The Healthy Brain Podcast Tap into this Brain Switch to increase your Attention, Planning and Productivity.
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Apr 30, 2025 Discover the vital role of quiet reflection in enhancing mental clarity and productivity. Learn how stress affects the communication between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, and how you can improve decision-making. Explore the importance of pondering for brain enhancement and flexibility, along with practical strategies like meditation and journaling. These techniques can help foster better attention and productivity, tapping into the brain's natural capabilities.
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Heather's Quiet Morning Pondering
- Heather Kolwich shared how she carved out quiet pondering time during her kids' school years, mostly early mornings before anyone else was awake.
- This intentional quiet time became a sacred practice, sometimes lasting up to two hours for her personal morning routine.
Brain Switch Through Pondering
- Pondering allows the brain to switch from high amygdala activity (stress) to high prefrontal cortex activity (planning and problem solving).
- This switch is crucial to calm the brain and improve decision-making and attention.
Stress Impairs Brain Balance
- Chronic stress activates the amygdala, impairing prefrontal cortex functions like decision-making and calming the brain.
- Effective brain function requires shifting amygdala activity down while increasing prefrontal cortex activity for balance and focus.