The Dr CK Bray Show Dr. CK Bray
-
- Business
-
The Dr. CK Bray Show is a 20-minute science and research-based podcast that aims to provide the information you need to create a better life and career. Dr. Bray shares the latest research findings in the areas of business, personal excellence and achievement, resilience and thriving, career, learning, leadership, change, and health. He also provides a one-stop resource for actionable advice and tools to cover every aspect of your life. Be prepared to be simultaneously educated and entertained.
-
Episode 528 From Brain Fog to Focus Unravelling the Mystery of Post Covid Brain Fog
Welcome to today's episode of "The Dr. CK Bray Show," where we dive deep into the mystifying world of brain fog—a condition that's as elusive as it is debilitating.
Once just a footnote in medical texts associated with chronic illnesses like Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust brain fog into the glaring spotlight, affecting millions across the globe.
Today, we're unraveling what brain fog really is: a significant cognitive burden that goes beyond the occasional memory lapse or scattered thought and becomes a substantial barrier to everyday functioning.
In this episode, we'll explore the cutting-edge research aimed at deciphering the causes and potential treatments for brain fog. Scientists are investigating several intriguing possibilities, from viral attacks on brain cells disrupting crucial energy production to unexpected factors like blood clots and gut health affecting cognitive function. We'll also discuss a groundbreaking tool developed by a team from Poland, designed to standardize the diagnosis of brain fog by categorizing its symptoms into distinct areas.
Listen up as we clear the fog on this perplexing condition, shedding light on how those affected can perhaps look forward to brighter, clearer days.
QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“Sometimes not-so-acute brain fog happens from too much noise, over working and not enough sleep.” -
Episode 527 Neuroscience in the News: How To Clean Your Brain and New Approaches to Enhancing Self-Belief
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered an intriguing function of neurons during sleep. They found that neurons activate in rhythmic waves to drive fluid through the brain, effectively flushing out metabolic waste and other toxins. Surfs up, and your brain gets cleaned.
This cleaning action is crucial because it helps prevent the buildup that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The process of cleaning the brain, however, is complex. As we sleep, the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain tissues collects debris and must navigate through a dense network of cells before it can be expelled. This study revealed that synchronized neural activity is what propels this fluid through the brain, with the waves generated by the neurons acting much like a pump.
The implications of this research are profound, particularly in our understanding and potential treatment of neurological conditions. Li-Feng Jiang-Xie, a postdoctoral researcher and the first author of the study, proposes that bolstering this natural cleaning process could be a viable strategy to delay or even prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, a breakthrough that could revolutionize healthcare.
Once again, we are learning more and more about the importance of sleep and brain health, performance, and optimization.
**Published on Feb. 28th, 2014, Journal of Nature. Sleep Brainwaves Flush Brain of Waste. Li-Feng Jiang-Xie et al.
QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“We can change our attitude in less than 30 minutes with the right tools!”
“When you have someone cheering you on, it’s easier to believe in yourself.”
“Get some sleep and do some I CAN!” -
Episode 526 Are You Time Blind? A Brain View of a Common Phenomenon
Does this describe you? Despite your best efforts, you are constantly late to meetings and appointments of all kinds.
You always try to cram in one more thing before you leave.
You frequently underestimate the amount of time things take. Every task expands to fill more time than you can afford.
No matter how early you start your day, you're always racing against the clock. At the end of the day, you wonder where all the hours went.
You might be time blind! In today’s episode, Dr. Bray discusses what time blindness is and some of the solutions that can quickly solve this malady. You will be surprised by what you find.
**Time Blindness: Why You’re Always Late, Why You Underestimate How Long It Takes to Finish Something, and What to Do About It. Chris Guillebeau (March 20th, 2024). From Yearofmental health@substack.com
QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“Allow more time for transitions, it will change your life!”
“Plan rest periods to avoid the hyper-focus/burn-out cycle.” -
Episode 525 Questions to Ask Yourself at the MidPoint of Your Career
In recent years, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us find ourselves grappling with a common dilemma: the midpoint of our careers. It's a juncture marked by a mix of emotions—unmet expectations, lingering doubts about missed opportunities, and contemplation of paths not taken. Yet, amidst these uncertainties, experts highlight an often-overlooked aspect: middle age presents a profound opportunity for growth and self-reflection. It's a pivotal moment to reassess our priorities, leverage our experiences, and chart a course that resonates with our aspirations for the latter half of our professional journey.
In today's episode, Dr. Bray will explore six pivotal questions that will help you reevaluate your career and what you want to accomplish. These questions serve as compass points, guiding us toward a clearer understanding of our career trajectory while empowering us to pursue the direction that most authentically aligns with our goals and ambitions.
QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“You are made up of a lot of different YOUs.”
“You have to decide how you define success.” -
Episode 524 Things I Wished I Would Have Known at the Start of My Career
One of my first jobs was as a lifeguard at Alta Canyon Swimming Pool. To earn extra cash, I taught swim lessons. I also worked at Dry Cleaners, a yogurt shop, a pharmaceutical company, and about three other companies/careers before starting the Adaption Institute. One of my favorite things to do at the Adaption Institute when it was just starting was coaching people in their careers. I learned so much from hearing people’s stories and experiences.
There is something great about getting the advice of someone who has “been there and done that.” My combined experience with those of over 3,000 people I have worked with over the years has come to you in this podcast.
I read an article by Ryan Holiday, who runs the Daily Stoic website and is one of my favorite authors. His article, "37 Pieces of Career Advice I Wish I’d Known Earlier,” sparked this podcast. I share some of his, my own, and the advice of those I have worked to help you out, no matter where in your career you are. I am sure you will enjoy it.
QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“Watch people. Use your eyes, not your ears.”
“Be the driver of your career.” “Rarely does something happen faster than we think it will.”
“You shake the orange tree, and lemons fall out.” -
Episode 523 Having a Relationship with Someone Who Struggles With Depression
Depression is the most common mental health problem in the world. According to surveys, about 1 in 10 American adults will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime. What is often not discussed is the effects of depression on relationships, both personal and professional.
In today’s episode, Dr. Bray unpacks research-backed approaches for maintaining a healthy relationship with friends and family who struggle with depression.
** Thanks to Brett and Kate McKay for their article “How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship with Someone Who’s Depressed published on February 20, 2024 on the “Art of Manliness Website”
**To learn more get the book “When Someone You Love is Depressed: How to Help Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself.” By Laura Rosen and Xavier Francisco Amador.
QUOTES BY DR. BRAY
“Learn all you can about depression.”
“They need to know you’re there with them during the hard times.”
“There isn’t a cure for depression.”
Customer Reviews
Easy listen with great ideas
Thanks for the positive, upbeat attitude and the great ways of looking at things. I listen while walking and always wish I would have brought pencil and paper to write down something I heard and want to remember.
Phenomenal Insights
Incredible podcast! Bray does a great job breaking down scientific discoveries in a conversational manner that makes it easy to understand and apply. Highly recommend to anyone, especially those of you looking to better yourself and making sense of the world around you 😁
Time is the new rich
This quote has stuck with me and keeping it as A daily reminder to keep me from adding business to my life as we ramp back up to a new normal. Somehow each podcast speaks to my current situation and I am consistently uplifted. Opening my mind to science and new data on how our brains are triggered helps me better understand natural trends and how to make meaningful steps to create a life of passion and importance. Thank you Dr. Bray and all those at the Adaption Institute.