Dr. David Rock and Dr. Daniel Siegel put together something called a Healthy Mind Platter, based off the new food guidelines from the USDA. They describe the essential ways we must care for our brain to ensure optimal health and functioning. Makes a ton of sense to me.
Focus Time: When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way, taking on challenges that make deep connections in the brain.
Play Time: When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, which helps make new connections in the brain.
Connecting Time: When we connect with other people, ideally in person, or take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, richly activating the brain’s relational circuitry.
Physical Time: When we move our bodies, aerobically if possible, which strengthens the brain in many ways.
Time In: When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts, helping to better integrate the brain.
Down Time: When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, which helps our brain recharge.
Sleep Time: When we give the brain the rest it needs to consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day.
I know I do not always get all of these in any one day, let alone a week. What kind of balance is important to you?
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