23/11/2025

ON SUNDAY November 23, 2025 theSunday Special VII

The nervous system is the missing link in modern mental wellness.”

Food as fuel for the nervous system Malaysians love food, but we often under HVWLPDWH KRZ GLUHFWO\ LW D̆ HFWV RXU PHQWDO and emotional health. “Food is both fuel and information for the nervous system,” Ron emphasised. A diet rich in colourful vegetables, healthy fats, quality proteins and complex carbohydrates provides the building blocks for resilience. Omega-3 fats from IDWW\ ¿VK ÀD[ RU FKLD VHHGV DUH SDUWLFX larly valuable for brain and nerve health. And while supplements have their place, hydration and oxygenation are equally important. “The nervous system thrives when well hydrated and oxygenated,” he said, pointing to simple lifestyle choices like drinking enough water and practising breathing exercises. The challenge for

The nervous system has remarkable potential to regenerate when the proper signals are activated.

As Malaysia grapples with rising rates of burnout, anxiety and depression, this perspective feels timely. We may not all have the luxury of retreating into 52 hectares of forest. Still, the principles Ron outlines are accessible to anyone willing to slow down, listen to their body and take nervous system health seriously. Because at the end of the day, mental wellness isn’t just about coping with stress – it’s about rewiring ourselves to thrive.

What sets nervous system-focused healing apart is its insistence on treating the whole person. This means integrating nutrition, movement, sleep and emotional processing in one environment. It can be as simple as weaving these elements into daily life. “Lasting change comes from small, consistent habits,” Ron noted, echoing the “atomic habits” concept popularised by James Clear. When applied steadily, even modest adjustments compound into resilience and joy over the years. Ron shared the story of a European guest who has returned to The Farm an nually for more than a decade. Despite personal and professional challenges, she credited nervous system-focused healing from detox and meditation to trauma release for her ability to keep bouncing back. For Ron, it was a reminder that proper stress management is, in fact, life management. Ultimately, Ron sees nervous system regulation as a missing link in modern healthcare. “Body and mind are not separate,” he said. “What we do to the nervous system directly impacts thought, emotion and physiology.” In an overstimulated world, the solu tion may not be more complexity but less. “Returning to simple rhythms like nature, sleep and whole foods is more powerful than most people realise,” he added.

Even small daily rituals can make a GL̆ HUHQFH • Prioritising seven to eight hours of quality sleep • Power naps to reset mid-day • Simple breathing patterns like the “physiologic sigh” • Cold water splashes to reset the vagus nerve • B XWWHUÀ\ KXJV RU PLQGIXO ERG\ VFDQV to reconnect with sensations These micro-practices signal safety to the nervous system, gradually restor ing balance and equilibrium. Technology: Helpful but limited Wearables and biofeedback apps have made it easier to track stress levels through heart-rate variability or sleep cycles. But Ron cautioned against over-reliance. “Too much dependence on data can itself create anxiety,” he said. Technology should complement, not replace, the core healing pro cess – which still lies in simple UK\WKPV 1DWXUH VOHHS

many Malaysians is not knowledge but pace. Our fast-paced lifestyles often leave little room for mind ful practices. But according to Ron, that very pace is a symptom of dysregu lation. “We teach guests to slow down safely – to see rest not as boring but as essential recov ery,” he said.

food, movement and meaningful human connec tion.

Sleep struggles Insomnia, restless nights or constant fatigue even after sleeping. Gut issues Irritable bowel, bloating or sudden food sensitivities. Brain fog Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness or feeling mentally “cloudy”. Heightened sensitivity Overreacting to noise, light or stressful situations. Stress-driven habits Irritability, emotional eating or relying heavily on caffeine or sugar. Five signs your nervous system is out of balance

Our whole body-mind complex is highly adaptable and mouldable.”

Ron