org/down-syndrome-creed/

Footprints in the Sand:

https://www.ryanhart.org/footprints-in-the-sand/

In this episode, Mary takes a deep dive into adult executive functions and the challenges she commonly sees with her adult clients. Topics covered include: 

         - Feeling overwhelmed

         - Inability to manage time, especially during the workday. Dealing with distractions 

         - How to prioritize and make progress. How much time we can actually be productive daily

         - Why providing true value makes us indispensable at work 

Understanding how the brain works, especially as adults, is critical to changing thinking and behavior. Hope you enjoy this discussion.