Nerdy Brain Stuff 

Procrastination 

What are the psychological roots of procrastination?

Psychologists have identified various drivers of procrastination, from low self-confidence to anxiety, a lack of structure, and, simply, an inability to motivate oneself to complete unpleasant tasks. Research has also shown that procrastination is closely linked to rumination, or becoming fixated on negative thoughts. (Psychology Today)

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Dopamine 

When you start to get distracted from an unpleasant task, the limbic system starts a process called 'immediate mood repair'. Doing a more pleasant task provides the brain with a small amount of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that helps the brain control our pleasure and reward centres. If you do or see something good, you’ll get a little hit of dopamine. Your brain likes this, and you’ll be more likely to keep doing whatever it is that releases the dopamine. In the case of procrastination, you’re being rewarded for not doing the task that you’re supposed to because it feels better for your brain. (ARC USNW Student Life)

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Executive Function

Executive function skills help people complete tasks and interact with others. They include a range of skills, such as:

planning and organization; concentrating and managing mental focus; analyzing and processing information; 

managing emotions and behavior; remembering details; managing time; multitasking; solving problems (Medical News Today)

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Podcasts of Interest

Huberman Lab with Andrew Huberman

Mel Robbins

The Dream Beyond with Nik Tarascio

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Books of Interest

Gina Pera - 

"Is It You, Me or Adult ADD? Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder”

Bessel Van der Kolk, M.D. - 

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo - 

You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder

Marc Dingman, PhD -

 Your Brain, Explained: What Neuroscience Reveals About Your Brain and its Quirks

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