Shake Off the Winter Gloom: Brain-Boosting Practices for This Spring
Spring has blossomed in North America, bringing an ideal chance to reset, recharge, and prepare for the busy speaking seasons ahead. Whether you've been comfortably hibernating this winter or have been tirelessly engaged in back-to-back events, now is the moment to cultivate some sustainable practices that will ensure you remain sharp, invigorated, and at your best throughout the spring, summer, and fall speaking seasons. The great news? Many of these are likely to bring an immediate smile to your face.
Firstly, don't stress over happiness.
Research reveals what you might have already suspected: Those who meticulously monitor their happiness, worrying over minor fluctuations and changes in their joy meter, generally tend to experience less happiness than those who simply immerse themselves in the moment and enjoy life. So release the scorecard, cease comparing yourself to other speakers on the conference lineup, and just relish that cup of coffee in your hotel room or that sunrise from the airport terminal. The traveler's life has its delights if you pause long enough to uncover them.
Secondly, prioritize those prebiotics.
I’ll admit I'm still a bit unsure about the specifics, but if you can access some prebiotics, they're beneficial for your cerebral health. The fundamental connection is inflammation—which is detrimental for both the brain and the rest of your body—and prebiotics assist in alleviating it. While I’m not a medical professional and this isn’t medical guidance, if you're racking up extensive miles this season, it could be worthwhile to examine your prebiotic consumption. Your gut health and brain health are more intertwined than most of us recognize.
Thirdly, if you wish to discard a negative habit, attempt habit replacement.
We all know that breaking a harmful habit is challenging. However, studies indicate that swapping a positive habit for a negative one is the strategy most likely to succeed because we are essentially creatures of routine. The travel lifestyle complicates this—airport lounges and hotel minibars aren't particularly conducive to your best interests. So try a mini crossword puzzle instead of grabbing an extra snack, or take a short stroll around the terminal rather than indulging in another coffee. By the time you're done, the craving has typically subsided.
Fourthly, if you tend to be scattered, consider fidgeting (but not while on stage!).
Tapping your foot, a pencil, or fiddling with your hands has proved to be quite an effective way to keep your mind from wandering. Studies on individuals with ADHD suggest that it aids in focusing better for extended periods. So go ahead and fidget—while you're in the green room, on the plane, or during an extended pre-event briefing. Just reserve the stillness, along with the mastery it conveys, for the stage.
Fifthly, think about obtaining a true insight into what's happening inside.
One of the challenges of traveling is that it’s easy to feel fine while your body is quietly on empty. That’s why I recently opted for an extensive blood workup through a private provider, which can offer a full panel of results alongside personalized advice for diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes. It’s one of the many services available that can provide a genuine, data-driven baseline for your health instead of mere guesswork. I'm not here to endorse a specific service, but if you haven't looked deeply into your health before, spring is a perfect time to start. Begin with a thorough annual check-up! Knowledge is power.
Lastly, indulge in chocolate at least once a week.
This remains my go-to recommendation, and I’m thrilled to confirm that the science still backs it up. Consuming chocolate once a week—or more—is genuinely beneficial for your brain. It’s long been established that chocolate supports cardiovascular health, but it also aids in cognitive function. In one study, around 1,000 participants were given chocolate and then assessed through various cognitive tests, all performing better, including measures of working memory, abstract reasoning, and visual-spatial organization. As the spring speaking season kicks into high gear, view this as your official permission slip. A little chocolate is practically a professional duty.
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