Today , brain science is suggesting , strongly , that one can bend the arc of both a healthy lifespan and brainspan . It is a daily practice of maximising and synergising the best of lifestyles – the food we eat , the relationships we nurture , the meaning of work we perform ; how we stretch our brains ; immersion in nature ; the quality of sleep … It is also finding the sweet spot of “ just enough ” of material goods and services . Simplifying rather than complexifying ; giving voluntary rather than taking greedily ; working with technology that enhances quality and equality rather than the dysfunctional addiction to its buttons . Creating space in our minds for different ideas and finding dignity in differences . We are , most of us , the captains of the destiny of our brainspan .
Dr Jonathan Moch , a PPS member , is a trained physician and psychiatrist , having practised for almost four decades . He founded the Stress Reduction Clinic at the famed Milpark Hospital , the only such clinic in Southern Africa . He has focused much of his research , writing and teaching on optimising brain health . Readers can subscribe to his
Letters from an African Psychiatrist .
Studies , such as two done by the National Institute on Aging in the US , show that people who adhered to healthy behaviours were found to have a 60 % lower risk of developing Alzheimer ’ s . These behaviours include regular exercise , social and emotional support , maintaining general health , a healthy diet and challenging one ’ s brain .
As much as research has shown that incorporating these behaviours into one ’ s lifestyle could have positive effects on brain health , it is no good to start once brain degenerative symptoms are apparent . You do not start saving income the day you retire . You start investing in brain health from the earliest age . If you faithfully follow and personally modify and optimise the lifestyles written on my Docs Brain Health prescription ( see just below ) – by drawing on your available resources – the odds , the probabilities , of a long , meaningful , healthy life , will certainly bend in your favour . You will dramatically reduce your risks of early death or preventable brain illnesses ; and who knows , lucky opportunities will seed and you can harvest the unexpected fruit ; ultimately concluding your journey on this beautiful planet as a life well lived .
My own big hairy audacious goal ? What do I really want to be inscribed on my tombstone — in the dash between my birthday and deathday ? A LIFE WELL LIVED .
Dr Jonathan Moch
1 . Read for meaning ± 30 minutes ( fiction , non-fiction or write a journal )
ENERGY CONSERVATION 2 . Sleep ± 7.5 hours uninterrupted 3 . Movement Minimum 15 minutes per day 4 . Superfoods Eat healthy food , mainly plants
INFORMATION PROCESSING 5 . Muilti-sensory Become aware of sights , sounds , tastes , touch , position and feelings
6 . Nature Tech-free immersion – a few seconds or more every day , regardless of the weather
7 . Work Adding value purposefully
BRAIN GYM CIRCUITS 8 . Relationships Interacting meaningfully with at least ten people a day 9 . Mental challenges Trying a novel task – to the edge of your comfort zone
10 . Meditation Up to 50 minutes of focussed attention , returning when the mind wanders
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