Dr. Anders Hansen's "The Attention Fix" explores the science of attention and provides practical strategies for improving focus and concentration. The book delves into the impact of technology and modern lifestyles on our attention spans. Hansen emphasizes the importance of nature, exercise, and mindfulness in enhancing cognitive function. He offers evidence-based techniques to improve attention, memory, and overall mental well-being. The book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their focus and productivity in today's demanding world.
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].
In 'Stolen Focus', Johann Hari delves into the reasons behind the collapse of our ability to pay attention. He discusses various factors contributing to this issue and provides strategies on how to think deeply again and reclaim our focus in a world filled with distractions.
Drawing on cutting-edge research, Jonathan Rauch explains that happiness follows a U-shaped trajectory, declining from the optimism of youth into a low trough in middle age before rising again in the 50s. This midlife slump is defined as a natural stage of life, equipping individuals with new tools for wisdom and gratitude. The book features insights from various individuals, including everyday people and notable figures, and discusses how social, rather than material, factors influence happiness in later life.
Sherry Turkle's "Reclaiming Conversation" delves into the impact of technology on human connection and communication. The book explores how our reliance on digital devices affects our ability to engage in meaningful face-to-face interactions. Turkle argues that technology, while offering convenience, can hinder our capacity for empathy and genuine understanding. She emphasizes the importance of fostering authentic communication in an increasingly digital world. The book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of navigating the complexities of human interaction in the digital age.
I think it’s fair to say that human beings have got it pretty good. Compared to most of our evolutionary history we have never been richer, safer, or lived longer lives. Yet, despite that, more of us are struggling with our health than ever before. What’s going on? This is the question that my guest today has spent years trying to answer.
Dr Anders Hansen is a Swedish psychiatrist, a globally renowned speaker with his own TV series exploring the human brain and he is also the author of multiple bestselling books, including his latest two The Happiness Cure and The Attention Fix.
He believes we can start to understand the struggles of modern life by looking to the brain, where our emotions are created. The brain did not evolve for intelligence, creativity or even happiness. Its sole purpose is to help us survive and reproduce – to make it to tomorrow, alive. We have inherited the evolutionary defence mechanisms that kept our ancestors hyper alert, fearful, and able to evade danger.
The trouble is that modern life has evolved at a pace our genes and brains have been unable to match. So today, these incredible survival skills that once helped us, now show up as unwanted feelings like chronic anxiety, distractibility, an urge to overeat, under exercise and even gamble. We often see these as mental health failings – something broken that needs to be fixed, says Anders. But when you look at them through the lens of evolutionary psychology, these behaviours all start to make perfect sense.
We no longer live on the Savanna: we live in a world of abundance and super-stimulation – and, if we want to thrive, we need to work against our brains’ natural instincts.
Easier said than done? Perhaps, but this conversation contains some excellent practical advice to get you started.
Anders is someone who really wants all of us to learn how exactly our brains are wired - so we can more easily understand ourselves and our daily behaviours. He is passionate, knowledgeable and a brilliant communicator. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with him, I hope you enjoy listening.
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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee 
