| Focus Time | When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way, we take on challenges that make deep connections in the brain. |
| Play Time | When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, we help make new connections in the brain. |
| Connecting Time | When we connect with other people, ideally in person, and when we take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, we activate and reinforce the brain's relational circuitry. |
| Physical Time | When we move our bodies, aerobically if medically possible, we strengthen the brain in many ways. |
| Time In | When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts, we help to integrate the brain better. |
| Down Time | When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, we help the brain recharge. |
| Sleep Time | When we give the brain the rest it needs, we consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day. |
The Healthy Mind Platter Overview
The USDA recently replaced the food pyramid with a revised visual representation called "choose my plate," illustrating the recommended food groups for a healthy daily diet that promotes physical well-being. Similarly, what would constitute a recommended daily diet for nurturing a healthy mind?
Given the prevailing obesity epidemic in the US, this change is a positive step that will hopefully encourage individuals to be more conscious of their daily food choices. Just as our physical well-being relies on our neural circuitry and connections with others and our environment, our mental health also necessitates careful attention. Factors such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, war, natural disasters, and the isolating effects of modern life threaten the fundamental needs of many people worldwide. Furthermore, the demands of multitasking, information overload, and a lack of meaningful connections can fracture our sense of wholeness. Unfortunately, these conditions fail to establish the embodied and socially embedded requirements essential for maintaining a healthy mind on a global scale. Consequently, numerous individuals lack the daily regimen necessary for their mental well-being.
So, what would be included in "The Healthy Mind Platter"? In interpersonal neurobiology, we define a core aspect of the mind as "integration"—the interconnection of various components within a system. This system can involve the integration of upper and lower body regions or cultivating compassionate connections within families and communities while respecting differences. By embracing this definition and focusing on energy and information flow within an embodied and relationally embedded process, we can establish a practical framework for mental habits that serve as "daily essential mental nutrients." By using attention to enhance integration within our bodies and relationships daily, we can identify the fundamental components of a health-promoting daily regimen for our minds.
To address these questions, David Rock and Daniel Siegel collaborated to create "The Healthy Mind Platter." This plan for a healthy mind consists of seven essential mental activities necessary for optimum mental health, aside from stating the obvious benefits of mindfulness, as per this mindfulness essay. Engaging in each of these activities daily provides the "mental nutrients" that your brain and relationships require to function at their best. By incorporating these essential mental activities into your routine, you strengthen your brain's internal connections and foster connections with others and the world around you.
We do not propose specific time allocations for this recipe for a healthy mind, as individual needs and circumstances can vary. The key is to be mindful of the full spectrum of essential mental activities, ensuring that we incorporate the right ingredients into our diet every day, even if only briefly. Just as it is unwise to consume only pizza day after day, we should not rely solely on focused time while neglecting sleep. The key lies in achieving a balance throughout the day by engaging in each of these essential mental activities. Mental well-being revolves around strengthening our connections with others and the world while also reinforcing the connections within our brains. By varying our focus and engaging in this diverse range of mental activities, we provide the brain with ample opportunities to develop differently.
One practical way to apply the platter concept is to examine our average day and assess the time we allocate to each essential mental activity. Just as multiple combinations of foods constitute a balanced diet, there are various ways to incorporate these mental activities effectively.
In conclusion, just as it is crucial to eat well, we commend the introduction of a healthy eating plate. As a society, we need comprehensive information on what it takes to cultivate a healthy mind. Since reason is both embodied and embedded in our connections with others and the environment, including nature and culture, these seven essential activities serve to strengthen our internal and relational connections. Moreover, since the brain continually changes in response to our focus of attention, we can leverage our awareness, involving our bodies and connections, to foster a healthy mind throughout our lives. We hope that "The Healthy Mind Platter" sparks an increased awareness of how to nourish our mental well-being on a daily basis.
The Healthy Mind Platter was created by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute and Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine in collaboration with Dr. David Rock, Executive Director of the NeuroLeadership Institute.
