How do I look after my brain?
Your brain is very responsive to your environment. Everything affects it, from the food you eat, to the relationships you have, to what your focus on, to whether or not you live a purposeful life.
To support the brain we need to use a holistic approach.
Biological: The first circle of a whole, healthy life starts with biology. It’s all about how your brain and body work together on a physical level. For your brain to function at its best, the biological systems: your cells, connections, chemicals, energy, blood flow, and even how your brain clears out waste; have to be in good shape.
Psychological: The psychological circle is all about how you think and how you talk to yourself—that inner dialogue running in the background. It also includes your sense of self, how you see your body, and the stories you tell yourself about who you are. Your upbringing, past emotional wounds, and those big moments that shaped you. This circle is where mindset, self-image, and emotional history come together.
Social connections: The social circle is all about connection: your relationships, your support system, and the people you surround yourself with. It’s the quality of those relationships, not just the quantity. It also includes the social stress you might be carrying, whether it’s from work, school, or the dynamics in your personal life. This circle reminds us that we’re wired for connection, and that connection deeply affects our brain health.
Spiritual: To truly thrive, we have to recognize that we’re more than just our biology, our thoughts, or even our relationships. We are spiritual beings too. Whether or not you believe in God, there’s meaning woven into who you are and why you’re here - your purpose. That connection to something greater, be it your past generations, future generations, the Earth, or a greater consciousness, it matters for your brain and your life.
