Ep. 011 – Sleep: Establish a Routine

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Good morning and welcome to Episode 011 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. Every Monday we produce a 30-minute episode which constitutes a full-length show. And Tuesday through Sunday we produce episodes with five-minute tips. In fact, every episode of the Train Your Brain Podcast features a tip, so you get tips that are designed to enhance your brain’s function 365 days a year!

In Episode 011, Dr. Trayford reminds us of the importance of having a consistent sleep routine. Our brain craves predictable rhythms. We see this rhythm in nature all the time. The Earth’s rotation and its revolution around the sun are perfect examples of manifestations of natural routines. So, follow nature’s lead and schedule times to wake up and go to bed — and stick to those times! Your brain will love it! Continue reading

Ep. 010 – Eat Your Breakfast

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Good morning and welcome to Episode 010 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. Every Monday we produce a 30-minute episode. Tuesday through Sunday we produce episodes with five-minute tips. Indeed, every episode of the Train Your Brain Podcast features a tip, so you get brain tips 365 days a year!

In Episode 010, Dr. Trayford gives us a brain tip that we can implement first thing in the morning: We need to fuel our brain just as we need to fuel our body. The brain needs a little protein to get started, so making a good breakfast choice is crucial to your brain health. Continue reading

Ep. 009 – Get Moving

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Good morning and welcome to Episode 009 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. This is a shorter, five-minute episode where Dr. Trayford brings you a tip for improving the function of your brain.

In Episode 009, Dr. Trayford gives us the brain tip to get moving! It is so important to know that there is a body-mind connection. Certain parts of our body correspond with certain parts of our brain. We have to keep our body moving in order to keep our brain sharp. Don’t be like a Sea Squirt! Continue reading

Ep. 008 – What Is Neuroplasticity?

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Happy Labor Day to our U.S.-based listeners, and welcome to Episode 008 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. This podcast is published every single day with the intent to teach you how to train your brain 365 days a year for a sharper mind.

Every Monday we bring you a full, 30-minute episode that includes a tip that’s designed to improve the function of your brain. And then Tuesday through Sunday, we release five-minute shows that each consist of a tip for a healthier brain.

In Episode 008, Dr. Trayford gives us an in-depth lesson on what neuroplasticity is and what it isn’t. As we proceed along this journey, we’ll learn how the brain functions and learns, so that we can more effectively train it.

If you have any concerns regarding the information and applications discussed in this podcast, please consult your physician and a doctor who is experienced in functional neurology. Michael Trayford DC, DACNB is available for consultation by calling (828) 708-5274. Thanks for listening. Continue reading

Ep. 007 – Don’t Let Them Get to You

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Good morning and welcome to Episode 007 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. This is a shorter, five-minute episode where Dr. Trayford brings you a tip for improving the function of your brain.

In Episode 007, Dr. Trayford gives us a brain tip to actively watch out for stress. Monitor your stress levels throughout the day as you are working, driving or interacting with others. Practice cognitive willpower over external stresses. Don’t let them get to you!

If you have any concerns regarding the information and applications discussed in this podcast, please consult your physician and a doctor who is experienced in functional neurology. Michael Trayford DC, DACNB is available for consultation by calling (828) 708-5274. Thanks for listening. Continue reading

Ep. 006 – Get Out in the Sun

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Good morning and welcome to Episode 006 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. This is a shorter, five-minute episode where Dr. Trayford brings you a tip for improving the function of your brain.

In Episode 006, Dr. Trayford explains why the sun is so important to the health of the brain. It’s not just that fresh air and sunshine have a positive impact on your mood: There is a scientific reason behind all of the brain tips discussed on this podcast, and there is an explanation for the benefits of getting out in the sun, as well! So, please join us for this episode to hear Dr. Trayford’s explanation. Continue reading

Ep. 005 – Watch Your Alcohol Intake

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Good morning and welcome to Episode 005 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. This is a shorter, five-minute episode where Dr. Trayford brings you a tip for improving the function of your brain.

In Episode 005, Dr. Trayford gives us a sobering reminder of the effects of alcohol on the brain. It is quite interesting to note the cultural practices that surround alcohol consumption in the United States versus other locations in the world. Understanding what alcohol does to the brain will help you make a better decision about how and when to have a drink.

If you have any concerns regarding the information and applications discussed in this podcast, please consult your physician and a doctor who is experienced in functional neurology. Michael Trayford DC, DACNB is available for consultation by calling (828) 708-5274. Thanks for listening. Continue reading

Ep. 004 – Perimeter Shopping in the Supermarket

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Good morning and welcome to Episode 004 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. This is a shorter, five-minute episode in which we provide a tip for improving the function of your brain.

In Episode 004, Dr. Trayford focuses on grocery shopping around the perimeter of the supermarket. Think about it for a moment: Generally, what kind of food items are found along the perimeter of the supermarket, and what kinds of food items are in the middle? Exactly! So join us to learn more about how the foods you eat matter to your brain.

If you have any concerns regarding the information and applications discussed in this podcast, please consult your physician and a doctor who is experienced in functional neurology. Michael Trayford DC, DACNB is available for consultation by calling (828) 708-5274. Thanks for listening. Continue reading

Ep. 003 – Organize Your Week

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Good morning and welcome to Episode 003 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. This is one of our shorter, five-minute episodes where we provide a tip for improving your brain function.

The tip for Episode 003 is to organize your week before it starts. Dr. Trayford recommends taking 10 minutes on Sunday night to plan your tasks and schedule for the upcoming week. This practice will put your mind at ease as you begin a new, demanding week. Just imagine how much stress you’ll be able to relieve by taking all your concerns and organizing them on paper, thus reducing the number of items floating around in your head!

If you have any concerns regarding the information and applications discussed in this podcast, please consult your physician and a doctor who is experienced in functional neurology. Michael Trayford DC, DACNB is available for consultation by calling (828) 708-5274. Thanks for listening. Continue reading

Ep. 002 – Breathe – The 1:2 Ratio

Train Your Brain Podcast logo

Hi, and welcome to Episode 002 of the Train Your Brain Podcast with Dr. Michael Trayford. This is one of our shorter, five-minute episodes where we provide a tip for improving your brain function.

The tip for Episode 002 is a simple breathing exercise called the 1:2 ratio. This is a basic, foundational breathing exercise for people who are not getting enough oxygen to their brain. The 1:2 ratio dramatically increases oxygen levels to your brain.

The exercise is simple: Breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth, for a 1:2 ratio. For example, take about four seconds to breathe in through the nose, and eight seconds to breathe out through the mouth.

If you have any concerns regarding the information and applications discussed in this podcast, please consult your physician and a doctor who is experienced in functional neurology. Michael Trayford DC, DACNB is available for consultation by calling (828) 708-5274. Thanks for listening. Continue reading