The Academic Life How to Make Your Brain Your Best Friend
Jan 8, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Rachel Barr, a neuroscientist and author, explores the power of neuroplasticity and self-care. She shares her inspiring journey into neuroscience after facing personal challenges. Rachel emphasizes the importance of experimenting with self-care, curating your environment, and practicing self-compassion. She also highlights the role of sleep in memory and identity, along with the benefits of delight as a remedy for stress. With insights into creativity and vulnerability, Rachel offers a fresh perspective on nurturing a healthier relationship with your brain.
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Late Start, Big Turnaround
- Rachel Barr describes starting university at 23 after struggling in school and believing she was 'stupid.'
- Reading The Brain That Changes Itself sparked hope that her brain could change and led her into neuroscience.
Care Over Optimization
- Modern wellness messages often clash with neuroscience and promote self-optimization over care.
- Rachel argues for caring for the brain, not extracting more productivity from it.
Identity Is Socially Constructed
- Much of our identity is socially learned and shaped by signals, not inner practice.
- Social media has turned identity signaling into a marketplace detached from actual doing.
