Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

How To Future-Proof Your Brain: Simple Daily Practices to Improve Focus, Energy, Memory, Mood & Emotional Wellbeing with Dr Daniel Amen #555

May 13, 2025

Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics, is dedicated to revolutionizing brain health. He discusses the deep connection between brain health and overall well-being, emphasizing how mental wellness is rooted in brain functionality. Topics include the transformative power of brain imaging in psychiatry, the key daily habits that can enhance brain performance, and the impact of sleep and negative thoughts on mental health. Daniel shares practical tools to improve focus, mood, and emotional well-being for a fulfilling life.

01:32:15

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Episode guests

Daniel Amen

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Daniel Amen emphasizes that brain health is foundational to overall mental health and influences personal relationships and life purpose.

Daily habits like diet, exercise, and sleep crucially impact brain health, with poor choices leading to increased anxiety and cognitive decline.

Brain SPECT imaging is a revolutionary tool for accurately diagnosing and treating mental health issues, moving beyond traditional clinical evaluations.

Deep dives

The Importance of Brain Health

The health of the brain significantly influences overall life quality, affecting how one thinks, feels, acts, and makes decisions. Mental health is closely linked to brain health, implying that a healthy brain can lead to better relationships and a greater sense of purpose. Dr. Daniel Amen emphasizes the need to understand that many mental health issues stem from brain health problems rather than strictly mental health problems. By caring for one’s brain, individuals can improve various aspects of life, including their mood, focus, and energy.

Intro

3min

Habits Impacting Brain Health

24min

The Crucial Impact of Substance Use on Teenage Brain Health

6min

Nurturing Brain Health for a Fulfilling Life

23min

The Critical Role of Sleep and Managing Negative Thoughts

5min

Confronting Automatic Negative Thoughts with Practical Exercises

3min

Cultivating a Positive Mindset

15min

Understanding Brain Health: Concussions and Beyond

12min

Embracing Reflection and Sharing Knowledge for Personal Growth

3min

What if the health of your brain determined the health of every other part of your life – your body, your relationships, even your sense of purpose? Today’s guest firmly believes that it does.

Dr Daniel Amen is a child and adult psychiatrist, who is on a mission to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. He is also the founder of Amen Clinics, home to the world’s largest database of brain scans for psychiatry and the author of multiple best-selling books including his very latest, Change Your Brain Every Day: Simple Daily Practices to Strengthen Your Mind, Memory, Mood, Focus, Energy, Habits, and Relationships.

In this conversation, Daniel shares insights from over 250,000 brain scans and decades of clinical practice and we talk about:

Why mental health is really brain health – and why stigma and shame often stand in the way of proper care
The surprising link between brain function and behaviour – from impulsivity and focus to joy and connection
How brain imaging is transforming psychiatry – and why Daniel believes we should “image, not guess” when treating emotional or cognitive issues
The “BRIGHT MINDS” framework – that covers the key risk factors you can address to protect your brain immediately
The simple daily habits that can literally shape the structure and function of your brain

Daniel’s approach is both science-backed and deeply compassionate. He reminds us that we are not stuck with the brain we have – we can make it better, at any age, through lifestyle, mindset and targeted care.

Whether you're struggling with your mood, memory, focus or simply want to feel sharper and more vibrant, this conversation will leave you feeling hopeful and empowered to take control of your brain - and your life.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/555

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.