Brain Hacks For The Office: Neuroscientist Shares Two Simple Ways To Stay Focused And Motivated

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed at work? According to Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a leading neuroscientist and Dean at NYU’s College of Arts & Science, your brain may be sprinting nonstop under pressure. In her recent #MindfulMonday Instagram series, she explains how constant multitasking and mental clutter can sabotage focus and motivation—and offers two simple tools to reset your brain.

Key Highlights:

- Why Your Brain Feels Stuck  
  Dr. Suzuki explains that the brain treats constant pressure like a never-ending sprint. This leads to mental fatigue, poor focus, and decision paralysis. The working memory becomes overloaded with “don’t forgets,” draining energy and clarity.

- The Done List  
  Instead of obsessing over unfinished tasks, create a “Done List” at the end of each day. This list celebrates completed actions—big or small—and helps reinforce a sense of progress. It rewires the brain to focus on achievement rather than anxiety.

- The Brain Dump  
  To clear mental clutter, practice a “Brain Dump.” Write down all lingering thoughts, worries, and to-dos. Then, organize them into actionable steps. This technique frees up cognitive space and reduces stress by offloading the mental load.

- Neuroscience Behind It  
  These techniques tap into the brain’s reward system and prefrontal cortex. Acknowledging accomplishments and externalizing thoughts helps reduce cortisol levels and improve executive function.

- Real-World Impact  
  Professionals who use these methods report improved focus, better sleep, and enhanced motivation. The simplicity of the tools makes them easy to adopt across industries and roles.

- Digital Detox Reminder  
  Dr. Suzuki also emphasizes the importance of stepping away from screens and multitasking. Structured breaks and single-tasking can dramatically improve mental clarity.

- Emotional Resilience  
  By training the brain to recognize wins and release mental clutter, these techniques foster emotional resilience and long-term productivity.

Sources: Times of India, Forbes, India Today