Janis E Grummitt
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My Story Today I am a sleep engineer and ageing coach as well as a brain builder. I have been a Wiring Warrior of my brain since 2007 when I had a benign meningioma (brain tumour) removed from my frontal lobe and was left with considerable brain damage. It was a turning point for me. Fascinated by the brain and determined to return to normal, I developed a programme to improve my brain. Over the past few decades, I have been saddened by how little people know about brain recovery or building better brains in general. I believe everyone needs to know about their most powerful personal 'device'. I decided to encourage as many people as possible to become warriors and help transform awareness in our families and society to give hope and capability for self help. My focus shifted to quality sleep because I realised that it underpins most age related diseases. I also knew from experience that there are simple habits that can improve sleep. Even more worrying to me was how few people are interested in learning about their brain. It seems that unless there is damage, we take our brain for granted. Recent research has highlighted two important factors about the brain: you can regrow brain cells throughout your life (neurogenesis) and you can re-wire around damage in the brain because the brain is malleable (neuroplasticity). We can create our own wiring which is a huge opportunity for us as we age, but only if we apply this knowledge positively. I speak, write and run workshops to share inspiration, information and practical action. I curate useful information and translate it into everyday language...I am not a specialist but support those who are. In particular, I support the Neurological Foundation of NZ who do the most remarkable scientific research to underpin our knowledge and potential. As a result of research knowledge and personal practice, I believe my brain functions better than it did before the damage. What is wiring?
Wiring is the way in which our brains connect neurons and knowledge. Everyone's wiring is unique. The way our brain is wired will determine how well we age and how much we achieve in life. We use these connections to develop wisdom as we age and it is uniquely accessible to older people. We can develop many strong connections or a few weak ones. We can choose to build our wiring over life or let circumstances and other people do it for us by influencing our experiences. Over time, the brain gradually weakens and many connections fade unless we consciously reinforce them and build new ones. Whatever we do, say, feel or think will 'wire' our brain for us. Habits matter. It is out choice to do something or not. Wiring Warriors take control and help others to do the same.We become role models. Medical research is advancing rapidly, but in the meantime there is no doubt that lifestyle factors influence brain development.as we age ..especially dementia. In the end it will be a combination of both that helps us to live better lives and grow mentally younger and wiser as we age well. |
The SPECS Approach to Building an Better Brain
our approach is based on a mnemonic that has 5 key,
well researched areas of brain building:
Social Build connections with others
Physical Eat, drink , exercise and sleep well
Emotional Mind emotions, control your negative feelings
Cognitive Exercise thinking capability, change routines, adapt
Spiritual Have purpose in your life - something greater than yourself