How do schools equip students with tools to self-regulate and navigate their mental health journey? Can neuroscience offer practical frameworks for addressing emotional well-being in the classroom?

Today’s guest is Dr. Jyothi Mishra, founder of the Neural Engineering and Translation Labs at the University of California, San Diego. As an innovative neuroscientist, Dr. Mishra focuses on leveraging digital technologies for scalable brain health mapping and precision therapeutics. She is also the author of A Little Brain, a children’s book fostering conversations about mental well-being and resilience.

In this episode, we delve into the continuum of mental health, exploring its crucial role in overall well-being and education. Dr. Mishra shares how schools can become safe spaces for students to check in on their emotional state and foster self-awareness. She highlights the power of daily introspection, supportive peer environments, and resilient learning structures to counter challenges like social anxiety and depression in young people.

Dr. Mishra also emphasizes the role of educators in tailoring challenges to individual students, building their confidence, and promoting thriving mental states. We explore her work with mindfulness practices in education and how her book, A Little Brain, offers parents and children tools to embrace challenges with joy and growth. This conversation bridges cutting-edge neuroscience and practical steps educators and parents can take to nurture mental health, helping children grow into balanced and empowered individuals.