🌟[TT] not ready 🧠

Not ready….

I could have also called this post, “done is better than perfect.”

This is at the forefront of my mind, as I just published my private podcast feed! Woohoo! 🎉

Thanks to my early adopters who signed up – I’m so grateful to you ♥️

You may remember that about 2 months ago, I mentioned that I intend to launch a private podcast feed in September (private, as in a closed audience, whilst I learn the craft and “find my voice” so to speak!)

And suddenly (yes, it felt like a “suddenly” moment 🤣) it was the last few days of September and I’d not recorded anything yet.

I quickly recorded a few episodes and it’s now launched!

To be honest, I still don’t feel ready, but something magical happened – once I started, I felt the momentum and the juices started flowing…

So done is better than perfect.

Start before you feel ready.

But how does this relate to your brain health?

📍3 Ways You Don’t Need to Wait to Feel Ready

🌟1️⃣ Physical Activity – Start Small, Not “When You Have Energy”

Waiting to exercise “when you have more energy”?

Here’s the paradox: movement creates energy, rather than requiring it first.

Try This: Walk around the block for 5 minutes. That’s it. Not a 30-minute workout, not a gym membership, just 5 minutes.

Even brief physical activity can improve mood and cognitive function through increased blood flow to the brain.*

🌟2️⃣ Sleep Quality – Start Tonight, Not After Life Calms Down

Waiting until that big project is done before prioritising sleep?

Try This: Tonight, place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Breathe in slowly for 4, breathe out slowly for 6. Repeat 5 times.

This activates your parasympathetic nervous system – your body’s “rest and restore” mode – preparing your brain for restorative sleep.*

🌟3️⃣ Metabolic Health – Start With One Swap, Not Complete Overhaul

Waiting to “completely cut out sugar”? Perfection isn’t required for progress.

Try This: Reduce the sugar you add to your tea or coffee. Or swap that bottle of juice for water with mint leaves or cucumber.

Your brain relies on stable glucose levels for optimal cognitive performance.* One small swap is better than waiting for the perfect moment to overhaul everything.

📍The Secret: Break It Down to the Very First Step

The pattern you’ll notice across all three examples? Break your goal down to a very small part – the first initial step.

Your brain finds it much easier to start something that feels tiny and manageable than something that feels overwhelming.

Once you begin, momentum often carries you forward naturally, just as I experienced with my podcast.

📍Try This Week

Choose one small brain health habit you’ve been postponing. Don’t wait for the perfect moment – start with the tiniest version today.

📍Question for you today

What can you get started today before you “feel ready”?

Wishing you imperfect action and beautiful momentum,

Dr Sui Wong

PS – Sign up to my private podcast feed, Brain Health FM with me, broadcasting better brain health, one idea at a time 😊 Link here: BrainHealth.fm

References:

Erickson KI, Hillman C, Stillman CM, et al. Physical Activity, Cognition, and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019;51(6):1242-1251. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001936 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6527141/

Zaccaro A, Piarulli A, Laurino M, et al. How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing. Front Hum Neurosci. 2018;12:353. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353/full

Perciavalle V, Blandini M, Fecarotta P, et al. The role of deep breathing on stress. Neurol Sci. 2017;38(3):451-458. doi: 10.1007/s10072-016-2790-8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27995346/

Wong 2024. Sweet Spot for Brain Health

books2read.com/u/br2l8z

 FAQ 

Q: Why is “done better than perfect” important for brain health?
Taking small steps builds momentum, lowers stress, and helps your brain adapt without burnout.

Q: Can short bursts of activity really improve brain health?
Yes! Even 5 minutes of walking increases blood flow to the brain, improving focus and mood.

Q: How do small dietary swaps affect cognitive performance?
Stable glucose levels from small changes support focus, memory, and energy regulation.

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