You have the power to change your brain. This guide will help you get going. Plus:

• 15 hotels, 30 days: We're up for the challenge.
• Bruichladdich: Their annual single malt releases are here.

How to Increase Your “Neuroplasticity,” in 7 Key Steps

The more you seek out neuroplasticity, the likelier you are to remember things, learn new skills, adapt to environments and protect yourself from cognitive decline. Consider: neuroplasticity is a critical part of the rehabilitation process for stroke victims. Patients perform tests and tasks — from speech therapy to simple cooking — that are intended to help them redevelop their cognitive functioning. It’s a tough road, but progress is possible.

You don’t need to be a neuroscientist (or to have suffered a stroke, god forbid) to apply these tenets to your own life. While prioritizing neuroplasticity will likely reduce your risk of senescence in the long run, it’s also just a prescription for better moment-to-moment living. Any thoughtful attempt to increase your neuroplasticity is going to increase your senses of wonder and accomplishments as a happy byproduct.

In other words: the more you try to change your mind, the easier it gets. Start with these seven key steps.

Yesterday, we asked you about your favorite Michael Ian Black project. You said:

• "Another Period" (1%)
• "Michael & Michael Have Issues" (3%)
• "Stella" (5%)
• "The State" (28%)
• "Wet Hot American Summer" (63%)

I Stayed in 15 London Hotels in 30 Days. These Are My Favorites.

Top-hatted doormen, afternoon tea and sparkling chandeliers are the hallmarks of a luxury stay in London. And while the British capital has always been a go-to for the glitterati, its hotel scene has gotten even swankier over the past few years.

In 2023, the city saw a huge influx of new hotels, opening close to 3,000 more rooms. Of the 33 hotels that opened, 16 were four or five-star stays. Simply put, London’s hotel scene has never been better​​ — or posher.

With arrivals from major brands like Raffles and trendsetters like The Twenty Two, we spent a month hopping around London. After visiting 15 of its best hotels, here are our top 10.

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Octomore 15 Is Redefining What “Heavily Peated” Really Means

What we’re drinking: Octomore 15, the latest three whiskies in an annual series of super peaty Scotch single malts

Where it’s from: Revived in 2001, Bruichladdich is located on the southernmost end of western Scotland’s Hebridean Archipelago. The Islay distillery — known for its whisky but also a really good gin — focuses heavily on local terroir; everything produced there is made with 100% Scottish barley and Islay spring water. The distillery launched the Octomore series in 2008.

Why we’re drinking these: Once again, the annual release of Octomore is the best time of year for Scotch drinkers, particularly those who like their whisky extremely peaty.