Brain Health: Dr Ankoor Dasguupta On 5 Lifestyle Habits That Support Cognitive Well-Being
An Interview With Shawna Robins
Body and Brain — these both are to train! Everyone’s journey is unique, so rather than listening to too many experts, consult one or maybe two experts who you can have a conversation with I a trust induced space, someone who will not judge you
In a world inundated with distractions, constant connectivity, and a plethora of information, our cognitive well-being has never been more crucial. Amidst the clamor, how do we nurture our minds, keep our focus sharp, and cultivate habits that promote mental clarity? The right lifestyle habits can be the cornerstone to maintaining and even enhancing our cognitive abilities, ensuring not just longevity but also the quality of our mental faculties. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ankoor Dasguupta.
A select Member of Leaders Excellence [MLE] at Harvard Square, Dr. Ankoor Dasguupta is ICF accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC), a CMO and a Thought Leader. An active speaker and writer with close to 100 published works and multiple regular columns in global publications, Ankoor has been covered in multiple international magazine Cover Stories and winner of the coveted national level D. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Inspiration award 2024 and also recipient of Man of Excellence by the prestigious Indian Achievers’ Forum, while with 24 years’ work experience, Dr. Dasguupta lives with two wonderful ladies- his soulmate Arpita, little daughter Kiyaana, while he also believes in building delightful, sustainable and powerful teams bringing amazing experiences for people. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankoordasguupta/
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
First of all, thanks to you for this interview. Born and brought up in New Delhi, have mostly lived in a joint family with my parents and grandparents and that has been an amazing experience. I love engaging conversations and I deeply believe in nurturing relationships.
Regarding my area of work, I consider marketing and advertising as a romance rather than just a subject. It is an ocean with fast evolution and hence I also spend my time reading voraciously. My beginnings were almost like going with the flow; I was an average student in school and college and the best part is I have never had a problem with being average as it has always acted a blessing in disguise for me to become more disciplined each day and not take life too seriously. I feel good about how my life has evolved and I am grateful. I have taken challenges in my stride and respected each day as it begins with a new sunshine.
Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
This is a difficult one because there are so many high impact books, movies and podcasts that I have consumed (and still consuming!), though I will give it a shot.
Movies -
Guns of Navarone- because of teamwork
The Great Escape — because of planning (although at the end their plan does not succeed)
Face Off — because I don’t recall seeing Travolta and Cage together in any other movie
Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne — an all-time favourite Bengali fantasy movie directed by Satyajit Ray
Books (recent reads) -
Trillion Dollar Coach (by Eric Schmidt Jonathan Rosenberg, Alan Eagle), Limitless by Jim Kwik, The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek and The Unlocked Leader by Hortense Le Gentil
Podcast Channels -
Jim Stengel
The Uncensored CMO
Let’s now talk about lifestyle habits that support cognitive well-being. Are there specific foods or diets that have been scientifically shown to enhance cognitive functions?
The reason I chose this topic for the interview is because I wanted to get asked about this!
Yes, first, in my opinion and observation, one must go with foods that grow rather than packaged foods.
Next is know what your body type is and what foods don’t suit you. For instance, there may be a phase in your life when dairy products may not suit you. Finally, recognize your real hunger vs fake hunger pangs and have foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, proteins. Okra, blueberries, moringa. There are good carbs as well that heal the body (for instance moderate consumption of Ghee which is clarified butter). And yes, cut down on sugar and salt considerably because processed sugar anyway does not do any good. If you are really craving for a sweet, don’t have it empty stomach as it gives rise to sugar spike in the body.
Sleep well…. sleep deep. The brain is primarily water, so having fluids immediately you wake up as even breathing during sleep depletes us of water in body. These are some of the ways (that has worked for me) for better cognitive functioning.
What are your thoughts on the importance of movement and exercise in the context of cognitive decline? How do different forms of exercise, such as aerobic vs. strength training, influence cognitive well-being?
I will keep this answer simple and crisp, do any form of exercise but keep it consistent. Consistency is the glue that gives way to compounded results and helps with overall blood circulation.
Can mindfulness practices or meditation offer measurable benefits to cognitive health?
This is a belief. According to me yes, because I believe in this deeply and I meditate daily.
I wont be prescriptive here, however I suggest my readers get a professional coach to get started with practices such as meditation (if not already). The ‘measurability’ part one will be able to feel with consistency in practice. Why practice? Because a calm mind can regulate your emotions better and raise your level of self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence.
How does the quality and quantity of sleep correlate with cognitive performance and long-term brain health?
This may work differently with different people. However, the standard for me has been early to bed and early to rise. Rise before the Sun is out! Getting 6 hours of deep sleep helps with our subconscious mind work better for us.
How do social connections and interpersonal relationships influence our cognitive well-being?
Human beings by nature thrive in social environments. Take anyone who lives a life of a solitary reeper vs someone who has people to interact with. However, there is a catch. Who you interact with and who is in your ‘inner circle’ matters the most. What I mean by that is the quality of friends, mentors which is based on trust and genuine bond without expectations.
What role do lifelong learning and continuous mental stimulation play in maintaining optimal cognitive health?
I’d say, our brains crave stimulation. Like we spoke about various exercising methods for our body, similarly what do we do to exercise our brain? One of the things I do (credit to Jim Kwik’s book) is I brush my teeth with my left hand. Other things could be playing chess, sudoku, scrabble or just reflecting on good memories of childhood. What also works with me is asking myself this question from time to time ‘Who Am I?’.
What are your five favorite lifestyle habits that proactively support cognitive well-being?
1. Pattern- cultivate a pattern for your sleep and eating routine.
2. Reflection — take some time out regularly to sit in silence and think of your purpose in life and its why.
3. Limited screen time — Apart from LinkedIn, no app on my phone has notifications On. Not even WhatsApp. Anyone who has an urgency, calls me. Also, I consume specific content.
4. Play- Make sometime to play…be it an indoor or outdoor sport. It works like magic even if it is for just 30mins regularly.
5. Body and Brain — these both are to train! Everyone’s journey is unique, so rather than listening to too many experts, consult one or maybe two experts who you can have a conversation with I a trust induced space, someone who will not judge you.
Are there any proven techniques or habits that can help protect against age-related cognitive decline?
I can speak what works for me. It is not having packaged food, having only what is necessary while understanding your aspiration and body type. For instance, if you want to become Mr. Universe, you know that my kind of diet will not work. Also, lower the use of any chemical-based applications on your face or body. One technique is — body signaling what is not working with it, recognize these signals.
Most importantly, there is no alternative to having quality sleep and not eating anything atleast 3 to 4 hours before your sleep time.
In your professional or personal experience, what can be done to delay cognitive decline if the genetic predisposition is there?
Start with regular health checkups to monitor how you are doing? I do this once every 6 months. It does help. I eat 2 times a day. I don’t overdo anything — be it exercise, food of consuming unnecessary series on Netflix. I read extensively, I write extensively and speak with few trusted friends who are my inner circle. That does not mean that I do not socialize. I speak extensively at events and network to know the person first rather than having only business on my mind. When the other person is aware that I am his/her safe space, they allow me in their world for deeper conversations.
Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!
That is very kind of you! I have mentioned 8 inspiring people, to make it easier for you 😊
I have done at least 15 interviews with Authority Magazine, and I do hope to have some magic on this one someday!
Jennifer Lawrence
Will Smith
Craig Fergusen
Simon Sinek
Jim Kwik
Denzel Washington
Morgan Freeman
Roger Federer
How can our readers follow you online?
LinkedIn is great to connect | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankoordasguupta/
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Thanks to you for making time for this! Wish you good health and joy always.
About the Interviewer: Shawna Robins is an international best-selling author of two books — Powerful Sleep — Rest Deeply, Repair Your Brain and Restore Your Life, and Irresistibly Healthy — Simple Strategies to Feel Vibrant, Alive, Healthy and Full of Energy Again. Shawna is the founder and CEO of Third Spark, an online wellness hub for women over 40 who want to reignite their sleep, reset healthier habits and respark their lives. Shawna is a sleep expert, hormone health expert, and a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBHWC). She has been featured on many podcasts including Dr. Mindy Pelz’s “The Resetter Podcast” and in Authority Magazine, Thrive Global, and The Huffington Post. A free download of her latest book can be found at www.thirdsparkhealth.com/powerful-sleep/ You can follow her on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
