#80: The Power of Focus - Amishi Jha, PhD

#80: The Power of Focus - Amishi Jha, PhD

Author: FitMind: Neuroscience, Meditation & Mental Fitness Training October 26, 2021 Duration: 49:59

Dr. Amishi Jha is a neuroscientist and professor of psychology at the University of Miami. She's the Director and Co-Founder of Contemplative Neuroscience for the Mindfulness Research and Practice Initiative.

Dr. Jha leads research on the neural basis of attention and the effects of mindfulness-based training programs on cognition, emotion, resilience, and performance, working with the military, educators, elite athletes, and children.

We discuss the 3 main subsystems of attention, the evolutionary reason for mind wandering, and recommended practices to sharpen your attention.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.com

0:00 | Introduction to Amishi Jha, PhD

4:48 | The Attention Problem

6:30 | 3 Main Subsystems of Attention

11:06 | How Subsystems of Attention Work Together

13:20 | Meta Awareness and Meta Cognition

15:30 | Evolutionary Reason for Mind Wandering

18:58 | What Makes a Thought "Sticky"

24:18 | High Stress and Attention

31:33 | Can You Undo Benefits of Mindfulness?

36:28 | Different Definitions of Mindfulness

40:18 | Recommended Practices to Train Attention

43:58 | Rapid Fire Questions


What if the most impactful training you could do wasn't for your body, but for your mind? The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology explores that very idea, moving beyond simple self-help to examine the tangible science behind cognitive well-being. Host Liam McClintock, founder of FitMind, sits down with an eclectic mix of world-class experts-neuroscientists mapping the brain's pathways, psychologists unpacking behavioral patterns, Buddhist monks with millennia of contemplative wisdom, and elite athletes who apply mental discipline at the highest levels. Their conversations delve into practical applications of mindfulness meditation, the principles of Stoicism, emerging brain technologies, and the pursuit of sustainable productivity and happiness. This isn't just theoretical discussion; it's a deep dive into actionable strategies, grounded in research, aimed at strengthening your mental resilience. Each episode serves as a session for your cognitive toolkit, reflecting the core belief that understanding and training the mind is our most vital frontier. Tune in to this podcast for a thoughtful, evidence-based guide to building a healthier, more focused, and resilient inner life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
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