Mental Health

How to Make Your Brain Perform Better While at Work

By Dynne C. | Update Date: Jun 18, 2024 11:30 AM EDT

Enhancing brain performance at work is crucial for achieving productivity and job satisfaction.

Better Brain Performance

To improve brain performance, it is important to recognize and address the beliefs and biases formed during childhood. These can impact decisions and actions in adulthood, often unconsciously.

Dr. James Doty, founder of the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, explains that many choices, such as career paths and personal relationships, are influenced by this early "baggage." Understanding and managing these influences can significantly enhance one's mindset and performance at work.

How to Make Your Brain Perform Better While at Work

Acknowledge Childhood Influences

Many people carry subconscious intentions from childhood into their adult lives. Dr. Doty emphasizes the importance of recognizing these influences to avoid unintentional impacts on one's professional and personal future. By actively managing one's mindset, people can harness their potential and improve their circumstances.

Cultivate Optimism

Adopting a positive outlook can greatly enhance job performance. Dr. Doty advocates for "dispositional optimism," which involves believing in limitless possibilities. Maintaining a hopeful attitude, even if goals do not manifest immediately, can change how people interact with the world and foster a more productive and engaging work environment.

Be Present and Engaged

Fear and negativity can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health. Reversing these effects involves being intentionally present during interactions with colleagues. Dr. Doty advises showing genuine interest, making eye contact, and demonstrating that one has time for others. These simple actions can significantly improve workplace morale and connection.

Practice Self-Care

Those dedicated to helping others often neglect their own well-being, leading to burnout. Dr. Doty highlights the necessity of self-care for sustainable compassion and effectiveness. Taking time for exercise, meditation, and relaxation is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health, enabling people to continue their work effectively.

Implement Positive Habits

Using techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, visualization, and compassion can help reframe one's perspective and build beneficial habits. These practices create new neural pathways that can be strengthened through repetition and intention. Sharing these approaches within an organization can benefit both employees and overall outcomes.

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