5 Rules A Neurologist Follows To Stay Productive In An Autumn Slump

NeurologistIn an exhausting season, staying on your A-game with work, life admin, and cooking can feel completely overwhelming. To make things worse, neuroscientist Dr Ramon Velazquez, who’s partnered with Mind Lab Pro, shared that this is an especially tough month for workers. “October is when many professionals start to feel the weight of year-end goals, yet many are still carrying the effects of what I call ‘vacation brain,’ the slower pace that lingers after summer,” the expert said. “The encouraging news is that the brain is remarkably adaptable. With just a few practical adjustments, focus and drive can be quickly restored,” he added.Here are the tips he uses to stay productive during an autumn slump:1) Staying aware of your “Ultradian rhythm” You might have heard of your Circadian rhythm, which has to do with your body’s sleep-wake cycle. But your Ultradian rhythm is a biological cycle that happens in a timeframe shorter than 24 hours, including your attention span.“The brain can sustain deep focus for about 90 to 120 minutes before performance dips,” Dr Velazquez said.“Structuring work into cycles with short breaks keeps concentration steady and prevents mental fatigue.” 2) Avoiding multitasking where possible Though it might be tempting to try to complete two or more jobs at once, the neurologist doesn’t advise it. That’s because, he shared, “switching between tasks forces the brain to reset, which can waste up to 40% of productive time”.Try the more effective “single-tasking” instead when you can.3) Take advantage of dopamine If you find yourself looking for quick fixes like sugary snacks or short-form videos during work, it might be because your mind likes the dopamine, or “reward signal,” they create.But Dr Velazquez stated that you can work with, rather than against, this tendency. “Completing micro-goals triggers dopamine release, which boosts motivation,” he revealed. “Breaking work into smaller steps makes big projects feel manageable and keeps momentum going.” 4) Light your workspace well Decreased natural light is linked to decreased attention, mood, and even memory. So it’s no wonder the neuroscientist recommended “maximising natural light or using full-spectrum lamps [to help] sustain alertness throughout the workday” during autumn.5) Having a consistent morning routineIt might be tempting to sleep in longer during “cosy season”. Not only do experts think lie-ins lasting more than an hour could harm your sleep in the work week, however, but sticking to a consistent sleep schedule is key to getting enough kip, especially as the clocks change.“A strong morning routine sets you up to stay productive all day,” Dr Valazquez stated, adding, “early sunlight and light exercise regulate cortisol.” He ended, “Just as no one can sprint through an entire marathon, professionals cannot sustain peak output by simply pushing harder. Lasting focus comes from working in sync with the brain’s natural cycles of energy, rest, and reward”. Related...7 Workers Shared Their Bosses' Most 'Michael Scott' MomentsSuddenly Exhausted All The Time? The Reason May Lie In Your Gut'Sleep Staggering' Could Prevent 3AM Wake-Ups This Winter

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