The brain is an immensely complex organ. It not only controls and regulates our bodies but it is central to how we think, perceive and experience the world around us.

With a huge rise in brain-related illnesses and upsurge in mental health conditions, such as depression and dementia, now is the time to learn how to protect and future-proof your brain.

In this masterclass, chartered psychologist Kimberley Wilson will reveal the unique structures and qualities of the brain and share practical tips to help nourish and protect this vitally important organ.

You will discover, through evidence-based research, the foods and nutrients the brain needs and what happens when there are imbalances in your diet. You will learn the crucial importance of good sleep, and why regular physical activity is one of the best investments you can make for your long-term brain health.

This class will include practical exercises, and offer straightforward pieces of advice to help you start protecting your brain health.

Course content

Brain disorders as leading causes of illness and death
How modern psychiatry is still influenced by Descartes
The role of prevention in mental vs physical health
The unique structures and qualities of the human brain
What builds our brains: fats and micronutrients
Nutrition and stress resilience
Benefits of aerobic, walking and resistance exercise
Sleep problems and interventions
Q&A

Tutor profile

Kimberley Wilson is a chartered psychologist with a Masters degree in nutrition, visiting lecturer and the author of How to Build a Healthy Brain, working in private practice in Central London. She is a former governor of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Mental Health Trust, and led the therapy service at HMP and YOI Holloway, then Europe’s largest women’s prison. Kimberley now hosts the BBC Radio 4 health science podcast Made of Stronger Stuff alongside Dr Xand van Tulleken. Kimberley is often recognised as a former finalist on the Great British Bake Off and was the featured mental health expert on several Channel 4 documentaries throughout 2020 about the impact of Covid-19. She is a regular contributor to Lorraine on ITV.

Kimberley believes that the way we think about mental health – as separate from physical health – is flawed. Her philosophy of whole-body mental health is a comprehensive approach to mental health care, integrating evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle factors with psychological therapy.

Kimberley’s latest book How to build a healthy brain is released on 3 March 2022. If you live in the UK, you can purchase a book and ticket for the combined price of £59.65 including P&P.

Course Details

Date: Thursday 24 March 2022
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm (GMT)

6.30pm GMT | 7.30pm CET | 11.30am PDT | 2.30pm EDT

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

You will be sent a link to the webinar two hours before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have not received the access link within one hour of the scheduled start time.

All Guardian Masterclasses are fully accessible but please contact us at masterclasses@theguardian.com if you have any queries or concerns.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

How to build a healthy brain, with Kimberley Wilson