If we were to break it down, there are essentially seven key mental activities that occupy and over time evolve our brain.



These are:

1. Focus Time.
Closely focusing on tasks in a goal-oriented way and taking on challenges helps make deep connections in our brain.

2. Play Time.
Allowing ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, helps make new connections in our brain.

3. Connecting Time.
Connecting with other people, ideally in person, richly activates the brain's social circuitry.

4. Physical Time.
Moving our bodies strengthens our brain in multiple ways.

5. Inner Time.
Quietly reflecting internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts - helps to better integrate the brain.

6. Down Time.
When we are non-focused, without any specific goal (letting our mind wander or simply relax) - we help our brain recharge.



7. Sleep Time.
Sleep consolidates learning and is vital regeneration time.

Coaching Questions:

a) Are you more dominant in one or two of these areas (for example over and above any others)?

b) In which area(s) could you pay more attention? What difference would that make (today)?

c) What ONE change could you make today that will help you better balance these seven key mental activities?