The OptimalWork Podcast 268. Understanding Depression II: Good and Bad Tired
Oct 6, 2025
Explore the intriguing distinction between 'good tired' and 'bad tired,' tied to different brain states influenced by adenosine and dopamine. Discover practical strategies to manage energy, like focusing on love-driven motives, structured sprints with breaks, and mindful unit-tasking. Learn how to reset during a workday with effective breaks involving light, movement, and hydration. This insightful conversation offers tools to help you transform fatigue into productive energy, setting the stage for deeper discussions on burnout.
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Good Versus Bad Tired Are Different
- Good tired and bad tired are distinct brain states tied to two adenosine receptors (A1 and A2A).
- Type 1 (A1) produces restful sleep pressure while type 2 (A2A) produces despair-like bad tiredness.
Dopamine Blocks Bad Tired
- Dopamine binds to receptors that heterodimerize with type 2 adenosine receptors and inhibits them.
- High dopamine during effort shifts experience toward good tired by blocking type 2 signaling.
Anchor Work In Love And Service
- Work from motives of love and service to protect motivation and prevent type 2 activation.
- Reframe tasks toward helping real people or ideals to reduce despair-like tiredness.