No.1 Neuroscientist: NEW Research Explains Why Life, Work & Your Sex Life will eventually get Boring! (HOW TO STOP THIS HAPPENING) Dr. Tali Sharot
Nov 16, 2023
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Dr. Tali Sharot, a renowned neuroscientist and director of the Affective Brain Lab at University College London, discusses the psychology behind our emotional responses. She shares fascinating insights on why monotony can sap joy from life and relationships. From the need for novelty to combat boredom, to the benefits of taking breaks from partners, her advice promotes happiness and motivation. Discover how VR can help overcome fears and why living your best life may be a myth. Sharot offers practical tips on revitalizing relationships and embracing change for personal growth.
To keep a relationship fresh, introduce variety and breaks to prevent habituation.
Incorporating change and novelty in life is essential for personal growth, creativity, and overall happiness.
The midlife crisis is real and can be alleviated by introducing new experiences and pursuing personal growth.
By embracing breaks, changing environments, and seeking diverse experiences, we can enhance our creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Deep dives
Maintaining freshness in relationships
To keep a relationship fresh and new, it is important to introduce variety and breaks. When things become routine and unchanging, our brain stops responding, resulting in decreased joy and attention. By incorporating new activities, taking breaks, and exploring different experiences together, couples can keep their relationship spicy and prevent habituation.
The importance of change and novelty
Habituation is a natural response where our brain stops responding to constant stimuli. While routine and familiarity have their benefits, such as feeling secure and comfortable, they can also lead to decreased joy and satisfaction. Incorporating change, exploring new activities, and trying new experiences can bring back the excitement and interest in our lives. Change and novelty are essential for personal growth, creativity, and overall happiness.
The midlife crisis
The midlife crisis is a real phenomenon where happiness levels dip in midlife. This could be due to increased stressors, routine, and less learning and progression. People often crave variety and novelty in midlife, leading to a sense of discontentment and a desire for change. By introducing new experiences, pursuing personal growth, and finding ways to break free from routine, individuals can alleviate the midlife crisis and regain happiness.
Creativity and the importance of breaks
Creativity is linked to our ability to break away from habituation and introduce new ideas and perspectives. Allowing ourselves breaks and changing our environment can enhance creativity and problem-solving. People who habituate slower tend to be more creative, as they retain more information and make unique connections between seemingly unrelated aspects. By embracing breaks, changing environments, and seeking diverse experiences, we can enhance our creative thinking and innovation.
The Power of Perception: How Fonts and Presentation Affect Belief
The way information is presented can have a significant impact on how people perceive and believe it. Research shows that using larger, bold fonts makes information easier to process, leading to increased belief in its truthfulness. This concept applies not only to fonts but also to other factors that make information more easily processed, such as clear and concise communication or relating new information to existing beliefs. By understanding how perception and processing influence belief, individuals can effectively convey their message or recommendations.
De-Habituation and Introducing Novelty to Enrich Life
Introducing novelty and breaking habitual patterns can have a positive impact on our lives. By embracing new experiences, trying new things, or even taking small steps to change our routines, we can create variety and enhance our overall well-being. This applies to various aspects of life, including relationships, work, and personal development. While change may seem daunting at times, it can lead to growth, learning, and increased satisfaction. By continuously exploring and introducing novelty, we can avoid habituation and make life more engaging.
Managing Expectations and the Influence of Social Media
Expectations play a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and satisfaction with life. Social media has the power to influence our expectations by presenting idealized versions of others' lives, setting unrealistic standards. This can lead to feelings of disappointment and a distorted perception of reality. To mitigate the negative impact of social media, it is essential to recognize its potential influence and take intentional breaks from it. By managing our expectations and focusing on meaningful experiences and connections beyond the digital realm, we can cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Is new always better? Instead of always chasing the newest thing, is there not a way that you can appreciate the people and possessions already in your life?
In this new episode Steven sits down again with leading neuroscientist, Dr. Tali Sharot.
Dr. Tali Sharot is the director of the Affective Brain Lab and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London. Sharot’s research combines neuroscience with the study of behaviour and psychology to examine how emotions and motivation lead to people’s beliefs and decisions. She is the author of the award-winning books, ‘The Optimism Bias’ and ‘The Influential Mind’.
In this conversation Dr. Sharot and Steven discuss topics, such as:
How to shake up your life
Ways to break the feeling of being in a repetitive cycle
Why people become immune to joy
How to see what you’ve always missed
How to have the best holiday
Why you should take a break from your partner to improve your relationship
How to keep a relationship spicey
Why humans need the feeling of being in control
The secrets of motivation
Why the midlife crisis is real and the ways to beat it
How VR can help people overcome fear
Why happiness is low in midlife
How to increase productivity
Why humans get bored of happiness
Why the idea of living your best life doesn’t exist
