Balancing the tidal wave of schoolwork and stress this week really had me on edge, but flipping through Chapter 6 felt like stumbling upon a secret playbook. Here’s how I’m weaving insights from The Better Brain by Kaplan and Rucklidge into my daily grind, with my own spin:
1. Crafting a Colorful Palette
I’ve started seeing my meals as more than just fuel. It’s like, each color on my plate packs a punch for my brain. Greens, reds, yellows—they’re all becoming staples in my diet. It’s not just about making my meals Instagram-worthy; it’s about nourishing my brain with a spectrum of nutrients that keep me sharp and ready to tackle my to-do list.
2. Supplements: My Backup Dancers
Chapter 6 was a wake-up call that maybe, just maybe, I’m not hitting all my nutritional marks with my current diet (especially on those three-meals-of-coffee days). I’ve started exploring supplements as my backup dancers, stepping in to support my brain health when my diet isn’t cutting it. Nothing too crazy, just a multivitamin and maybe some fish oil to keep my brain grooving smoothly.
3. Eating with Intention
I’m putting more thought into my meals now. It’s not just about what’s quick and easy but about what’s actually going to feed my brain and help me keep up with the chaos of school life. This means slowing down, even just a little, to enjoy what I’m eating and to ensure I’m giving my brain the nutrients it craves for those tough days in class.
4. Sharing the Love
What’s cooler than applying this chapter to my life? Bringing friends along for the ride. Swapping recipes, sharing wins, and even turning meal prep into a group activity. It turns out, fueling our brains can be a shared journey, and it’s making this whole “eating for my brain” thing a lot more fun and way less daunting.
5. Reflecting and Tweaking
I’m keeping a little journal now (when I remember if we are being honest!)—not just for venting about my day but to note how I feel after eating certain foods or trying new supplements. It’s my personal logbook in this experiment of boosting my brain health through nutrition. If something isn’t working, I tweak it. It’s all about finding what makes me feel like I can conquer my exams and still have energy left to enjoy life.
Incorporating Chapter 6 into my life isn’t just about dodging stress or acing tests; it’s about building habits that support my mental and physical well-being long-term. And if I can make it work amidst the madness of school, I’m all for it. This isn’t only applicable for people in school, this is for everyone, in every facet of life. Having a healthy relationship with food is essential to everyone’s well-being, whether you're working, caring for your children, or supporting your elderly parent, food is absolute fuel and fortifies our mental health across generations.
Action: Visit https://eckertcentre.com/pages/revive-wellness-services to learn more about our partnership with Revive Wellness (Registered Dietician services) and book your free consultation to see how they can help your family improve mental health through food.
Madison is a Psychology Assistant; Digital Marketing Assistant at Eckert Centre. She's currently deepening her understanding of psychology at the University of British Columbia. Madison brings her passion for mental health to our community through her writing. As our blogger in residence, her contributions offer a fresh perspective and shed light on the importance of mental wellbeing. We are grateful for her eloquent words and the insights she shares on her journey towards cultivating a "Wise Self." For more insights, information, or to book an appointment, please visit www.eckertcentre.com or reach out to our team at info@eckertpsychology.com.
Works Cited
Kaplan, Bonnie J., and Julia J. Rucklidge. The Better Brain: Overcome Anxiety, Combat Depression, and Reduce ADHD and Stress with Nutrition. Mariner Books, 2022.
