Reclaiming Your Brain

An intensive educational program for people eager to maintain or improve their memory, focus and motivation along with their physical and emotional health and wellbeing. You can be the co-creator of your own good health.

About the Program

This 5-day residential program is for people wanting to prevent, stabilise or improve early stages of memory loss or who simply want to retain what they have read and studied. Participants will learn about the wonders of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to change and rewire – and how we can use the mind to improve the functioning of our brains and the health of our bodies.

We all want to age well while actively contributing to our loved-one’s lives. There is no single reason why memory loss occurs. There are a multitude of factors which influence brain function. Likewise, there’s no single method to reverse memory loss. There are many lifestyle practices and strategies that may significantly improve it – and they all lie within our power to implement.

This intensive educational program focuses on lifestyle factors which contribute to a healthy brain and aging well. You’ll learn strategies, techniques and tools to optimise and improve brain function as well as increase your sense of wellbeing physically, mentally and emotionally.

The 5-day Reclaiming Your Brain program allows you to focus on your life without distraction. It is held at the Quest for Life Centre in Bundanoon in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW. You’ll learn valuable information, life skills and strategies to stimulate your brain, increase your health and bring you peace of mind.

About the program team

The highly experienced professional team which educates, encourages and supports participants over the 5-day program includes a psychologist, counsellor, massage therapist, naturopath and yoga teachers who, together, provide a holistic program that addresses the mind, body and spirit of each participant.

Co-Facilitators include Julia Willoughby and Bernadette Arena. Julia is living proof of the benefit of this holistic approach which is offered in the program.

Program Dates

Register interest

Program Fees

Quest subsidises all privately funded places to ensure the cost of our programs remains affordable to individuals. This allows us to reduce the fee from $4,295 to $2,695. This reduced fee only applies to privately funded bookings.

Subsidies available. Through generous grants, donations and fundraising, Quest is able to offer subsidies to attend our Residential Programs. Anyone experiencing financial stress will be considered.

Programs can also be funded through Worker’s Comp insurance and DVA for eligible veterans.

If you are being funded by the NDIS click here for Pricing and how to register.

$1,995 Shared room (Early bird* $1,895 – must be paid 30 days in advance)
$2,695 Single room (Early bird* $2,595 – must be paid 30 days in advance)

Fees effective 1 July 2022

Venue

Quest for Life Centre
13-33 Ellsmore Road
Bundanoon NSW 2578
Google Maps

Program content

The program provides evidence-based approaches to health and wellbeing.

Your day starts at 7.30am with a gentle morning stretch and meditation and finishes with an evening activity that ensures you get plenty of sleep. There is long lunch break so you can rest, read, have a counselling or massage appointment or go for a walk in the beautiful gardens.

Group sessions include:

  • Understanding sleep hygiene and the replenishing nature of sound sleep
  • Keeping your brain focused and living a mindful life
  • Nutrition which nourishes the brain and body
  • Emotional literacy and regulation
  • Meditation and its impact on restructuring the brain
  • The role of meditation – understanding the why and how
  • Taking charge of our thoughts and feelings
  • Practical strategies to improve communication
  • Learning to respond rather than react
  • Communication skills and conflict resolution
  • Relaxation and sleep strategies and techniques

Program Inclusions

  • Accommodation (4 nights) in your own ensuited comfortable bedroom with double or queen/king size bed. If you travel to Quest with a family member, partner or friend, they are welcome to share your room.
  • 3 delicious and nutritious meals a day, morning and afternoon teas and fresh juices. Read more about our acclaimed food below.
  • A varied selection of herbal teas or coffee. Our delicious, filtered water is available at any time.
  • A personal counselling session. Extra counselling sessions are sometimes available at a reasonable charge.
  • Education in neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change/heal) and epigenetics (the factors influencing genetic expression including sleep, exercise, nutrition and mindfulness).
  • Gentle yoga stretching each morning.
  • Regular relaxation sessions incorporating meditation.
  • Personal vision board to take home.
  • A USB containing audio files of Your Life Matters book and meditations to complement your program.

Optional extras

(Book on arrival. Credit card or cash payment)

  • Massage
  • Additional personal counselling sessions

Set within 9 acres of manicured gardens in Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands, NSW. From the moment you enter the drive, you will begin to feel renewed, refreshed and inspired.

You will leave this program

  • Understanding how to optimise your brain health
  • Knowing what to avoid/include to maximise healthy aging including meditation, brain training, nutrition, sleep and exercise
  • Motivated to improve your emotional wellbeing and resolve conflict
  • With a compassionate and kind attitude to yourself, your body and brain
  • Inspired to take charge of your life and live healthily and happily.

Our nationally acclaimed programs change people’s lives in practical and positive ways and people generally leave confident in their ability to meet the significant challenges they face.

You will be nurtured, nourished and restored with the confidence to embrace your life again.

Arrival and Departure

  • Monday Arrival time 2-3pm
  • Friday Departure time 2pm
  • Plenty of onsite parking is available
  • You can be picked up and dropped at the Bundanoon train station (City Link and Country Link trains stop at Bundanoon)
  • Best trains to catch (book well in advance)
    – From Sydney Central Station Depart 12.01pm
    – From Canberra Kingston Depart 11.55am

Accessibility

Discuss any accessibility or mobility requirements with the Program Adviser when you book in. Quest has a wheelchair accessible room/ensuite.

Delicious meals and snacks

  • We serve delicious freshly prepared meals using the principles of SLOW – Seasonal, Locally-sourced, Organic, Wholefood as far as possible. The Quest veggie garden supplies seasonal produce.
  • Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Sugar Free, Vegan are no problem! Our chef can work with allergies and intolerances as listed with prior notice – all special dietary requirements can be discussed with the Program Advisor at the time of booking.
  • Breakfast is served from (8.30-9.30am), Lunch (1-2pm), Dinner (6-7pm)
  • Freshly pressed juices are served for morning and afternoon tea along with delicious snacks.
  • Teas, coffee, filtered water and fresh fruit are available at any time.
  • Please note that the Quest for Life Centre maintains an environment that is alcohol and non-prescription drug free. A participant will need to leave the program if found to be drug or alcohol affected.

Enquire or book into this program

You can call between 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday on 1300 941 488 to speak to a Program Advisor or complete the form below and we will be in contact.

What previous attendees have said:

“A totally professional, well structured program” Brian

“I’m overwhelmed by the incredible nurturing of Quest for Life. I loved hearing other participants’ stories and you can feel a connected energy.” Lisa

“There’s nowhere I’ve visited in my life and travels that matches the peace, tranquility and care found at Quest.” Judith