More Than A State of Mind: The Brain-Body Connection

Sometimes the doctor's first answer is ‘just lose weight’, but we know that the mind-body connection is much more complex than this not-so-simple solution. Research overwhelmingly assesses the influence of physical health on mental health. My research investigates markers in our DNA that influence both mental ill-health and where fat is stored, leaving us to better understand the mind-body connection on a molecular level. With better understanding this connection we can begin to move away from the ‘just lose weight’ narrative, to something rooted in science and empathy.

Social media blames stress hormones like cortisol for everything from poor sleep to wrinkly skin and doesn’t hesitate to offer a quick fix. But what is a stress hormone, what does “fight-or-flight” really mean, and what happens when these systems go awry? This talk frames our stress systems as superheroes: adaptive mechanisms built to protect us. We will explore how the biology behind stress can help us understand suicide risk, challenge stigma, and shift the focus from blame to prevention.

How our internal body clock (circadian rhythm) influences brain health, particularly in relation to stroke. Many people know sleep is important, but fewer realize that when we sleep, how regular our schedule is, and even whether we are “morning” or “evening” types can affect blood pressure, metabolism, and brain function, all of which relate to stroke risk and recovery.
The talk will explain what circadian rhythms are in simple terms, how modern lifestyles can disrupt them, and what research is showing about their link to stroke outcomes. Practical and engaging, with simple take-home messages on how daily habits like sleep timing, light exposure, and routine can support brain health.