Evidence-based agony aunt: helping a nayser deal with their new tendencies
A workplace expert uses neuroscience to help someone overcome chronic negativity at work. The advice includes recognizing negativity bias, taking restorative time off, deliberately noticing positive moments daily, and considering whether a new challenge is needed to reignite engagement and enthusiasm.
How to conserve mental energy during the day
Learn how neuroscience explains mental performance and energy levels throughout your day. Discover practical strategies based on the Yerkes-Dodson principle to maintain optimal focus and avoid burnout.
Do you have a false growth mindset?
Many organizations misuse Carol Dweck’s growth mindset research, creating a false growth mindset. This often involves praising effort alone without addressing strategy or process, which doesn’t actually develop a growth mindset. Understanding your triggers and focusing on effective learning strategies—not just effort—is key to genuine growth.
Evidence-based agony aunt: I’m the only woman in leadership meetings after promotion and I’m having a crisis of confidence
A newly promoted woman struggles with confidence as the only female in leadership meetings. Research shows women tend to underestimate their abilities compared to men, but experts say reframing your thoughts and taking action can build genuine confidence through neural reinforcement.
Evidence-based agony aunt: should I leave because my male colleagues are paid more?
A woman on a graduate scheme discovers male colleagues earn more despite equal qualifications and performance ratings. An expert explores why the gender pay gap emerges early and offers evidence-based negotiation strategies to help women advocate effectively for equal compensation.
Evidence-based agony aunt: revered boss making inappropriate comments
A boss’s habit of commenting on your appearance rather than your work performance creates a “competence vs. likability” dilemma for women. An evidence-based agony aunt explains how to address inappropriate comments by making him aware of the pattern and establishing clear boundaries about professional recognition.
The myth of the male versus female brain
Recent meta-analysis of brain MRI studies challenges the widespread belief in categorically different male and female brains, finding no significant sex differences in amygdala volume when accounting for overall brain size. The research suggests much more overlap than difference between genders across nearly all brain measures.
Is the power pose a fake? Re-analysing Amy Cuddy’s work
Recent attempts to replicate Amy Cuddy’s power pose research have found mixed results. While hormonal effects remain unclear, studies consistently show that expansive postures increase feelings of power and confidence, which can improve cognitive function and emotional regulation.
Evidence-based agony aunt: “I get home from work a zombie. What can I do?”
After work exhaustion can stem from overusing your prefrontal cortex without adequate breaks. Taking hourly breaks and mixing routine tasks with creative work helps your brain recover, allowing you to stay energized rather than depleted by evening.
Our brains developed to be influenced by confident people
Our brains automatically place more value on the opinions of confident people, according to a new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Researchers identified a brain region that responds specifically to confident opinions when making decisions, suggesting confidence evolved as a key factor in social influence.
The role of feedback in performance management – the conditions for success
Feedback’s effectiveness in performance management depends on specific conditions for success. Research suggests manager-initiated feedback often fails or backfires, but employee-requested feedback proves more valuable. Restructuring feedback to be employee-driven rather than manager-imposed can improve outcomes and reduce workplace threat.
Maximising productivity and performance – using your brain better by managing your body
Discover how diet and physical activity directly impact brain performance and productivity. Research shows omega-3 fatty acids support cognitive function and memory, while challenging common myths like low-fat diets. Learn science-backed strategies to optimize your body for better mental performance.
Exploring the link between performance, productivity and memory
Research shows that eating fruits and vegetables improves focus, memory, and cognitive performance through nutrients that boost dopamine and reduce inflammation. The MIND diet, combining Mediterranean and DASH approaches, offers particular benefits for memory enhancement and reducing dementia risk.
Don’t just sit there …..learn something and move
Excessive sitting poses serious health risks, with studies showing it reduces fat-burning enzymes by 90% and increases risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Experts recommend regular movement breaks to maintain metabolism and overall health.
When will we stop trivialising sleep?
Sleep is far more essential than most people realize. While top performers sleep significantly more than average—about 8.5 hours daily plus naps—recent research links poor sleep to Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and reduced work performance. During sleep, the brain actively processes memories and clears toxins rather than shutting down.
Powering performance with… coffee
Recent scientific research suggests coffee offers significant health benefits when consumed in moderation, including improved cognitive function, reduced dementia risk, and better heart health. Studies indicate 3-5 cups daily may help preserve brain cells and prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Powering performance with… nuts
Walnuts and other nuts offer significant health benefits, including improved cholesterol levels, better blood vessel function, and potential cognitive support. Research suggests eating 7-9 walnuts daily may delay Alzheimer’s onset while supporting heart health and weight management.
Powering performance with… rosemary oil
Research from Northumbria University shows that rosemary oil’s active ingredient, 1,8-cineole, enhances cognitive performance and mood. Higher concentrations in the blood correlate with improved speed, accuracy, and contentedness, suggesting the herb may boost mental performance through positive mood effects.
Powering performance with… turmeric
Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that fights chronic inflammation at the molecular level. Research suggests it may reduce risk of Alzheimer’s, cancer, and liver disease, with some studies showing significant symptom improvement in dementia patients.
Powering performance with… chocolate
Research shows chocolate offers significant health benefits, with studies linking consumption to reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. Dark chocolate with high cocoa content provides the most benefits due to its abundance of antioxidants and polyphenols.
