
I’m talking with my long-time friend and brain health expert Jim Kwik (and yes, that is his real name!). He’s a widely recognized expert in brain performance, mental fitness, and memory improvement. He’s also worked with high-profile clients like Google, Nike, SpaceX, and the Cleveland Clinic.
Jim was the one who taught me how to speed read and we cover that topic in episode 354. But in today’s episode, we’re talking all about how to train your brain to perform its best. How to change our habits and the language we use with ourselves to change our brains, and our emotions, and better our lives. Almost everything we talk about today is cheap or free because healthy doesn’t have to be complicated.
His course is something my kids use as part of their homeschooling and all of his works are a wealth of information. I always learn a ton when I talk with Jim and I’m excited to share our conversation with you!
Episode Highlights With Jim Kwik
- His purpose in life and how his inspiration was his desperation through brain injuries and learning struggles
- How he teaches the “software” of brain health: learning faster, adaptability
- Things he recommends for having a limitless brain
- 1/3 of our brain performance is determined by genetics but the other 2/3 are under our control to change
- Tools for brain health: a good brain diet, neuro-nutrition, killing ants (automatic negative thoughts), movement, brain nutrients, positive peer group and social relationships, clean environment, sleep, brain protection, new learnings, stress management
- Brain is only 2% of body mass but requires 20% of nutrients
- Top brain foods: avocado, blueberries, choline from eggs, salmon, sardines, dark chocolate
- To avoid for brain health: seed oils, sugar
- What mirror neurons are and why they are important to understand for brain health
- How chronic fear suppresses the immune system and how to reduce it and manage stress
- The importance of meditation for stress and health
- How morning sunlight and hydration directly help the brain
- The thought experiment he does every morning for brain health and focus
- Having a “to do list” and a “not to do list”
- What you see, you take care of
- The masters and experts never get bored of the basics
- Never get bored of your brain
Resources We Mention
- Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life by Jim Kwik
- Kwik Brain Podcast
- Jim Kwik – Courses
- Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
- ChiliPad – Use code wellnessmama for 25% off
- Think and Grow Rich Deluxe Edition: The Complete Classic Text by Napoleon Hill
- The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
- Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
- The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance by Steven Kotler
- Stealing Fire: How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing the Way We Live and Work by Steven Kotler
- Change Your Brain, Change Your Life (Revised and Expanded): The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Lack of Focus, Anger, and Memory Problems by Daniel G. Amen M.D.
More From Wellness Mama
- 184: Jim Kwik on Meta Learning, Speed Reading, & How to Learn Faster
- 354: How to Upgrade Your Brain and Learn Anything Faster With Limitless Author Jim Kwik
- 507: Dr. Greg Eckel on How to Keep Your Brain Healthy As You Age
- 487: Dr. Andrew Hill on How to Build a Better Brain at Home (Starting With Sleep)
- 551: Mollie McGlocklin on Sleep Is a Skill + Chronobiology and Circadian Rhythm
- 270: Tara Youngblood on Better Sleep With ChiliPad
- 089: Shawn Stevenson on Why Sleep Is More Important Than Diet & Exercise
- Natural Ways to Help Kids Sleep
- 6 Natural Sleep Remedies (You May Not Have Tried)
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