Alive and Kicking with Clare McKenna Alive and Kicking Full Episode 8/6/25
Jun 9, 2025
Aoife Hughes, an accredited life coach specializing in ADHD, shares her personal journey and highlights the need for better mental health support in education. Tom Coleman, a health scientist and sleep expert, offers valuable tips for improving sleep quality, especially during summer. They discuss the critical role of nutrition in mental health, explore the BALAVISX training for neurodivergent learners, and provide insights on creating an optimal sleep environment. Their engaging conversation weaves together themes of mental well-being, sleep challenges, and understanding neurodiversity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Gut-Brain Mood Connection
- The gut and brain communicate bidirectionally via the vagus nerve, influencing mood.
- Consuming more plants and fermented foods correlates with better mental health and mood.
Mediterranean Diet Improves Depression
- The 2017 SMILES study shows a Mediterranean diet reduces depression in moderate to severe cases.
- Fresh fish, vegetables, olive oil, fruits, nuts, and fermented foods improve mental health outcomes.
Light Exposure and Sleep
- Get early morning light exposure to clear grogginess and set melatonin release timing.
- Reduce bright light in the evening and limit stimulating screen activities to improve sleep onset.
