Barbara J. Sahakian and Christelle Langley, "Brain Boost: Healthy Habits for a Happier Life" (Cambridge UP, 2025)
Jan 13, 2025
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Join Barbara Sahakian, a Clinical Neuropsychology Professor at the University of Cambridge, and Christelle Langley, a Cognitive Neuroscientist, as they delve into the essential connection between mental and physical health. They discuss how exercise and diet can boost cognitive function and the importance of social connections in reducing loneliness. Mindfulness emerges as a powerful tool for mental well-being, while the duo also explores cutting-edge treatments for cognitive enhancement. Their insights shed light on practical habits for a happier, healthier life.
Prioritizing physical exercise significantly enhances both mental health and cognitive function, vital for overall well-being and resilience.
Engaging in social interactions and mindfulness practices combats loneliness while promoting mental resilience and fostering community connections.
Deep dives
The Importance of Mental Health in Holistic Well-Being
The focus on mental health has often been overshadowed by the emphasis on physical health, especially when individuals set personal goals like New Year's resolutions. Recognizing this disparity, the authors aim to promote a more holistic approach that includes mental well-being as a vital component of overall health. They argue that many people successfully track their physical activities but neglect their mental health, leading to common issues like anxiety and depression. The book provides guidance on avoiding these pitfalls and suggests strategies to enhance mental health while pursuing personal and professional achievements.
The Interconnection Between Physical and Brain Health
Engaging in regular physical activities significantly influences not only physical fitness but also mental health and cognitive functions. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, improve mood, and increase brain volume in areas critical for learning and memory, such as the hippocampus. Scientific studies demonstrate that even short durations of physical activity, such as walking for 10 minutes, can yield beneficial effects on overall health and cognitive performance. The authors emphasize that prioritizing physical exercise can create a foundation for both improved mental health and enhanced cognitive abilities.
The Role of Social Engagement and Mindfulness
Social interaction and mindfulness practices play crucial roles in maintaining mental well-being and overall health. Engaging with others helps combat feelings of loneliness, which is linked to higher risks of mental health challenges, including dementia. The authors highlight that volunteering and forming meaningful connections stimulate the brain's reward system, promoting both personal satisfaction and community bonding. Additionally, they advocate for mindfulness techniques that encourage individuals to focus on the present moment, which can lead to improved mental resilience and overall happiness.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health and, in times of stress, it's vital to have enhanced cognition and reserves of resilience. Brain Boost: Healthy Habits for a Happier Life(Cambridge UP, 2025) is packed with practical tips, based on scientific evidence, that will teach you how to implement lifestyle strategies that will improve your brain health, cognition, and overall wellbeing. Covering the benefits of exercise, diet, sleep, social interactions, kindness, mindfulness, and learning, you will discover how adopting habits to improve these areas of your life at an early age will lead to a longer, healthier life. Embracing these simple strategies to prioritise your brain health and wellbeing is essential for a fulfilling life, with lifestyle choices playing a significant role in promoting resilience, creativity, and overall quality of life across all ages. For anyone seeking to lead a fulfilling life through happiness, health, and personal growth, this is the book for you.