When we think about mental health, we often focus on internal factors, thoughts, emotions, and neurochemistry. But what if the environment around us plays a larger role than we realize? The colours on our walls, the lighting in our rooms, even the way furniture is arranged, these subtle design elements have a powerful effect on how we feel, think, and function.

Most people volunteer to give back, support their community, or help someone in need. But there’s something else happening beneath the surface, something powerful and personal. Volunteering is more than a wonderful act of service. It’s also a brain-boosting, mood-lifting, meaning-making experience that can enhance mental wellness and support cognitive health across the lifespan.

Think about a song that instantly brings you back to a moment in time, the opening chords, the lyrics, the rhythm, and suddenly, you’re there. Maybe it’s a childhood memory. A first dance. A road trip with the windows down.

That’s not just nostalgia; that’s your brain on music.

When we think about brain health, we often focus on things like memory games, stress management, or getting enough sleep. But there’s another powerful player you may be overlooking: your gut.