A question that lingers on the minds of many is: how can they stay productive and avoid burnout? Joining us on the latest episode of The Small Business Show is Dr. Brynn Winegard, Keynote Speaker, Professor, and Global Expert in Applied Neuroscience. Dr. Winegard joins anchor Jim Fitzpatrick to answer this top-of-mind question further.
Dr. Winegard’s areas of expertise are applied neuroscience and positive psychology. During her research, she discovered several corporate law and workplace narratives based on brain myths. These myths were not only harmful but held people back. As an entrepreneur, she has dedicated her time to debunking these myths and helping individuals utilize their brains better for ultimate success.
Key Takeaways:
1. According to Winegard, the brain doesn’t work solely on the Circadian rhythm- a light, dark, day, night, 24-hour cycle that our body operates from. Instead, it works on the Ultradian cycle, which is a much shorter 90-120-minute cycle with four phases: The climb, peak, fall, and valley.
2. To boost productivity levels, Winegard suggests that individuals should go with their flow and focus on the Ultradian cycle. For example, If one finds themselves in their peak, in the zone, and everything is great, don’t force taking breaks or rest; stay in that moment. On the other hand, if you’re in the fall section, it’s time to take a break.
3. Winegard asserts that we tend to be at our best when we wake up, and our brains operate at the Ultradian level. However, since everyone’s flow differs, Winegard suggests pushing oneself to enter their Circadian flow throughout the day.
4. Although clinical burnout is a medical condition that should be monitored and discussed by a professional. Many business owners or people who pull double shifts can typically tell when they are undergoing burnout through either emotional volatiles, compromised self-perceptions, or even unexplainable exhaustion.
5. There are several ways individuals can determine if they are undergoing burnout that aren’t as “common.” Such as procrastination, being highly perfectionistic, multi-tasking, self-handicapping, letting the unimportant rule you, and creating clusters are evidence that individuals are trending toward ‘pre-burnout.’
6. If you identify with any of the pre-qualifying burnout symptoms, Winegard suggests getting more sleep. Sleep is where the brain heals, cleans, builds, and wires itself; “It’s absolutely magical.”
"Self-care is the new health care." – Dr. Brynn Winegard.
