What Distraction Does to Your Brain—and How To Regain Cognitive Control | Adam Gazzaley

10% Happier with Dan Harris

Distraction is making you anxious and sleepless. Here’s how to fix it.

Adam Gazzaley, M.D., Ph.D. is the David Dolby Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Physiology and Psychiatry, and Founder & Executive Director of Neuroscape at UCSF. He co-authored the 2016 book “The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World”. 

In this episode we talk about:

  • The impact of multitasking on our attention, relationships, emotions, anxiety, and memory
  • The difference between top-down and bottom-up attention
  • What it means to have cognitive control—and some practical tools for restoring your own cognitive control. 
  • Controversial technologies that could eventually help us have a stronger brain
  • The impact of music and rhythm on the mind
  • And how to use technology for your brain’s benefit

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