How do you keep your mind feeling sharp, focused and healthy? From getting enough sleep and moving your body to spending time in nature and knowing when to step away from the screen, our favourite Kiwi stars have plenty of tricks for keeping their brains in good shape.
We asked Claire Chitham, Ingrid Hipkiss and Holly Hudson to share the simple habits that help them stay mentally energised, from their go-to foods and workouts to the little things they do when their brains need a reset
Claire Chitham, 48
Actress, coach & producer
How do you take care of your brain?
I look after my gut! The science regarding the blood-brain barrier and its interconnectedness is all there now, and we have to pay attention! This means getting good sleep, eating lots of whole real foods, getting enough protein, exercising regularly, managing stress more consciously and doing things that stimulate the mind.
How do you stay sharp?
By being open-minded, curious and continuing to learn. Luckily, that’s all part of my work. Whether I’m acting, writing or coaching other actors, I’m a forever student. I’m constantly learning lines, studying and researching new ideas.
How do you perk up your tired brain?
If I’ve been on the computer too long, I’ll take a walk outside, dance in the lounge, sing and make food or phone a friend. If I’m working long hours on set and fading, I avoid afternoon caffeine and instead reach for electrolytes, fruit and nuts, and sparkling water with apple cider vinegar. Submerging myself in water is a good wake-up too. And naps… I wish I could nap more often!
What supplements help your mental stamina?
I make sure my vitamin B and D levels are well managed as they’re key for energy levels. I take a very clever gut-health product by Gutsi that keeps good bacteria growing and kills off the baddies, and I’m taking five grams of a high-quality creatine – it’s not just for our muscles! – daily to help my brain during the hormone fluctuations of perimenopause.
What do you eat to fuel your brain?
I try to stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, and I avoid processed crap and white sugar.
Follow Claire on Instagram @clairechitham
Ingrid Hipkiss, 53
Radio host
What do you do to look after your brain health?
Carving out down time is surprisingly energising. With my job, it’s hard to switch off because the news cycle never ends. We do lots of research at night to prepare, three hours of early morning live radio, and then meetings and planning for the next day – it can be all-consuming!
How do you re-energise your tired brain?
Stop scrolling – that’s an aspirational tip! Setting a time limit for scrolling is more realistic. I write things down after reading a productivity hack years ago that said your brain is for having ideas, not storing them. I also like spending time doing something that gets me in the flow – recently I’ve taken up tennis.
Does exercise boost your brain?
It’s huge and something I need to do more of to remind myself how much better I feel after any kind of movement. Fatigue and lack of sleep are real issues with my hours, so I’m guilty of being “too tired” to exercise, but I have more energy if I make the effort.
How do you chill out?
Coffee with friends is right up there! I also love a movie and an afternoon nap, or hanging out with family and my boys – including the four-legged ones.
Listen to Ingrid 6-9am weekdays on RNZ’s Morning Report.
Holly Shervey, 36
Actress & writer
How do you support your brain health?
There’s a life coach on YouTube I absolutely adore, Emma Mumford. She gets me into the good-feeling zone most mornings, usually followed by a Bailey Brown workout on YouTube, then some nature time with my daughter and, of course, coffee! My work plays a huge part too, with endless hours of putting my creative imagination to work through writing and acting.
How do you perk up your tired brain?
Coffee. Always coffee. But my second go-to is nature breaks! Getting outside, moving my body and stepping away from screens does wonders for perking up my tired brain.
Does exercise boost your brain?
It’s essential. I really notice the difference when I get outside, move my body and get those endorphins flowing. Everything feels a little clearer and more manageable afterwards.
What do you eat to fuel your brain?
I’ve cut out sugar and have noticed a huge difference. I go for lots of veges, and generally eat pretty well because I really notice the connection between what I eat and how I feel mentally. When I eat better, everything seems to work better too.
How do you chill out?
By watching incredible TV and films. They’ve always been my go-to. There’s nothing I love more than disappearing into someone else’s story for a while.
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Watch Holly in Crackhead, streaming on ThreeNow.
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