Join science journalist Annie Murphy Paul, author of "The Extended Mind," as she explores the fascinating connection between our minds and bodies. She advocates for the power of fidgeting and its role in cognition, while also providing tips to enhance group brainstorms. Discover how gestures enhance communication and why nature is vital for mental well-being. Paul dives into the emotional implications of the extended mind, urging us to consider how our relationships shape our cognitive abilities.
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insights INSIGHT
Extended Mind
We often limit our thinking to our brains, neglecting other resources.
Our bodies, environment, and social connections enhance our cognitive abilities.
insights INSIGHT
Embodied Cognition
Embodied cognition reveals how body movements affect our thinking.
Moving our bodies in specific ways influences brain operation and mental states.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Fidgeting
Use fidgeting to self-regulate and modulate alertness.
Fidget objects can soothe anxiety, boost creativity, and enhance mood.
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In 'The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain,' Annie Murphy Paul argues that our minds are not confined to the brain but extend into our bodies, surroundings, and social relationships. The book explores embodied, situated, and distributed cognition, providing practical advice on how to think better by utilizing 'extra-neural' resources such as bodily sensations, physical spaces, and the minds of others. Paul draws on research from neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, and psychologists, as well as examples from artists, scientists, and leaders who have successfully used these mental extensions to solve problems and create new works[2][4][5].
WorkLife will be back on March 29 with new episodes including an incredible conversation with Dolly Parton, and an episode on the (not so) Great Resignation. For now, here's an episode of another show that Adam frequently appears on. It's called The Next Big Idea, presented by LinkedIn. In this episode, Annie Murphy Paul, author of “The Extended Mind” sits down with Adam for a spirited conversation in which she defends the fine art of fidgeting, suggests ways to improve group brainstorms, and gives him advice on how to talk to his childhood sensei. For more episodes, you can find and follow the Next Big Idea wherever you're listening to this.
Worklife with Adam Grant 
