DR. Romie Mushtaq is a distinguished neurologist and creator of the brainSHIFT Protocol. She has a new book out, THE BUSY BRAIN CURE: The Eight-Week Plan to Find Focus, Tame Anxiety & Sleep Again. I interviewed Dr. Romie to learn more about her new book and get great tips for putting a “busy brain” in check.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Could you share with our audience your journey from a traditionally trained neurologist to becoming an expert in mind-body medicine?
Dr. Romie: I was born and raised with the success mantra from my parents and elders to become a doctor. I entered neurology at a time when less than 5% of women were brain doctors in the US. As I discuss in my book, I loved my job, and yet you can still experience burnout. As a board-certified neurologist, my path diverted dramatically after facing a personal health crisis. This turning point illuminated the stark gaps in conventional medicine, particularly concerning stress and its repercussions on brain health. My quest for healing led me to delve into mind-body medicine, where I discovered the potent interplay between brain science and holistic practices. My mission was to Western Medicine and Eastern Wisdom to offer a more comprehensive approach to health and healing.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: What inspired you to write your new book, and what central message do you hope readers take away from it?
Dr. Romie: My inspiration for "The Busy Brain Cure" stemmed from witnessing the negative impact of chronic stress on the brain and body. Typical stress management techniques touted before the pandemic no longer work, and we needed an actual cure for the burnout crisis. The central message I impart is one of hope and connection: that amidst our relentless pursuits, we can cultivate a life of peace and vitality. We can achieve personal and professional success, without living on the edge of burnout.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: In your book, you discuss the connection between neuroscience and holistic wellness. Can you elaborate on how these fields intersect and why it's important for our well-being?
Dr. Romie: Neuroscience and holistic wellness are intrinsically connected. Brain health dictates our overall well-being, and holistic practices – from meditation to nutrition – directly influence our brain's functioning. Understanding this synergy is crucial; it empowers us to make informed choices that support our mental and physical health. In the field of psycho-neuro-immuno-endocrinology we look at how our thoughts and mood can change the structure of our brain and body.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: You have talked about the concept of "brainSHIFT." Can you explain what this means and how it can transform our mental health?
Dr. Romie: "brainSHIFT" is a protocol I designed, encapsulating key strategies to recalibrate our brain's response to stress. It's a holistic approach that involves targeted lifestyle changes to promote neuroplasticity and resilience. By adopting "brainSHIFT," individuals can experience profound shifts in their mental well-being, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. A brainSHIFT is a microhabit that is designed to create maximum change with minimum or simple effort. The microhabits are designed to stack upon one another over 8 weeks to heal burnout at the root cause.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Many people struggle with incorporating mindfulness and meditation into their busy lives. What practical advice does your book offer to help readers build these practices into their daily routine?
Dr. Romie: The book offers pragmatic advice for integrating mindfulness into a our Busy Brain lifestyles. With a Busy Brain it can feel difficult to sit down, breathe and meditate. In chapter 13 of the book, we break down other mindfulness-based techniques to help people heal the effects of chronic stress on the brain and body. One example is the power of using sound healing.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: As a neurologist, how do you address the skepticism some may have towards alternative medicine practices?
Dr. Romie: We do not call it alternative medicine, but rather integrative medicine in which the whole person is treated- mind, body, and spirit.
Skepticism is natural, and as a neurologist, I address it with evidence-based research that underscores the efficacy of integrative medicine. By presenting the science behind alternative practices, I aim to bridge the gap between conventional and holistic medicine, fostering a dialogue grounded in data and personal outcomes. We do not have to choose one or the other, but bring both worlds together to optimize healing.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: What kind of scientific research or evidence did you base your book on, and how does it support your recommendations for brain health?
Dr. Romie: My recommendations are founded on a bedrock of scientific research, including studies on neuroplasticity, the gut-brain axis, and the physiological impacts of stress. This evidence supports the holistic interventions I advocate for, affirming their validity in promoting brain health and combating chronic stress changes in the brain that lead to adult onset ADD/ADHD, insomnia, and anxiety (known as a Busy Brain.)
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Can you share a personal story from your medical practice that illustrates the life-changing impact of integrating mind-body medicine?
Dr. Romie: In the book, you read the stories of several high achieving professionals who suffered from Busy Brain. They implemented the brainSHIFT protocol and understood that they can heal from burnout. One particular executive, Kelley, was going to leave her job due to crippling anxiety, only to find through our lab recommendations that she had thyroid disease.
In my practice, I've seen the transformative power of mind-body medicine firsthand. One profound instance involved a patient crippled by anxiety, for whom conventional treatments had plateaued. Through integrative strategies, we unlocked a new level of healing, radically improving her quality of life.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: In your opinion, what is the single most important habit or practice that someone can adopt to support their neurological health?
Dr. Romie: If I were to pinpoint one habit, it would be the cornerstone of our brainSHIFT protocol and that is sleep in order to restore our circadian rhythm.. Sleep is the cornerstone of neurological health, acting as a reset for our brain's intricate machinery. Cultivating good sleep hygiene is crucial to maintain daytime performance, energy, and focus.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Technology and digital devices are often seen as adversaries to mental health. Does your book address ways to balance technology use with mind-body wellness?
Dr. Romie: Indeed, my book tackles the challenge of technology, acknowledging its pervasive role in our lives. We look at the latest data on how multi-digital device use is rewiring the brain to lose attention span and lead to adult onset attention deficit disorder. Yes the book addresses using integrative medicine techniques to help restore focus, attention span, and improve ADD/ADHD.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: You've talked about the role of diet in brain health. Can you give some insights into the types of foods or nutrients that are crucial for maintaining a healthy mind?
Dr. Romie: We do not believe in putting our clients on a diet, it can raise stress hormone levels. We also want people to eat foods that are a part of their culture and family traditions. Instead we introduce brainSHIFTs in the book on macronutrients to add to each meal.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: How does your approach differentiate from other mind-body health books on the market?
Dr. Romie: My book stands out through its integration of traditional neurology with holistic wellness, offering a unique, medically substantiated perspective on managing chronic stress and healing burnout.. It's not just about stress reduction; it's about getting to the root cause of burnout, healing it, and rewiring the brain to handle success without stressing out.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Can you discuss any challenges you faced while writing this book and how you overcame them?
Dr. Romie: Writing this book involved balancing a demanding schedule with the deep focus required for writing. I overcame these challenges by applying the very principles I preach – prioritizing my sleep, practicing morning and evening meditation, and outdoor time with my senior dog. I worked with an outstanding developmental editor for over one year to stay on a writing schedule and have accountability.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog:.Could you give us a tease about any case studies or success stories featured in your book?
Dr. Romie: The book includes inspiring case studies showcasing the brainSHIFT protocol's transformative effects. Readers will find stories of individuals who, by adopting the strategies outlined, have overcome debilitating stress and reclaimed a sense of vitality and joy in their lives.
Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Lastly, for individuals seeking more guidance beyond the book, do you offer workshops, courses, or other resources for deepening their mind-body practice?
Dr. Romie: Yes, for those looking to further their journey, I offer in person and virtual workshops for groups, online courses, and executive coaching that provide a more personalized approach to the brainSHIFT protocol, ensuring everyone has the tools they need to thrive in today's fast-paced world.
About Dr. Romie Mushtaq Dr. Romie is a board-certified physician bringing together over two decades of leadership in neurology, integrative medicine and, mindfulness. She is an award-winning speaker working with Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, & global associations. Her brainSHIFT programs improve mental well-being and help to build a culture of wellness. Dr. Romie serves as Chief Wellness Officer for Evolution Hospitality, where she scaled a mindfulness & wellness program to over 7000 employees. Her expertise is featured in the national media such as NPR, NBC, TED talks, and Forbes. Her first book, "The Busy Brain Cure" is being published by Harper Collins in January 2024. You can learn more at drromie.com or join the brainSHIFT movement @drromie on social media.
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More info:
Take the Busy Brain Test for free: https://drromie.com/busy-brain-test/
Preorder the Book and free gifts: https://drromie.com/book/
Link to buy book on Amazon: click here
TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slKAFdJ8ZHY
