#1 Neuroscience Researcher: "Get More Done In 30 Days Than Others Do In 12 Months" | Mithu Storoni

Rangan Chatterjee

23 oct 2024

Episode description

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Today’s workplaces are rapidly evolving, and today’s guest believes we’re still clinging to outdated notions of productivity.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.

#feelbetterlivemore
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Connect with Dr Storoni:
Website https://www.mithustoroni.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/MithuStoroni
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mithustoroni/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drmithustoroni/

Dr Storoni’s books:
Hyperefficient: Simple Methods to Optimise your Brain and Transform the Way you Work US: https://amzn.to/48wTlp7 UK: https://amzn.to/48hfnfh

#feelbetterlivemore #feelbetterlivemorepodcast

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Episode description

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Utilize walking as a cognitive tool for problem-solving

Walking is a powerful tool for problem-solving because it keeps you alert while forcing your attention to wander and explore ideas without getting stuck.

#cognition

#walking

Structure your day with power law rhythm for productivity

Structure your day using a power law rhythm by doing the most intense work for the shortest time and progressively easier work for longer periods.

#efficiency

Shift from tired but wired to restful relaxation

The feeling of being 'tired but wired' occurs when your body is exhausted but your mind is stuck in the hyper-aroused Gear 3, preventing relaxation and sleep.

#sleep

#stress

Develop mental focus without relying on technology crutches

Relying on stimulating technology to enter a focused state (Gear 2) is like using a crutch that prevents you from developing the mental ability to get there on your own.

#focus

Maximize creativity by working during off-peak hours

Studies show that creative work peaks during off-peak hours, like early in the morning or late in the day, outside the typical 9-to-5 window.

#creativity

Measure productivity by quality of ideas, not hours worked

As AI handles low-level quantitative tasks, human productivity should be measured by the quality of ideas and solutions, not the hours worked or emails sent.

#AI

#efficiency

Identify and utilize your brain's three operational gears

Your mind operates in three distinct states: Gear 1 (daydreaming), Gear 2 (the optimal sweet spot for focused work), and Gear 3 (a hyper-aroused, reactive state).

#cognition

#focus

Limit intense mental work to boost next-day cognitive capacity

The fatigue from doing more than four hours of intense mental work can carry over to the next day, reducing your cognitive capacity even after a full night's sleep.

#cognition

#fatigue

Recognize office work as a mental marathon to sustain brain health

A standard, intense office job is the mental equivalent of running a marathon at the speed of a sprint, which is completely unsustainable for the brain.

#cognition

#stress

Embrace natural rhythms of work and relaxation for longevity

A key to longevity in Blue Zones may be the natural rhythmicity of life, which involves intense work in tune with nature followed by long periods of deep relaxation.