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Ever feel like you’re sprinting through life with no chance to catch your breath? In this episode, I dive into the power of pacing—how to slow down and work at a human pace in a world that never stops. Drawing from my experience in neurorehabilitation, I break down the impact of cognitive fatigue, burnout, and why structured rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Plus, I’ll share practical ways to reduce information overload, manage digital consumption, and make small but powerful shifts to support your brain health and well-being.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to incorporate the neurorehab pacing framework into your daily life
- The importance of structured rest: 10 minutes per hour, one hour per day, one day per week, and one week every 12-16 weeks
- How burnout affects cognitive function and why rest is non-negotiable
- The impact of digital inputs on stress levels and how to minimize overstimulation
- Practical ways to build small, sustainable habits for better mental clarity and energy
Key Takeaways:
- If you feel like you can’t stop working or your brain is always “on,” you may be experiencing cognitive burnout.
- Digital overstimulation, especially from our phones, is draining our attention and rest time. Consider a digital declutter challenge.
- Start small: bookend your day without media, take short movement breaks, and spend just 10 minutes outside to reset.
- The laws require breaks at work—yet many of us don’t take them. It’s time to change that.
Resources Mentioned:
- Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Premack Principle & Habit Stacking for behavioral change
- COGSmart program from the VA for cognitive rehabilitation
- Related Episodes:
What’s one small change you can make today to support your brain? Let me know! Join the therapist pen-pal list above
