Why Superstar Jay Shetty Wants to Improve His Brain

He’s a #1 New York Times bestselling author, host of the On Purpose podcast, and has over 28 million followers on Facebook alone. Jay Shetty, a former monk, spreads his unique brand of inspiration by talking about mental wellness and finding your purpose in life. While living as a monk, he learned to train his brain to overcome negativity, manage his thoughts, strengthen his empathy, and more. In general, these practices enhance overall brain function.

As someone who advocates the importance of self-awareness, however, Shetty wanted to know even more about his own brain. That’s why he visited psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen at Amen Clinics to get a brain SPECT scan. SPECT measures blood flow and activity in the brain and reveals areas of the brain with healthy activity, low activity, or too much activity.

“I’m at a place in my life where I don’t want to be irresponsible about my own health and well-being, and if I can see my brain and see what I can improve, this is the best place to come for brain health,” says Shetty in an episode of Scan My Brain at Amen Clinics.

SCREENING FOR BRAIN HEALTH

As Shetty explains it, most people would think if you’re getting a brain scan, it must be because something’s wrong. But the former monk sees things differently “I’m doing really well,” he says, “but why would we not be curious [about our brain].”

Shetty’s attitude is gaining momentum as more people realize that the brain is a physical organ that runs our lives, and it deserves far more of our attention. The medical community advocates regular screening and scanning of so many parts of the body—the heart, breasts, and colon—but it ignores the brain that runs them all. This is changing.

At Amen Clinics, which has built the largest database of functional brain scans related to behavior, more and more highly successful, well-adjusted people like Shetty are getting scanned. But they aren’t doing it to overcome specific mental health challenges or cognitive issues. Instead, they’re looking at it as a way to prevent any future problems and to provide a roadmap to brain optimization and peak performance.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BRAIN TYPE

Brain imaging studies reveal that not all brains are alike. In fact, after reviewing over 170,000 brain scans, the psychiatric team at Amen Clinics has identified 16 different brain types. Each brain type has unique strengths and challenges that influence the way you think, act, and interact with others.

Your brain type plays a role in how you perform at work, how you get along in relationships, how you parent your children, and so much more. Knowing your brain type gives you key information about the best ways to optimize your brain, including the types of food to eat, the nutritional supplements to take, and the lifestyle changes that will have the biggest benefit for your brain and your life. Take our Brain Health Assessment to find your brain type.

The notion that our brains are “not all the same” resonates with Shetty. “The idea that all of our bodies, brains, and minds are so different and react differently to the same things is still very new,” says the former monk. He thinks it’s time to say goodbye to the one-size-fits-all approach our society generally takes toward solving problems, including issues that are medical, mental, or spiritual. Shetty says there’s a better way. “Providing a more personalized, specific approach—whether it’s meditation or fasting or whatever it may be—is important.”

THE BRAIN OPTIMIZATION SOLUTION

Even if you already have a good brain, you can make it better. When your brain is optimized, it means brighter moods, better focus, and greater clarity—now and in the future. Strengthening your brain now can help you prevent cognitive decline, reduce the risk of developing issues like anxiety or depression, and give you the tools you need to cope with life’s stressors. Add it all up and it leads to more success, a stronger ability to achieve your goals and a bigger dose of happiness. We could all use that!

The health of your brain can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.