
How I Work
The 5-minute brain workout Muse co-founder Ariel Garten swears by for better focus
Apr 30, 2025
Ariel Garten is a neuroscientist and psychotherapist, co-founder of Muse, a revolutionary brain-sensing headband transforming meditation. She discusses how our brains can feel overwhelmed, and how a simple five-minute workout can reset our focus and emotional state. Ariel shares insights on training the prefrontal cortex and explains how to manage stress through awareness of habits. She emphasizes that productivity doesn’t come from pushing harder but from recognizing our limits and utilizing structured breaks effectively.
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Quick takeaways
- Ariel Garten advocates for short daily meditation sessions using the Muse headband to enhance focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive function.
- Recognizing personal limits and prioritizing tasks effectively is crucial for managing work-life balance and preventing burnout amidst demanding responsibilities.
Deep dives
Overcoming the Challenge of Meditation
Many people find it difficult to meditate despite its proven benefits for emotional well-being, stress reduction, and improved sleep. A neuroscientist shares how the Muse headband, which provides real-time feedback during meditation, helped her establish a consistent practice despite her initially distracted mind. She emphasizes that starting with just three to four minutes of meditation can be effective, even for beginners. The key is to build a routine and understand that meditation does not require a blank mind; rather, it's about redirecting attention back to the breath when thoughts arise.