JOT Week 10 & 11 - The Brain - Nourishing and Protecting It

[Metaphysical Me]

I've opened a combined Week 10 and 11 JOT thread here, as we got slightly out of sync and seeing as Week 10 and 11 are both about "the brain", it seemed like a viable option.

Hope that's okay for everyone!

XXX Janey

That's me with my sun shades, enjoying the amazing sunshine here...

[Steve]

Sounds good to me.

I haven't been very inspired by the book's ideas on 'nourish the brain' as it seems to just suggest taking supplements to ensure the brain gets all it needs. I find this surprising as I would have thought that a good, balanced and wholesome diet should do the job. I'm just going to concentrate on the title for this chapter and find an approach that works better for me.

More in due course once I've thought about this (and read the 'protect your brain' chapter). My first thought is that the outdoors and sunlight must be good for the brain (vitamin D?) so maybe best ponder this whilst enjoying the good weather!

Steve

[FeeHutch]

How have you found week 10 and 11?

I have lost my focus a little in the excitement leading up to my best friends wedding. I also had a bad fall and have had various health related issues to deal with. I have been more actively aware of caring for my brain though. Sometimes my brain is a very complex area for me to handle physically and emotionally but these two weeks have reminded me about self compassion and loving kindness and that's been very welcome.

[Steve]

My take on thee weeks was as follows:

Nourish your brain: try to have a varied diet, cut down on refined sugar, eat lots of fruit, drink plenty of water, learn to relax (go for walk, read, have massage, hot bath, snooze, enjoy fresh air, listen to relaxing music).

Protect your brain: regular exercise (walk or cycle instead of car or underground), spend time outdoors, be careful of alcohol intake (a small amout to relax and savour but keep well within recommended limits and have at least one day a week with none). Try to stop brooding, worrying or acting out conflict with others in my head, do something creative, don't strain the brain (avoid headaches). I've particularly picked up on the phrase "don't worry, be happy" as an antidote to stress.

Will now catch up on week 12.

Steve