Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Thriving starts with our attention and what we do with it. In Peak Mind, Amishi Jha combines the science of attention with compelling stories from those in high stakes professions to show us all how to be more present in our lives so that we can unlock our full potential. --Ariana Huffington, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Thrive
An acclaimed neuroscientist takes us on an eye-opening tour of the attention system--our hidden superpower that enables us to function at maximum mental capacity to achieve more, maintain healthier relationships, and be present and engaged, no matter how anxious or stressed our lives.
From the constant pull of technology to the 24-hour news cycle to the overwhelming demands of work, our ability to concentrate is being strained as never before. We're all suffering from a collective attention deficit disorder that is leaving us feeling scattered, overwhelmed, and anxious--yet unable to resist distractions like emails, Zoom calls, or new texts or notifications. Dr. Amishi Jha has dedicated her professional life to understanding the science of attention at every level--field testing soldiers, athletes, firefighters, judges, and executives to scientifically determine how we can harness our focus to be better at all life demands. She's presented her research at international meetings, ranging from the World Economic Forum and the UK Parliament to the Pentagon, the National Institutes of Health, and NATO.
We actually use 100% of our attention at every waking moment, but Dr. Jha has discovered that unless we create room in our minds through specific and targeted daily practice, we cannot control what captures our attention. We will continue to be vulnerable to every distraction, an experience she calls attention degradation. Peak Mind introduces the one cognitive training technique proven to improve attention and performance: mindfulness training. Dr. Jha explains exactly how to implement this twelve-minute-a-day training program into daily life. Honed and proven in her lab, this revolutionary program will help you learn to ignore distractions and take control of your attention.
Smart and accessible, interweaving science and illustrative stories from high-level people who've successfully used her techniques, Peak Mind debunks common assumptions and offers stunning new tools to radically improve our lives.
Synopsis
Dr. Jha brilliantly blends cutting-edge science, compelling stories, and strong practical instructions--the perfect antidote for our distracted over-busy times. -- Jack Kornfield, bestselling author of The Wise Heart
Research shows we are missing 50% of our lives. Why? Because we aren't paying attention.
From the constant buzz of your phone, the lure of your media feed, to your unrelenting, all-encompassing, and ever growing mental to do list --the demands on your attention have never been so severe. The result is an escalating crisis where we feel mentally foggy, scattered, and overwhelmed. Remarkably, the solution to our attention crisis has been right here in front of us the entire time.
Acclaimed neuroscientist, Amishi P. Jha, PhD has dedicated her life's work to understanding the science of attention at every level--from brain imaging studies in a lab to field testing soldiers, athletes, students, and firefighters. Her mission has been to scientifically determine how we can harness the full power of our attention to better meet all that life demands. Dr. Jha expertly guides the reader through fascinating research, debunking common assumptions, and offering stunning new insights into where presence and purpose really come from. Peak Mind reveals remarkably easy-to-adapt flexible 12 minute-a-day exercises to lift the mental fog, declutter the mind, and strengthen focus so that you can experience more of your life.
Synopsis
STOP FOR A MOMENT.
Are you here right now?
Is your focus on this page? Or is it roaming elsewhere, to the past or future, to a worry, to your to-do list, or to your phone?
Whether you're simply browsing, talking to friends, or trying to stay focused in an important meeting, you can't seem to manage to hang on to your attention. No matter how hard you try, you're somewhere else. The consequence is that you miss out on 50 percent of your life--including the most important moments.
The good news: There's nothing wrong with you--your brain isn't broken. The human brain was built to be distractible.
The even better news: You can train your brain to pay attention more effectively.
Stay with me a little longer and soon you will be able to:
Focus without all the struggle. Take back your attention from the pull of distraction. And function at your peak, for all that truly matters in your life.