John Medina is a developmental molecular American biologist and author best known for his book “Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School.”
In this book, Medina explores the intricate complexities of the human brain and how it influences our behaviour in different environments.
He presents 12 scientifically proven rules about how our brains genuinely work and suggest practical applications of these rules in daily life, including at work, home, and school.
Medina’s engaging writing style and ability to simplify complex scientific concepts make “Brain Rules” an accessible and informative read for anyone interested in understanding the human brain better.
Here are ten lessons from the book ”BRAIN RULES” by John Medina
1. Exercise Boosts Brain Power: Regular physical activity improves cognition, enhances memory and attention, and protects the brain against neurodegenerative diseases.
2. The Human Brain Evolved, Too: Human brains have evolved, and many modern behaviours and thought processes can be traced back to their ancestors.
3. Every Brain is Wired Differently: People’s experiences shape their wiring, making every brain unique.
4. We Don’t Pay Attention to Boring Things: The brain prioritizes novel stimuli. To keep someone’s attention, one must constantly engage them with new and exciting information.
5. Repeat to Remember: Repetition is critical to memory. The more one repeats information, the more likely one will remember it.
6. Remember to Repeat: Not only does repetition help memory, but the timing of repetition also matters. Spaced repetition (revisiting information after increasingly extended periods) is particularly effective.
7. Sleep Well, Think Well: Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and overall cognitive function. Lack of sleep can impair focus, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
8. Stressed Brains Don’t Learn the Same Way: Chronic stress can damage the brain and impair learning and memory. It’s essential to manage stress for optimal brain function.
9. Stimulate More of the Senses: Human brains learn better when multiple senses are engaged. This is why they often remember things better when they see, hear, and do.
10. Vision Trumps All Other Senses: People are visual creatures. Half of their brain’s resources are dedicated to seeing and interpreting what they see. Visual aids can significantly enhance learning and memory.
