Neuroscientist Reveals 3 Everyday Habits to Maintain Cognitive Function and Boost Energy Levels

Mental Sharpness: A Strategy of Consistency Over Intensity

Daya Grant, a Los Angeles-based neuroscientist and mental-performance consultant, has shared her insights on building mental sharpness. Contrary to the notion of "grinding harder," Grant advocates for a strategy of repeatable routines that support brain health over time.

Key Practices for Building Resilience

Grant's experience as a parent and endurance sports enthusiast has taught her the importance of consistent habits in building mental clarity. Three simple practices she uses daily include:

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1. Protecting Unstructured Time

Grant prioritizes unstructured time, often spending it outdoors, observing ambient sounds and sunlight. This practice allows the mind to reset without external demands, fueling creativity and restoring cognitive energy.

2. Relearning Hobbies for Cognitive Benefits

Grant has reintroduced two childhood hobbies, piano and jigsaw puzzles, into her daily routine. These activities strengthen memory and executive-function regions in the brain and provide a calming mental break.

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3. Alternate Nostril Breathing for Alertness

Grant relies on alternate nostril breathing to reduce mental fatigue and increase alertness. This well-researched technique involves rhythmically closing and opening each nostril while inhaling and exhaling through the opposite side.

By incorporating these simple practices into her daily routine, Grant has developed a strategy for building resilience and mental sharpness. Her approach emphasizes the importance of consistency and repeatable routines over high-intensity self-optimization.