Dr. Barbara Sahakian discusses her academic journey. Adverse childhood experiences and the importance of resilience. How reading stimulates the brain and enhances creativity. The positive impact of reading to children. The importance of facing fear and building resilience. The benefits of pursuing goals and public engagement.
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Quick takeaways
Building resilience in children is crucial for overcoming adversity and achieving future goals.
Prioritizing brain health and positive experiences can lead to better overall well-being in individuals of all ages.
Deep dives
The Importance of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience
Adverse childhood experiences, including poverty, family conflict, bullying, and abuse, can have long-lasting effects on a person's life. These experiences leave a lasting impact and can be difficult to overcome. However, resilience plays a crucial role in overcoming adversity. Building resilience as children is essential as it sets the foundation for future challenges. Resilience is about having the confidence to face and overcome challenges, which helps in achieving goals and realizing one's potential. While some adversities may be difficult to overcome, developing resilience through social support and education can make a significant difference.
The Importance of Positive Experiences and Brain Health
Positive experiences have a significant impact on brain health, cognition, and mental well-being. Achieving goals, having a good social support system, getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical exercise are all crucial for brain health. Brain health is vital for cognitive function, achieving academic and career goals, and maintaining mental well-being. Positive experiences, such as reading or engaging in creative activities, stimulate brain development and enhance cognitive abilities. Prioritizing brain health and positive experiences can lead to better overall well-being in individuals of all ages.
The Significance of Early Reading and Its Influence on Brain Health
Early reading has a positive impact on brain health, cognition, and resilience in children. Learning to read at a young age sets children up for success in their adolescent years. It improves brain function, cognitive abilities, school achievement, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Reading to children provides a social and interactive experience, stimulating the social and emotional cognition in the brain. It fosters creativity, forward-thinking, and planning, which contribute to cognitive development. The benefits of reading extend into adulthood, promoting social connection, brain health, and overall well-being.
Healthy Lifestyle Factors for Cognitive Function and Resilience
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for cognitive function and resilience. Lifestyle factors such as not smoking, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise, having a good diet, and having a strong social support system can have a significant positive impact on brain health and mental well-being. Smoking and excessive coffee consumption have negative effects on cognition, while healthy habits like exercise, good sleep, and a nutritious diet enhance brain function. Additionally, maintaining a strong social support system and positive social interactions contribute to resilience and overall well-being.
What can children and young adults teach grown-ups about resilience? Barbara Sahakian, PhD, has some answers. Dr. Sahakian is a Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Cambridge and has authored and coauthored multiple studies over the years, including a 2023 study on how parents may build resilience and creativity in kids with one simple daily activity.
Visit https://www.mountsinai.org/clinical-trials to see if you're eligible to enroll in a clinical trial with the Mount Sinai Health System.
Check out more episodes of Road to Resilience —as well as guest pictures, transcripts, and more— on the Mount Sinai website.
Road to Resilience brings you stories and insights to help you thrive in a challenging world. From fighting burnout and trauma to building resilient families, we explore what’s possible when science meets the human spirit.
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