A psychiatrist has revealed a “miracle” brain exercise that he believes is essential for keeping people “mentally strong”.
It’s just as important to take care of your mental health and wellbeing as is your physical health, with many people keen to ensure their minds are as well cared for as their bodies.
Social media platforms have become a popular source of advice and personal experiences, with experts and novices alike sharing their insights.
One such expert is Dr Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist whose “mission is to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health”. Dr Amen is a physician, adult and child psychiatrist, and founder of Amen Clinics.
The company operates 11 locations across the United States and claims to have the “world’s largest database of brain scans for psychiatry totalling more than 225,000 SPECT scans on patients from 155 countries”, according to its website.
The philosophy of Amen Clinics states: “Our brain-based approach goes beyond traditional psychiatry to give you the answers you want and the results you deserve.”
Dr Amen has amassed a dedicated social media following through his regular videos discussing various brain-health related topics. In one widely viewed TikTok video, the doctor shared his strategy for helping patients develop mental strength.
Speaking directly to the camera, he explained: “If you want to be mentally strong, you’ve got to tell your brain what you want. This is the number one principle I give my patients – and I tell myself.”
He underscored the importance of commanding the prefrontal cortex – the region governing “focus, forethought, judgement, impulse control” – instructing: “You have to tell her what you want. What kind of person do you want to be, what kind of children do you want to raise?”
Dr Amen’s “one page miracle” brain exercise
Dr Amen then introduced his “one page miracle” brain exercise. He continued: “I have an exercise I love called ‘the one page miracle’; on one piece of paper, write it out, what do you want in your relationships, for your work, for your money, for your physical, emotional and spiritual health? Write it out.
“Step number one, write it out and then everyday, you ask yourself, ‘is my behaviour getting me what I want?'” The video sparked a lot of engagement in the comments section.
One individual said: “This might help me. I seem to always make the wrong choice. I need clarity.” Others expressed their personal epiphanies and endorsements of the approach with comments like: “Mindset is everything.”
Another shared: “Hundreds of videos on manifestation, goal setting, habit tracking and this is the advice that makes it click for me. I love my brain.”
And another added: “This exercise works wonders! It’s definitely helped me through tough times and out of the mud”, while numerous viewers described the technique as “life changing” for them.
If you have any worries regarding your health, be it mental or physical, it’s always best to consult your GP who can conduct tests and provide a personalised diagnosis or assessment.