How to train your brain to thrive amid the strain

1. How often do you get a good night’s sleep?

a) most nights, b) sometimes, c) rarely.

2. How healthy is your diet from a nutritional point of view?

a) very healthy, b) mixed, c) not healthy at all.

3. How often do you practise breathing or mindfulness techniques?

a) daily, b) sometimes, c) rarely or never.

4. How often do you feel stressed at work?

a) rarely, b) often, c) most of the time.

5. How often do you do meaningful exercise?

a) daily, b) sometimes, c) rarely or never.

How did you do?

Mostly As: Congratulations – you are caring for your brain, enabling it to cope with uncertainty.

Mostly Bs: You’re doing some things well, some of the time – you just need to commit to a brain-healthy routine.

Mostly Cs: Your gray matter needs a rest! The following tips will give you the best chance of coping in uncertain times.

Understanding the effect of uncertainty

Uncertainty can activate the body’s sympathetic nervous system, triggering the brain’s fight, flight, or freeze response.…