December 1st. Well, let’s start at the very beginning. And if today isn’t a good day to plan this (usually hectic) time of year, I don’t know what is! Kids – this includes you too!
December 2nd. It’s important to practice feeling tense and feeling relaxed, because if we don’t consciously take note of how tense feels? We might just not know when we need to relax. Here’s one of the easiest ways to learn the difference between both, and to immediately relax whenever we need to!
December 3rd. Using your two hands to make, create, play or do is deceptively good for you! Take a listen here to find out why, and get your ‘Christmas gift making craft hands’ ready to go!
December 4th. Lets hope you’re in the sunny part of the world right now, because today’s brain care tip is essential in the mission for ‘no brain fog’! And if you’re somewhere cold? Lets hope your air is fresh!
December 5th. Needs little instruction in regards to technique, but you many be surprised at just just important a hug is!
December 6th. This idea came from a girlfriend who’s children go through ALL their toys before Christmas each year and part with the ones they no longer need, to make way for the new. Which is perfect, because clutter is NOT your brain’s amigo!
December 7th. Get behind this age old tradition and give it some lovin’! Hand clapping games are fun, SO good for us in so many ways and will never, ever go out of fashion!
December 8th. This is one that I do as often as possible and also one that my kids LOVE! I don’t even have to encourage it – they just know how good it makes them feel and they initiate chanting often. There are so few rules with chanting – so long as it’s simple, short and repetitive you’ll be fine!
December 9th. Ok, you’re gonna hate me for this one – but please, don’t shoot the messenger!!!
December 10th. Yep, do this today, and then do it every other morning. This doesn’t have to be hard and doesn’t have to take long. A few good stretches – arms, legs and trunk – makes a huge difference to your brain’s ability to function. A great way to start off every day!
December 11th. For me it’s Pearl Jam (kids, you may need to ask your parents, ha!). Whenever I listen to Pearl Jam I’m taken back to a time and place that makes me feel great. And if that isn’t a tool worth using as often as possible – I don’t know what is!
December 12th. Both teaching AND learning is really great exercise for your brain. Learning a new skill helps develop new or weakened pathways, plus it’s fun, and an opportunity to show off a little. So today’s task? Each one teach one…
December 13th. Yep, like singing, but EVEN BETTER for you!! (Christmas carols anyone??)
December 14th – that’s right a ‘playground’ play. I’m talking swings, monkey bars, spinny things, jumpy things, hanging… you name it! If it happens in a playground it’s EXCELLENT for your brain!
December 15th. Melody, harmony, rhythm, self expression, vibration, recalibration – we never should have let the culture of whistling go by the wayside! Lets bring it Back!
December 16th. This one is vital, and the earlier it starts the better. The way we talk to ourselves, in the privacy of our own mind has the most enormous effect on our self beliefs, so start this today and don’t ever let this little strategy go!
December 17th. The science is in – our brains actually cope better with feelings when they have a name. SERIOUSLY! It helps our brain compartmentalise, predict, compare, analyse (all the things it likes to do!) in a way that helps helps you precess and act on the feeling. So, time to make a name’s list!
December 18th. Play is totally underestimated – I mean, even for children we sometimes underestimate it’s value, let alone for adults! Playing allows for so many functions to happen that really exercise the brain – and the expressive, imaginative and creative benefits? Priceless!
December 19th. Ok, OBVS this is one of my all time favourites – and I might add, has been part of my daily practice since i could talk! But I just can’t explain enough how AMZING singing is for your brain! IT really, truly does help it light up, get going and function at it’s best. So go on, give it your best 😉
December 20th. This is one of my very favourite ways of learning really healthy breathing techniques. Practicing controlled breathing is a must as breathing truly is the VERY FIRST line of defence against anxiety! And the earlier we learn and start to practice this? The better!
December 21st. Swaying – We swayed around the womb before we were born, we were swayed side to side as babies, and we instinctively sway when we feel we’re loosing control. Swaying is one of the ultimate actions for experiencing calm, and here’s why…
December 22nd. Your body is the messenger that controls how SO much of the information in our world gets to our brain. This means that how our BODY works directly effects how our MIND works. Life changing information hey! so the first thing we need to do in ensuring our body is working the best it can is to be aware of it the best WE can!
December 23rd. There truly are three things in the world that you have complete control over – here’s how and why…
December 24th. Not much else to say really, except GO FOR IT!
December 25th! Christmas Day – the ULTIMATE day for saying something nice, and here’s why doing just that is so good for your brain!
BONUS INTERVIEW WITH MONIQUE PHIPPS
It’s one thing for me to tell you to do all these great little tips every day this month (and beyond!) but the best way to really get you on board with using them as part of your everyday, ongoing lifestyle into the new year is for you to REALLY understand JUST how important they are. So I got in touch with one of my favourite people – Clinical Psychologist Monique Phipps – and sweet talked her into coming her to give you all you need to need to know. Enjoy
Monique is a clinical psychologist with a post grad diploma in nutritional medicine for mental health and is currently a PhD Candidate. She combines psychology and nutrition for a healthier, happier life and helps others to do the same. You can find her here