Brain Energy Psychology

We are in the midst of a global mental health crisis, and mental illnesses are on the rise. But what causes mental illness? And why are mental health problems so hard to treat? Drawing on decades of research, Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Chris Palmer outlines a revolutionary new understanding that for the first time unites our existing knowledge about mental illness within a single framework: mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. Brain Energy will transform the field of mental health, and the lives of countless people around the world.

Everyone knows the feeling after a long day—it is difficult to concentrate, make good decisions, or even empathize with others. This daily but completely natural decline in our mental capacity is called “ego depletion,” a state of mind that miraculously but naturally disappears after a good night's sleep. However, more and more people are waking up in a perpetual state of ego depletion: their mental energy source is not recharging—it is actually shrinking. We live in a chronically exhausted society with disastrous consequences for ourselves, society, and future generations.

If you're reading this, you've tried countless platitudes that didn't seem to work for you because they are just platitudes and don't address the underlying issue. All flash, no substance. But becoming a positive person doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, it's way easier than you think. But don't take my word for it. A study by researchers at the University of Stanford uncovered how a positive attitude, literally, made the brain work better and improved cognitive abilities.

The most powerful technology ever known is already in place—your brain. As incredible as that organ is, it hasn’t received an update. Your brain is meant to keep you safe (and it does that very well!), but you must improve your operating system to reach your goals, find joy, and get results at work.

Ever felt the weight of sluggishness and lack of concentration pulling you down? Just like a fatigued muscle, a tired brain can seriously hinder performance. In The Tired Brain, we debunk the myth that mental energy is beyond our control and that external factors like stress and workload are constantly calling the shots. Discover how to manage your mental energy to sustain focus, motivation, and peak performance. Inside, uncover effective strategies to recharge your mental batteries.