Episode
Hacking Dopamine & Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain Health
Description
I’ve lived with ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety for most of my life. And I’ve spent the last decade immersed in research around how to improve my mental health, but only recently did I realize there was a big missing piece to the puzzle when it came to being happier, more confident, and more present. That’s taking care of the brain. Your brain is your problem-solver.It’s your memory keeper.It’s a supercomputer. If the physical health of your brain sucks, it’s like having a beer belly with IBS for a brain. If you’re really committed to being a happier and healthier person, it's common sense to keep your brain happy and healthy. But… The science can be complicated and boring. More serotonin and dopamine would be great… but I zone out when I am looking at all the research. That’s why I asked one of the leading experts on brain health to be here today. Dr. Daniel Amen has 40 years of experience as a psychiatrist, 12 New York Times bestselling books, and he’s conducted over 200,000 brain scans, all of which back up the simple tactics he’s about to share with you. Today’s episode is jam-packed with practical information, so you may even want to listen twice. You can make your brain stronger and more resilient. There are specific changes you can make today, including supplements to take, a change to your walking style, a specific breathing technique to reduce anxiety, and more. Dr. Amen will also share the one powerful question he’s been asking himself every single day that keeps his brain strong. He also shares a recipe for a delicious mug of “brain healthy hot chocolate.” I’ll drink to that and a little Brain Health 101. Xo Mel You will learn: 1:34: The results of my brain scan – and a huge finding that was discovered in my husband’s brain scan9:37: A simple 101 on the brain13:14: The 3 most important habits that have the biggest impact on brain health15:41: The exact thing to say to yourself first thing in the morning to improve your brain16:57: The specific two vitamins that are most important for the health of your brain19:38: The difference between serotonin and dopamine and how to achieve balance between the two25:08: How to tell if you have low dopamine & how to increase it28:55: Why strength training is so important for your overall health30:21: What cortisol is, why it matters, and how to reduce it32:03: The one specific breathing exercise that Dr. Amen recommends for an anxious mind36:06: How to calm a busy brain39:22: The 3 most important words for mental training41:27: What to do if you feel chronically tired43:30: The 5 most important foods for brain health44:21: How to make brain-healthy hot chocolate47:06: What a psychiatrist of 40 years would never do because it’s bad for your brain
Chapters
Dr. Amen, a psychiatrist and brain disorder specialist, teaches simple and often free ways to improve the physical health of the brain, which can improve mental health, happiness, energy, and vitality.
00:00 - 02:16 (02:16)
Summary
Dr. Amen, a psychiatrist and brain disorder specialist, teaches simple and often free ways to improve the physical health of the brain, which can improve mental health, happiness, energy, and vitality.
EpisodeHacking Dopamine & Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain Health
PodcastThe Mel Robbins Podcast
Learn simple things you can do to improve the health and structure of your brain in order to heal it, with tips from Dr. Amen, a viral sensation on TikTok known for his video content on ADHD, depression, and brain health.
02:16 - 08:18 (06:01)
Summary
Learn simple things you can do to improve the health and structure of your brain in order to heal it, with tips from Dr. Amen, a viral sensation on TikTok known for his video content on ADHD, depression, and brain health.
EpisodeHacking Dopamine & Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain Health
PodcastThe Mel Robbins Podcast
The brain's physical functioning has a direct impact on our mental health, and taking care of our brain is essential to improve our overall well-being.
08:18 - 13:38 (05:19)
Summary
The brain's physical functioning has a direct impact on our mental health, and taking care of our brain is essential to improve our overall well-being. In this podcast, the speaker discusses the basic 101 of the brain and shares insights on how to improve brain health.
EpisodeHacking Dopamine & Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain Health
PodcastThe Mel Robbins Podcast
Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous benefits for our bodies, and taking a high-quality multiple vitamin can improve memory in those with memory problems.
13:38 - 19:53 (06:15)
Summary
Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous benefits for our bodies, and taking a high-quality multiple vitamin can improve memory in those with memory problems. Developing the micro habit of caring about the health of our brains can also positively impact brain health.
EpisodeHacking Dopamine & Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain Health
PodcastThe Mel Robbins Podcast
The podcast discusses how to boost dopamine and serotonin levels naturally for better brain health and focus, with particular emphasis on the role of vaping and nicotine in boosting dopamine levels.
19:53 - 30:04 (10:10)
Summary
The podcast discusses how to boost dopamine and serotonin levels naturally for better brain health and focus, with particular emphasis on the role of vaping and nicotine in boosting dopamine levels.
EpisodeHacking Dopamine & Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain Health
PodcastThe Mel Robbins Podcast
Chronic stress and negativity can lead to weight gain and memory loss due to increased cortisol levels.
30:04 - 36:47 (06:42)
Summary
Chronic stress and negativity can lead to weight gain and memory loss due to increased cortisol levels. Diaphragmatic breathing is a simple solution to combat cortisol and promote brain health.
EpisodeHacking Dopamine & Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain Health
PodcastThe Mel Robbins Podcast
A doctor suggests writing down negative thoughts and questioning their truth to take control of your mind.
36:47 - 46:55 (10:08)
Summary
A doctor suggests writing down negative thoughts and questioning their truth to take control of your mind. Additionally, increasing blood flow to your brain can lead to greater happiness, memory, and sexual functioning.
EpisodeHacking Dopamine & Simple Ways to Improve Your Brain Health
PodcastThe Mel Robbins Podcast
Dr. Daniel Amen has a free assessment online that can help you predict what your brain looks like based on common symptoms.
46:55 - 52:42 (05:47)
Summary
Dr. Daniel Amen has a free assessment online that can help you predict what your brain looks like based on common symptoms. This comprehensive approach to optimal brain health provides strategies to improve the physical and functional aspects while also reprogramming thinking patterns.