T stands for Thankfulness.
This was a really easy brain-booster for me to practise today because there was so much I felt grateful for. Firstly, I was very thankful I’d completed the most challenging hike of the Pekoe Trail yesterday, which buoyed my spirits enormously. But don’t let me lull you into a false sense of security — there are still several 28 and 29 km days to go, but knowing that I could do 32 km in a day meant that I could do 28 and 29 km.
I’m also grateful for the ongoing mesmerising beauty, the discovery of flower species I never knew existed, the fabulously tasty brain-boosting food cooked especially for me from scratch every day, the ongoing hospitality and kindness of Sri Lankan people, and the privilege of being in this incredible country — having this extraordinary experience — to spread an imperative message: start boosting your brain today so that you stay as sharp at age 90 as you were at age 30.
And if you’re younger than 30, start boosting your brain now, so that you perform at your best as you journey through your entire life.
How can we make thankfulness — gratitude — appreciation — counting our blessings — whichever term you prefer — part of our daily brain-boosting repertoire?
Every morning on waking, reflect on at least five things you feel grateful for. Write them down in a gratitude journal if you’re so inclined, but don’t turn it into a chore. Make it something you look forward to doing — in the shower — while brushing your teeth —while driving to work.
Feeling appreciation for what is going well in our lives stimulates the release of neurotransmitters that maintain optimal brain function. And counting our blessings — like physical exercise — is more powerful than Prozac in preventing and treating depression.
Why not bookend each day with what you feel appreciation for? In the evening it’s lovely to reflect on what we feel grateful for about the day we’ve just had. If it hasn’t been a good day, let’s feel grateful that it’s over and we survived it! A sense of appreciation for whatever we are able to appreciate, sets us up for a better night’s sleep and a happier start the following morning.
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This is a photo from Stage 8 (of 22 stages) of the 300+km Pekoe Trail.
For more photos of my time in Sri Lanka, click here.
If you’d like to trek the Pekoe Trail yourself, please contact Deen at srilankatrekkingclub.com
I highly recommend you do it in the recommended 22 days, not the high speed 14 days that I did it in! You can also choose to only do one or a few of the stages to get a taste of Sri Lanka’s glorious tea country. Happy hiking – it’s a fabulous brain-boosting activity!
Please share this Health-e-Byte with anyone with an interest in brain health or a diagnosis of dementia.
