Brain Health

One of the most counter-productive beliefs of brain health - and I use the term 'brain' health instead of 'mental' health because it is, after all, directly about the brain (that's the part of our body that coordinates our health) - is to focus on oneself. You know...... focus on improving your self-talk, exercise more, change your diet, drink more water, drink less alcohol ...... the list goes on and on and on.

But all of these things are good for you, I hear you say. Why wouldn't you focus on these positive actions to improve your brain health? And I will say to you that you absolutely should put some of these changes into action IF you have the tools to do so. When your brain is already struggling and already focussing on survival/self preservation and you don't have the tools to make any of these positive changes, then that pit can potentially get deeper and lonelier. Especially when there's that pressure to 'do better' from either yourself or other well-meaning people. What happens when you don't have the tools to improve your self-talk, exercise more, change your diet, drink more water, drink less alcohol etc etc..? Where do you think those brain behaviours are going to take you? - further into brain overload and brain illhealth.

So what should we do instead? What is the answer? Finding the right tools to use would definitely be a good start. But this can be challenging when there's no one offering the right tools right now, or it's financially not viable because who can afford multiple sessions with a Psychologist or Therapist? And don't even mention the long wait-lists and wait-times to actually get in to see someone!

Now, what I'm about to say may potentially trigger some people, and some people may have some strong opinions against this..... but I firmly believe that the act of serving others strengthens our brain health in so many positive ways. Now that you have lifted your bottom lip back up to meet your top, I'll explain further.

What does serving others look like?

• Making a meal for a family or an individual

• Driving someone to wherever they need to go (within geographical reason)

• Sitting with someone as they attend a doctor's appointment, or in hospital

• Watering pot plants

• Sweeping a floor

• Washing dishes

(this is not an extensive list - just a few examples of acts of service)

What serving others SHOULDN'T look like:

• Manipulation to do any of the above (and more)

• Coercive control from either party

• Getting paid

• Burnout from only serving others and not yourself

• Financial strain

• Slavery

(again, not an extensive list - I'm sure you get the gist)

So how does any of this help brain health? "Your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, seratonin, and oxytocin, activating the reward system and creating a "helper's high" by boosting mood, reducing stress (cortisol), and fostering social connection, leading to increased happiness and well-being for both the giver and the receiver." (Totally all copied from Google! But totally all true and correct!) Think about the times you have helped someone out with something.... however big or small that was. How did that make you feel? And what did your brain do with that feeling? I know sometimes helping others can backfire. Some receivers are not ready to accept the help, and some don't appreciate it for their own reasons. They were probably not the right person to help at that particular time. Don't let that discourage you. There are plenty of other people out there ready and willing to accept the help of a kind and thoughtful person. And yes, you might need to force yourself out of the house, or to pick up the phone ...... but if you can do this before the seratonin levels have dropped below sea level, you will find that you can keep swimming with the current a lot easier.