As @thehappybraintrainer I help people empower their personal wellbeing and bite-sized chunks is so often the way to go!
So let’s go …
Neurochemicals are essential messengers in the brain that play a crucial role in regulating our moods, emotions, and cognitive functions. By learning how to influence the production of key neurochemicals, such as serotonin, GABA, oxytocin, dopamine, endorphin, and acetylcholine, we can nurture a healthier brain and cultivate a more fulfilling life.
There are said to be around 100 neurochemicals vital to our wellbeing, both for Survival and for Thrive, all ebbing and flowing in a multitude of combinations.
The 3 major stress chemicals are adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine and they help to power fight or flight reactions, which is important in appropriate situations, but we don’t want them to dominate the quality of our brain chemistry.
My super 6 neurochemicals are no more important than the other 94, but they are listed here because they are well know, easy for you to research, and easy for us all to influence.
Serotonin
Often referred to as the ‘happiness molecule’. Essential for self- esteem and feeling calm. Promote through relaxation, deep breathing e.g. Balloon Breathing, meditation, bath soaks, and diet (e.g. good quality 85% cacao chocolate and herbs such as St. John’s Wort**)
GABA
This is known as nature’s Valium since it regulates anxiety by blocking or inhibiting stress chemicals. It also helps to support bodily movement. Promote through whole foods and vegetables, fermented foods, and herbs such as chamomile* and lavender*.
Oxytocin
Known as the hug hormone, this is essential for social bonding. Mothers and newborn babies are flooded with oxytocin (nature is very smart). Promote through skin touch e.g. hand holding, hugs, massage, cooperative activities, and herbs such as chamomile* and lavender*.
Dopamine
The feel-good reward for taking action, sets up motivation circuits. Promote through novelty, music, sport, dairy, omega 3, nuts and protein rich foods.
Endorphin
Nature’s ‘high’ that provides an analgesic effect. Promote through walking, dancing, exercise and laughter.
Acetylcholine
Helps to support memory signals, especially through deep restorative sleep. Supports movements. Promote through choline foods (eggs, fish, meats and whole grains) and herbs such as sage* and rosemary*.
*I use herbal teas and essential oils to help prepare myself – or my environment – for the task ahead.
I may want to calm my nervous system (lavender or chamomile), liven it up (bergamot or lime), or help memory (rosemary or sage).
Note – This is not prescriptive; you should always consult a health professional or medical herbalist before making
dietary changes. ***St John’s Wort is known to interact with medication – please seek advice before using.
Did you know?
o Phytochemicals in lavender inhibit sympathetic nervous system & bind with GABA receptors.
o Phytochemicals in chamomile bind with GABA receptors.
Asma Jacob is a Happy Brain Coach and therapist specialising in neurodiversity.
In this Pod Chat, Asma discusses her journey of self-discovery and the challenges of being diagnosed with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD later in life. She emphasises the importance of getting the right support and best tools for neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
Asma also highlights the concept of masking, where neurodivergent people adapt to societal expectations, often leading to mental health issues. She explores the impact of sensory processing and the use of stimming for self-regulation.
In this recording you will hear inspiring client stories, including a client who overcame significant anxiety and sensory overload to leave the house. Asma advocates for understanding and accepting one’s unique brain and providing tailored support. Asma’s work (with children and adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours) can be found: https://achievablejourney.co.uk
In this podcast, Happy Brain Trainers Kay Cooke and Tracey Hutchinson (British Horse Society coach) discuss the importance of language in riding instruction, emphasising the impact of both rider and coach’s words. They highlight that negative instructions, such as “don’t grip with your legs,” can inadvertently prompt the opposite behaviour. The conversation stresses the effectiveness of positive, clear instructions like “sit up straight” and the significance of tonality. They also explore the concept of NLP presuppositions, where phrasing instructions in a positive manner can influence the rider’s mindset and performance. The discussion touches on the psychological aspects of riding, including the rider’s internal language and the horse’s response to the rider’s state of mind.
In this podcast, Happy Brain Trainers Kay Cooke and Tracey Hutchinson discuss the integration of Happy Brain techniques with equestrian coaching. Tracey, a British Horse Society coach, explains how Happy Brain principles enhance rider-horse relationships by focusing on mutual understanding and connection. They highlight the shift towards a more compassionate and horse-centred approach in equestrian training, driven by social media and public scrutiny. Tracey emphasises the importance of self-awareness, body awareness, and emotional regulation for both riders and horses. They also touch on the Foundations for Excellence in Equestrian Coaching (FEEC) program, which enhances the skills for simplicity, fun, and behavioural flexibility in coaching.
A busy and fruitful month of May has passed, and I am excited to share with you some key reflections that may resonate with and inspire your personal wellbeing journey.
**Like Attracts Like**
In mid-May, I had the pleasure of assisting in a Neuro Hypnotic Repatterning program in Italy with Dr. Richard Bandler. This program delves into immersing the mind-body in positive chemistry, unlocking the brain’s creative solutions centre. This experience of being part of a super high-calibre team, highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with excellence and raising personal standards of responsibility.
*Reflection:*How can you seek out and integrate systems of excellence in your daily life?
**Feedback to Feedforward**
Throughout May, I delved into personal metrics to assess my growth, including staying grounded in chaotic environments, embodying calm and confident states, and maintaining centeredness. Taking responsibility for the feedback loop of my mind-body connections has significantly improved my life.
*Reflection:* What personal metrics are you using to enhance your well-being and growth?
**Calibrating**
Whilst engaged in seminars in Italy and London during May, many discussions centred around techniques for family stability. We believe and teach that true flourishing requires the understanding of family dynamics, rather than simply managing symptoms. As a result, I’m excitedly making plans to reintroduce live workshops that support families in navigating their unique systems.
*Reflection:* How can you deepen your understanding of your family system to foster growth and stability?
**Collaborating**
The theme of collaboration resonated strongly among my peers in May, emphasising the value of authentic partnerships driven by shared values and skills. In times of rising consciousness, genuine connections and alliances are most definitely key to fostering growth and success. That means less shallow partnerships for economic or glamour gains.
*Reflection:*Since none of us are as smart as all of us, how do you align with others on or above your wavelength, to incubate and propagate mutual growth and success?
May has been a month of growth, reflection, and connection. Perhaps my insights have tickled yours? If so, please share what you apply to your personal journey for enhancing well-being and happiness. Kx
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