In Praise of Optimism

How Mental Strength Helps Families in Challenging Times – “Give me a little bit of security in a world where nothing seems certain,” sings the German band Silbermond. In the midst of everyday challenges, global issues like the pandemic, climate crisis, and wars have amplified this feeling in recent years. “Since the COVID-19 era, I’ve been guided by the metaphor that we adults should be lighthouses, showing our children a safe harbour,” says Karin Janka, mother of two daughters aged 13 and 14. When parents feel unsettled, their children often do as well, as fears and worries are easily transmitted. “Serious topics need a place in our lives, but constant exposure to emotional, auditory, and visual stimuli lays the groundwork for concentration problems, tantrums, overwhelm, and panic.”

As a trained occupational therapist with over 18 years of experience working with pain patients in a rehabilitation centre, Janka uses neuroscience-based tools and techniques to foster mental stability within families. These strategies, commonly used in elite sports to unlock peak potential, intertwine physical and mental well-being much more closely than many realise. Janka, who has also trained as a primary school teacher, manual and fascia therapist, and hypnosis coach, highlights this connection.

Joy and Optimism – Janka frames the neurocentric approach with a touch of provocation: “We should move from being brain owners to brain users.” By this, she means that while we have resources, we often underutilise them. “We should engage new corners of our brain to become more balanced, resilient, and joyful.” Her interest in neurofunctional medicine began when she supported her sister through a journey with a brain tumour, a challenging yet profoundly enriching experience. A crucial insight she shares is that “energy follows attention.” Therefore, rather than focusing solely on problems, we should set achievable milestones and leverage our mental systems. The vagus nerve, for instance, plays a key role in regulating behaviours and connects critical organ systems to the brain. It governs rest, recovery, and digestion, while the sympathetic nervous system activates during stress and emergencies to enhance performance.

By understanding and working with these systems, families can find calm, build resilience, and nurture optimism even in the face of life’s uncertainties.

The Vagus Nerve and Its Importance – “The vagus nerve is like the brake pedal in driving. But most people are constantly pressing the accelerator, so it’s no wonder they run out of steam,” explains Karin Janka. To illustrate this to children, she uses a simple exercise: “They’re asked to clench their fist tightly for a long time. They quickly notice how exhausting that becomes.” The good news is that the vagus nerve can be stimulated through neurocentric training involving specialised eye, breathing, and movement exercises.

“In rehabilitation, the focus is primarily on pain reduction, while for parents and children, it’s about letting go, disconnecting, and finding calm,” says Janka. The exercises are tailored to the individual. “Just as we all look different, our body, mind, and soul systems also function differently.” Micro-exercises are tested first, with only the most supportive ones integrated into the routine. These exercises should be performed regularly—approximately 15 repetitions or three times a day—as consistency and continuity are key. “If I only do the exercises for a few days, my thought patterns won’t change much,” Janka notes.

Rewiring the Brain – Karin Janka speaks from experience. A few years ago, she lost her sense of optimism, though courage had always been her companion. As an avid windsurfer, she once spent months travelling, including through Australia, often with her husband. “My kids probably wouldn’t believe how cool I used to be,” she laughs. “I even documented a six-metre jump on four-metre-high waves.” Today, her light-heartedness has returned, and the whole family enjoys surfing together.

Neurocentric training played a key role in her recovery. The goal is to rewire neural structures in the brain, a process made possible by neuroplasticity. “Over time, you learn to exit negative thought spirals more quickly. Fear is an essential emotion that ensures survival, but when thoughts constantly spiral, these exercises help develop a more realistically optimistic mindset.” Janka adds that 95% of worries are unfounded, as the fears never materialise. For children, having strong, stable parents as role models is crucial. “We don’t want a generation of anxious, crisis-weary kids. We want one capable of finding clever solutions to the challenges of the future.”

Neurocentric Training – Here’s How It Works – After each exercise, check whether your forward bend improves or worsens. This helps you identify the exercises that best activate your vagus nerve and tailor a programme to your needs. PS: This micro-training fits perfectly into your holiday routine at Familux Resorts, ensuring nothing stands in the way of a relaxing getaway in Germany or Austria.

Exercise 1: Perform the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Inhale for 4 counts, hold your breath for 7 counts, and exhale for 8 counts.

Exercise 2: Hold a pen in each hand and stretch your arms forward with the pen tips pointing upward. Quickly shift your gaze from one pen tip to the other as fast as you can.

Exercise 3: For the eye push-up, hold a pen in one hand, stretch your arm forward, and slowly move the pen toward your nose while following its movement with your eyes.