Love Your Brain

However, the science of brain health is more than just treatment. Scientific innovation itself depends on the healthy and brain-friendly lifestyles of researchers, healthcare professionals, clinicians, and practitioners of neurological science and healthcare.

During the 39th ECNP Congress ECNP presents sessions and activities that encourage the practice and exploration of lifestyle components that contribute not only to the treatment of illnesses of the brain but also aid in the prevention of illness and the optimisation of brain function.

Sessions

This year's Love Your Brain sessions will take place on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, covering a range of topics related to brain health and well-being.

Sunday 11 October
L01 - Feeding the mind: how Western diet and metabolic dysregulation undermine brain health and mental well-being	Sharmili Edwin Thanarajah, Germany
This session will explore the role of dietary patterns and metabolic health in mental well-being and brain function.

Monday 12 October
L02 - The neuroscience of laughter	Sophie Scott, United Kingdom
Discover how laughter influences the brain and contributes to emotional and social well-being.

Tuesday 13 October
L03 - Sleep on It!	Eus J.W. van Someren, The Netherlands
This session will examine how sleep duration, timing, and quality affect brain health and cognitive functioning

A self-study in mindfulness

Research over decades has shown that mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, support mental well-being — including alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression — enhance attention and cognitive performance, and cultivate greater self-awareness, compassion, and social connection. Neuroscience research has also begun to uncover the neuroplastic changes that may underlie these benefits.

During the 39th ECNP Congress, we invite our participants to examine these principles through firsthand experience. In this 15-minute guided practice, we will explore mindfulness through awareness of the body, the breath, and present-moment feeling states.

Designed to fit seamlessly into the rhythm of the Congress, the session provides a brief opportunity to pause, reconnect with the present moment, and restore mental clarity amidst a day of rich scientific exchange. Whether you are new to mindfulness or already have an established practice, you are warmly invited to join.

Registration will be open one day before the start of each session. To register, please visit the information desk at the ECNP plaza.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each session has a strict capacity of 25 persons per session.
We encourage participants to be present in the session room 5 minutes before the session begins. Late arrivals will not be admitted after the session has started.
All sessions will take place in Room 22b, on level 2 of the congress venue.

Brain teasers

Need to reset your mindset? During the Congress you will find designated areas where you can complete small puzzles to keep your brain sharp between sessions. Complete the puzzles in solitude or use the time to connect with a peer.

Brain food

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in brain health. That’s why the snacks and meals served during the Congress are always planned and prepared with care. Morning coffee breaks offer a vitamin boost with fresh seasonal fruits, and our vegetarian lunches are always made with fresh vegetables, and a healthy balance of carbohydrates to keep your brain focused throughout the day.

Want to learn more about how diet impacts brain health? Take part in the Love Your Brain Session 'Feeding the mind: how Western diet and metabolic dysregulation undermine brain health and mental well-being.'

To the session