Braincare

Dr. Kelly McGonigal wants you to use stress as a mental work-out. The pioneering health psychologist, Stanford lecturer and serial best-selling author investigates the positive impact of stress on our lives and our brains.Today, Kelly shares her impactful theories on the upside of stress. We discuss the connection between a sense of community and our hormonal stress responses, why stress has a characteristically bad reputation, and how moments of pressure can become a platform for upskilling.We talk about: The isolation and stress of early lockdown A different definition of stress The social connection stress response The psychology of stress and brain plasticity Hitting the mental gym

With the pubs reopened, brits across the country are flooding back to their locals to enjoy the sunshine and engage in some much-needed socialising.In this mini episode, Sophie Medlin, head of nutrition research at Heights, explores the physical and mental benefits and drawbacks of alcohol.We'll take a look at the link between alcohol consumption and creativity, and we discuss the correlation between depression and drinking to help you understand how your favourite ales, spirits and wines affect your body and mind.

Jamie Clements can take you from stressed to serene in under 10 minutes! The breathwork coach, mental health ambassador, and founder of The Breath Space believes that even a short session of mindful breathing can deliver huge benefits on our mental and physical health.Today on The Braincare Podcast, Jamie sets us up for a breathwork sessions by explaining how down-regulating can be an antidote to anxiety and stress. Then you can join us right here, right now, as we dive into a short breathing practice to boost calm your central nervous system!

Jamie Clements thinks your breath can alter your brain. The breathwork coach and mental health ambassador believes that a suite of simple, accessible breathing practices have the power to profoundly improve our mental and physical wellbeing.Today on The Braincare Podcast, Jamie shares his his tools and techniques for mindfulness and personal growth. We discuss what the myriad different types of breathing do to our physiology, what science tells us about breathing too much and too little, and how breath-based awareness and regulation can ultimately lead to transformation.We talk about: Jamie's personal journey Everyday vs. deeper breathwork Breath and the central nervous system What is the default node network? Transformative experiences through breath Have you got a dysfunctional breathing pattern?! Problems with overbreathing

To mark Stress Awareness Month, the Heights gang have put together a smashing podcast schedule full of insightful guests and leading experts.In this mini episode, join Jamie Clements, founder of The Breath Space, in a simple, easy breath work technique to down-regulate your nervous system, calm the body and quiet the mind.The perfect practice to kickstart Stress Awareness month and to see you through hump day feeling serene and centred!

Dr. Robin Hart wants us to return to work gently. The acclaimed psychotherapist has spend his career identifying new treatments for anxiety disorders and depression. He's practiced everywhere from primary care to Wormwood Scrubs Prison and now he's turning his attention to workplace anxiety.Today, Dr. Hart shares his insights. We discuss the importance of structure and routine for mental health, the lockdown factors that have impacted us the most, and why the pandemic might help us to finally de-stigmatise mental wellbeing within the workplace.We talk about: Common and not-so-common causes of anxiety Social isolation and stress Hope is the best anti-depressant Projecting our post-pandemic lives Overcoming health anxiety Mental health apps De-stigmatising mental wellbeing in the workplace

Anya Hurlbert wants you to look at colour in a whole new light. The Professor of Visual Neuroscience at Newcastle University is involved in fascinating research that looks at the interaction between colour, light and how this is interpreted by the human brain.Today, Anya shares her insights on colour, cognition and memory. We discuss the science behind colour perception, how light and colour affect our mental health, and Anya finally gives us an expert explanation of that viral blue-gold dress conundrum.We talk about: How does colour blindness work? The blue-gold dress that sparked a million arguments Light levels and mental health Do SAD lamps work? Blue light and circadian rhythms Colour constancy and chromatic adaptation Colour and the limbic brain Anya's research on eyesight as an indicator for Alzheimers

Elke Wiss wants you to get curious in your intentions. The writer, workshop leader, coach and international best-selling author of Practical Philosophy believes that all of us can transform our everyday lives with just a few simple changes.Today, Elke shares her work on asking questions in the quest to know everything! We discover the fascinating practice of socratic dialogue, how to turn debates into dialogues, and why knowledge doesn't always add up to wisdom.We talk about: Socratic dialogue: not just for Ancient Greeks Why it's time to slow down the discourse How to listen differently Curiosity and intentions Two monologues don't make a dialogue Live your doubt Why changing perspectives can lead to true wisdom

Maya Gudka wants you to flourish on social media. The London Business School executive and positive psychology researcher is a fierce digital wellbeing advocate who believes that if we're mindful online, we can boost our mental and physical health.Today, Maya shares her fascinating research on social media and mental health. We discover the obvious detrimental - and surprisingly beneficial - effects of social comparison, and highlight the parts of social media we should encourage (and the parts we can't wait to see the back of!)We talk about: Social comparison: a tale as old as time Which platform prompts the most social comparison? Positive outcomes based on flourishing frameworks The social support network Wellbeing and social media: a bi-directional relationship How to be mindful online

How does nutrition affect the severity of Covid-19 symptoms? Dr. Tara, Chief Science Officer at Heights, follows a year of conversations with colleagues with some science-backed findings on vitamin and mineral deficiency and the effects of the virus, from vitamin A to oxidative stress.Happy eating!