It’s the start of the Summer School Holidays for many, and it’s a common sight to see groups of schoolchildren on their trip to London from abroad.

I like guessing where they are visiting from and can sense their excitement of seeing Big Ben (one of my hospitals is directly opposite it!).

It’s the time when people with children may be taking time off for travel or childcare.

Perhaps you’re covering colleagues at work or taking turns to take time off.

I hope that you will make time… Make time this season to do one of the following for your brain health.

📍Why Making Time Matters for Your Brain

When we’re constantly “on” – whether covering for colleagues, managing childcare, or juggling summer schedules – our brain’s stress systems can become overactive.

Intentional breaks that bring joy, connection, and self-care create powerful neurochemical shifts that support cognitive function, emotional regulation, and mental resilience.

📍3 Ways to Make Time for Your Brain Health This Summer

🌟1️⃣ Make Time for Joyful Laughter

Perhaps this is a game of water pistols in the heatwave, watching a comedy, or playing a board game with friends or family.

Genuine laughter triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine whilst reducing cortisol levels – creating an immediate mood boost and stress relief.

🌟2️⃣ Make Time for a Relationship

Think of your relationships that matter to you – it could be with your parents, children, siblings, cousins, best friend from school, flatmates from university, etc – you get the picture ☺️

Do something together – whether it’s a coffee catch-up whilst walking in the park, hiking at the weekend in the Peak District, or just lunch 🙂

Find time to connect whilst being present.

Without phones, email pings, or urgent meetings interrupting.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and let important relationships slip.

Meaningful connections activate your brain’s reward pathways and release oxytocin, which not only feels good but also supports neuroplasticity and can protect against age-related cognitive decline.

🌟3️⃣ Make Time for Yourself

Take time to do some self-care. Perhaps it’s getting 8 hours sleep tonight, getting a massage, or even going to the cinema. Something for yourself.

I just tried a Japanese Head Spa this weekend – so relaxing! 😊

Self-care activities that restore you reset your nervous system, shifting it from sympathetic (stress) mode to parasympathetic (rest and repair) mode.

It gives your brain the recovery time it needs for optimal function.

📍Question for you today

What will you make time for this Summer (or Winter if you’re reading from Australia/NZ😊)?

Wishing you moments of joy, connection, and restoration,

Dr Sui Wong

PS – Even small pockets of intentional time can create significant brain benefits. You don’t need a full holiday to give your brain what it needs – sometimes 20 minutes of laughter, connection, or self-care can shift your entire day! Reply to this email to let me know what you’re looking forward to! 😊

Dr Sui Wong

Registered Address: 95 High Street HA8 7DB, United Kingdom. www.drsuiwongmd.com

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