ADHD, ADHD Assessment, ADHD Treatment, Adults Emma Burns ADHD, ADHD Assessment, ADHD Treatment, Adults Emma Burns

Understanding ADHD: Neuropsychology Insights for Adults and Children

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a childhood condition, but it affects people of all ages and in unique ways. While children may show signs of hyperactivity and difficulty focusing, adults with ADHD often experience challenges with organization, emotional regulation, and sustaining attention in daily life. By exploring ADHD through the lens of neuropsychology, we can gain deeper insights into how the brain functions differently and how individuals can build strategies to thrive.

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Brain, Health, Family Life, Lifespan, Wellness Emma Burns Brain, Health, Family Life, Lifespan, Wellness Emma Burns

Brain Changes Across the Lifespan: From Adolescence to Older Adulthood

Our brains are always changing. From the intense growth of adolescence to the slower shifts of older adulthood, the brain adapts to new challenges, experiences, and even aging. Understanding how the brain changes across the lifespan not only helps us make sense of human behaviour, but also gives us insight into how we can support lifelong brain health.

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The Connection Between Anxiety and Brain Function

Anxiety is more than just feeling worried or stressed; it’s a complex interaction between our thoughts, emotions, and brain function. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, chronic or overwhelming anxiety can interfere with daily living, decision-making, and overall health. Understanding the link between anxiety and brain function can help us recognize what’s happening in the body and take steps toward better mental wellness.

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Brain-Based Productivity Hacks That Actually Work

We’ve all been there: a never-ending to-do list, tabs multiplying on your browser, and that creeping sense that you’re “busy” but not really productive. The truth is, productivity isn’t just about discipline or willpower; it’s about working with your brain, not against it.

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How Sleep Impacts Cognitive Performance and Emotional Health

Sleep isn’t just a time for rest; it’s a critical process that directly affects how our brains function and how we feel emotionally. From improving memory and decision-making to regulating mood, quality sleep is one of the most important factors for overall cognitive and emotional health.

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Colour Psychology and Mental Health: How the Environment Shapes Cognitive States

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.

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How Volunteering Supports Mental Wellness and Cognitive Engagement

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.

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The Creative Brain: How Music Enhances Memory and Cognitive Function

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.

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The Connection Between Self-Compassion and Cognitive Flexibility

When you’re hard on yourself, it’s easy to fall into rigid patterns of thinking, such as "I always mess things up," or "I’ll never get this right." These thoughts aren’t just unkind, they can also limit your brain’s ability to adapt and problem-solve. Fortunately, science shows that self-compassion can shift that pattern.

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Sensory Stimulation and Cognitive Function: Engaging All Five Senses for Brain Health

When we think about keeping our brain healthy, we often focus on mental exercises like puzzles or learning a new skill. But what about our senses, smell, touch, sound, sight, and taste? Increasingly, research is showing that sensory stimulation plays a vital role in maintaining cognitive function, particularly in individuals with neurodegenerative conditions like dementia.

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Awe, Mental Health, Wellness, Enhancement Emma Burns Awe, Mental Health, Wellness, Enhancement Emma Burns

The Science of Awe: How Experiencing Wonder Boosts Brain Function

Have you ever felt a moment of stillness while standing at the edge of a canyon, hearing a powerful swell, or watching the stars appear one by one in a dark sky? That profound feeling, that mix of humility, curiosity, and expansiveness, is called awe. And while it might seem like a fleeting emotional experience, recent research shows that awe has a tangible and measurable impact on brain function, emotional health, and cognitive performance.

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Play, Wellness, Family Life, Mental Health, Fun Emma Burns Play, Wellness, Family Life, Mental Health, Fun Emma Burns

The Role of Play in Adult Brain Health: Why Fun Isn’t Just for Kids

When we think of “play”, we often picture children on playgrounds or immersed in imaginative games. But play is not just for kids. In fact, it plays a powerful and underrated role in adult brain health. Engaging in play as an adult can improve cognitive function, reduce stress, strengthen social bonds, and even support emotional regulation.

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Digital, Health, Mental Health, Wellness Emma Burns Digital, Health, Mental Health, Wellness Emma Burns

Digital Detox for Brain Health: A Weekly Reset Strategy

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easier than ever to fall into a cycle of digital overload. Between non-stop emails, social media scrolling, and the ever-present pings of notifications, our brains rarely get the rest they need. Over time, this constant digital stimulation can lead to mental fatigue, anxiety, sleep issues, and even burnout.

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Laughter and Cognition: The Neuroscience of Humour and Brain Health

Laughter is more than just a response to a funny joke, it's a powerful tool for enhancing cognitive function and promoting overall brain health. As neuroscience continues to unlock the mysteries of the mind, one thing is clear: humour activates key areas of the brain and can even help reduce harmful stress hormones. Let’s dive into the fascinating relationship between laughter, cognition, and the brain.

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Lifelong Learning: The Role of Curiosity in Keeping the Brain Young

In a world that’s constantly evolving, the ability to adapt and grow isn’t just a career advantage, it’s essential for keeping your brain sharp and youthful. Lifelong learning, driven by curiosity, does more than expand your knowledge. It also protects against cognitive decline, fuels mental agility, and supports overall brain health well into old age.

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Nature, Cognition, Health, Mental Health Emma Burns Nature, Cognition, Health, Mental Health Emma Burns

Nature and Cognition: The Mental Health Benefits of Green Spaces

In an era dominated by digital devices and urban living, spending time in nature is emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing mental clarity and cognitive health. As more people seek natural ways to improve mental well-being, the connection between green spaces and brain function has gained widespread attention. Scientific studies increasingly show that exposure to natural environments can reduce mental fatigue, sharpen focus, and support overall cognitive performance.

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Goals, Mental Health, Wellness, Cognition Emma Burns Goals, Mental Health, Wellness, Cognition Emma Burns

Wired for Progress: How Goals can Shape and Strengthen Cognitive Abilities

Setting goals isn’t just about achieving success, it’s a powerful exercise for your brain. Whether you're planning a career move, learning a new skill, or committing to healthier habits, the cognitive processes involved in goal-setting activate and strengthen key areas of the brain. In fact, the act of planning, strategizing, and executing personal goals can enhance memory, focus, decision-making, and mental resilience.

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