Family Brain Health Tips - May 2021

National Families Week

15 -21 May 2021

It is often said that FAMILY is EVERYTHING. Families importantly provide the constant home of safety, belonging, nurturing, and love that we need before we can tackle any major life experiences or make big decisions. Family shapes us - from our little daily habits to our big ambitions. Family moves with and through all the changes together. Family is the origin of LIFE, and from families grow our communities, societies and nations. The health of the family is vital to the health of the individual. The way a family lives powerfully shapes the brain development and lifelong brain health of every single member.

What can we do to have a brain-healthy Family?

Here’s a list of 10 brainy family tips, backed by recent research:

Create a yummy Mediterranean and MIND menu plan
Eat together, free from all other distractions
Connect socially as a Family, with other Families
Challenge each other and build confidence
Give each person space to really relax and manage stress
Respect individual sleep needs. Prioritise good sleep hygiene for everyone.
Make time to talk, and learn to listen
Find the fun in Family fitness
Nurture your wild natures
Practice gratitude and forgiveness - because Families are made up of individuals, who all share the common traits of being amazing AND making mistakes.

Should these tips have you thinking more about the brain health of your Family, The Perth Brain Centre is available to help. You can watch, read, call or email, to find out more today.

About the author - Ms Emily Goss (Occupational Therapist, Senior Clinician, The Perth Brain Centre).