Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

#487 How To Master Your Brain’s 3 Gears, Improve Your Focus & Break Free from Stress with Dr Mithu Storoni

Oct 22, 2024

02:17:40

Snipd AI

This time, Dr. Mithu Storoni, a University of Cambridge-trained physician and neuroscience expert, explores the need to rethink productivity in our fast-paced world. She introduces her concept of the brain’s three gears for enhancing focus and reducing burnout. Mithu emphasizes the importance of aligning work with natural rhythms, taking breaks, and the power of walking for creativity. She also discusses how technology affects focus and contrasts modern work with the practices of long-lived communities. Prepare for insightful tips to optimize your work and mental well-being!

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The podcast stresses the need to shift from quantity-focused productivity metrics to quality-based measures that foster creativity and innovation.

Dr. Mithu Storoni introduces the concept of the brain's three gears, emphasizing the importance of learning to shift between them for optimal mental performance.

Aligning work patterns with natural bodily rhythms, incorporating regular breaks and naps, is essential for maintaining high cognitive function and reducing burnout.

The discussion highlights the impact of technology on focus, advocating for intentional disconnection to enhance quality thinking and creativity.

Deep dives

The Need for a New Work Approach

The podcast emphasizes the urgency for a new approach to work, arguing that traditional methods are ill-suited for the modern knowledge economy. The existing frameworks, primarily designed during the Industrial Revolution, encourage productivity based on quantity rather than quality. As work becomes more knowledge-based, the focus should shift to enhancing decision-making and cognitive efficiency. Acknowledging the limitations of current systems will help individuals and organizations adapt to a world where mental agility is crucial.

Shift from Quantity to Quality in Productivity Measurement

01:33

When Exhaustion Meets Overdrive

01:21

Intro

3min

Revamping Productivity: The Brain's Gears

26min

Exploring Footwear Benefits and Health Optimization Through Blood Testing

4min

The Brain's Gears: Navigating Focus and Distraction

11min

Tired But Wired: Rethinking Productivity

18min

Unlocking Productivity Through Power Law Insights

4min

Rethinking Productivity: Balance and Flexibility in the Workplace

18min

Harnessing the Power of Rest and Breath

16min

Walking: A Path to Cognitive Clarity

7min

10.

Eyes, Movement, and Mental States

26min

11.

Secrets of Longevity and Adaptation

5min

12.

Insights and Resources for Personal Growth

2min

Today’s workplaces are rapidly evolving, and today’s guest believes we’re still clinging to outdated notions of productivity. Despite the shift from physical to knowledge-based work, many workplaces still prioritise quantity over quality and this is leading to stress and burnout for many employees.

Dr Mithu Storoni is a University of Cambridge-trained physician, neuroscience researcher and ophthalmic surgeon who advises many multinational companies on mental performance and stress management. Her latest book, ‘Hyperefficient: Simple Methods to Optimise Your Brain and Transform the Way You Work’, lays out the tools we need to retune our brains to their best settings for complex thinking, creativity, concentration, and decision-making.

In our conversation, Mithu explains her novel idea that our brain has 3 different gears and that if we can learn how to use them, we can dramatically improve our productivity and our mental wellbeing. She also explains the critical importance of aligning our work patterns with our natural bodily rhythms, the science of taking regular breaks, the specific benefits that naps can offer and the role of exercise, particularly walking, in enhancing creativity and problem-solving.

We also discuss the impact of modern technology on our ability to focus and relax, and Mithu contrasts our modern lives, with the lives of long living communities around the world.

This episode is brimming with actionable advice on how to work more effectively, protect your brain health, and find a more harmonious balance between productivity and wellbeing. Whether you're battling burnout, struggling with focus, or simply looking to optimise the way you live, Mithu's approach offers a roadmap to a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to life.

Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore.

For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.

Thanks to our sponsors:

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore

https://thriva.co

https://airbnb.co.uk/host

https://drinkag1.com/livemore

Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/487

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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export