Dr. Jordan Peterson: How to Best Guide Your Life Decisions & Path

In this episode, I discuss how different forms of exercise impact brain health and performance in both the short and long term. I explain how many of the positive effects of exercise on brain function occur through the action of specific neurochemicals that increase alertness. I also cover how to best time exercise and which specific types of exercise to include in your weekly routine to maximize benefits for your brain. Additionally, I explain how certain types of exercise trigger the release of a hormone from your bones called osteocalcin, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Together, these substances increase neuroplasticity and enhance learning. The positive effects of exercise on brain oxygenation, blood supply, and fuel utilization are also discussed. Listeners will learn how to design a weekly exercise program that optimizes physical fitness, brain health, longevity, and performance, along with the mechanistic logic behind those recommendations. Find show notes with articles, resources and more at hubermanlab.com. Pre-order Andrew's upcoming book, Protocols: https://go.hubermanlab.com/protocols Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Maui Nui: https://mauinui.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Exercise, Brain Health & Performance; Protocols Book 00:04:03 Sponsors: BetterHelp & Helix Sleep 00:06:55 Brain Health, Cardiovascular & Resistance Training 00:11:51 Exercise & Positive Impact on Brain Performance; Arousal 00:18:20 Learning & Arousal 00:23:18 Sponsors: AG1 & David 00:26:01 Exercise & Acute Learning 00:29:16 Tool: High-Intensity Training & Cognitive Flexibility; Over-Training 00:33:32 Long-Term Brain Health; Tool: Exercise “Snacks”, Cognitive Performance 00:36:57 Exercise, Brain & Body Energy, Adrenaline, Norepinephrine 00:44:08 Adrenal “Burnout”?; Exercise to Increase Energy, Adrenaline 00:48:20 Tool: Core, Compound Movements; Mind-Body Connection 00:53:58 Sponsor: Function 00:55:45 Bones, Osteocalcin, BDNF & Hippocampus; Tool: Jump Training 01:01:30 Exercise, Fuel, Multifactorial Pathways; BDNF & Activity 01:05:06 Lactate, Astrocytes & Brain Function; VEGF & Brain Health 01:11:17 Tools: Zone 2, High-Intensity Training, Time Under Tension Training 01:19:54 Sponsor: Maui Nui 01:21:37 Tools: Time Under Tension; Explosive Jumping, Eccentric Control Training 01:25:30 Injury & Exercise, Illness 01:28:09 Sleep; Injury, Sleep-Deprivation & Exercise 01:33:51 SuperAgers, Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex, Grit & Persistence 01:42:04 Tool: Embrace Challenges; Deliberate Cold Exposure, Rope Flow 01:47:39 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how to boost creativity and enhance learning by aligning with the body’s natural rhythms and strategically using protocols to optimize states of alertness or calm. I outline tools to improve focus and learning, including when to use specific techniques based on the time of day and how to adjust focus and tasks according to energy levels. I also discuss the two essential components of creativity and explain how to structure productive, creative work sessions. By combining biological tools — such as exercise, meals, hydration, and sleep — with subjective methods like music, I demonstrate how to tailor your approach to align with your unique biological rhythms and individual goals, fostering greater creativity and learning. Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes, approximately 30 minutes, focused on key scientific and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials are released every Thursday, while full-length episodes continue to be released every Monday. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Neuroplasticity 00:01:50 Types of Neuroplasticity  00:03:46 Autonomic Arousal, Sleep 00:05:06 Sponsor: AG1 00:06:34 Waking Up, Tools: Sunlight, Caffeine Delay, Hydration 00:09:39 Alertness, Morning & Work Bout 00:10:05 Dopamine & Learning; Tool: Music & Alertness 00:14:24 Sponsor: David 00:15:40 Tool: Exercise Early; Morning Work 00:16:58 Meals; Afternoon Dip & Work, Tools: Hydration, Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) 00:19:21 Creativity: Exploring vs. Implementation 00:21:44 Psychedelics, Sensory Blending; Tool: Timing Creative Work 00:23:50 Sponsor: LMNT 00:24:07 Tool: Evening Sunlight; Lights, Evening Meal & Carbohydrates 00:26:09 Natural Sleep/Wake Schedule; Tools: Anticipate Evening Alertness; NSDR 00:30:25 Work & Daily Schedule, Tool: 90-Minute Work Bouts 00:31:43 Optimize Biological Rhythms & Tools for Creativity & Learning  Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how making mistakes and perceived frustration drive learning and how movement enhances the brain’s adaptability.  I explain how making errors triggers the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which are essential for learning. I also discuss the differences between how neuroplasticity occurs in children and adults, focusing on the varying requirements and effort needed for learning. I discuss science-supported learning strategies for adults, including small practice bouts, leveraging frustration, regulating your autonomic state, and using movement to maximize focus and neuroplasticity.  Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Learning 00:01:29 Representational Plasticity, Performance Errors 00:03:16 Neuroplasticity, Neurotransmitters 00:05:03 Sponsor: AG1 00:06:11 Visual Adaptation, Children vs. Adults 00:10:23 Errors, Frustration & Neuroplasticity, Adult Learning 00:14:13 Adults, Incremental Shifts vs. High Contingency; Tool: Small Learning Bouts 00:18:43 Sponsor: David 00:20:00 Tool: Ultradian Cycles, Focus, Errors & Frustration 00:22:08 Dopamine, Errors & Subjective Beliefs; Peak Focus; Tool: Frustration 00:25:56 Sponsor: BetterHelp 00:27:02 Limbic Friction; Tool: Behaviors to Increase Alert or Calm 00:30:43 Balance, Errors & Neurotransmitters 00:33:28 Tool: Enhance Neuroplasticity; Movement Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Laurie Santos, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and cognitive science at Yale University and a leading researcher on happiness and fulfillment. We discuss what truly increases happiness, examining factors such as money, social comparison, free time, alone time versus time spent with others, pets, and the surprising positive impact of negative visualizations. We also explore common myths and truths about introverts and extroverts, the science of motivation, and how to adjust your hedonic set point to experience significantly more joy in daily life. Throughout the episode, Dr. Santos shares science-supported strategies for enhancing emotional well-being and cultivating a deeper sense of meaning and happiness. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman ExpressVPN: https://expressvpn.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Laurie Santos 00:02:52 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & ExpressVPN 00:06:00 Happiness, Emotion & Cognition; Emotional Contagion 00:11:18 Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Rewards 00:14:43 Money, Comparison & Happiness 00:21:39 Tool: Increase Social Connection; Real-Time Communication 00:32:16 Sponsor: AG1 00:33:47 Technology, Information, Social Interaction 00:39:22 Loneliness, Youth, Technology 00:42:16 Cravings, Sustainable Actions, Dopamine 00:47:01 Social Connection & Predictions; Introverts & Extroverts 00:57:22 Sponsors: Function & LMNT 01:00:41 Social Connection & Frequency; Tools: Fun; “Presence” & Technology 01:07:53 Technology & Negative Effects; Tool: Senses & Grounding; Podcasts 01:15:11 Negativity Bias, Gratitude, Tool: “Delight” Practice & Shifting Emotions 01:25:01 Sponsor: David  01:26:17 Importance of Negative Emotions; Judgements about Happiness 01:34:16 Happiness & Cultural Differences, Tool: Focus on Small Pleasures 01:41:00 Dogs, Monkeys & Brain, “Monkey Mind” 01:47:40 Monkeys, Perspective, Planning 01:53:58 Dogs, Cats, Dingos; Pets & Happiness 02:00:49 Time Famish; Tools: Time Affluence Breaks; Time Confetti & Free Time  02:07:46 Hedonic Adaptation; Tool: Spacing Happy Experiences 02:15:27 Contrast, Comparison & Happiness; Tool: Bronze Lining, Negative Visualization 02:24:08 Visualization, Bannister Effect; Tool: Imagine Obstacles 02:29:12 Culture; Arrival Fallacy, Tool: Journey Mindset 02:37:11 Mortality, Memento Mori, Tool: Fleeting Experiences & Contrast 02:44:33 Awe  02:48:15 Timescales; Community Engagement & Signature Strengths; Tool: Job Crafting 02:56:55 Strength Date, Leisure Time; Tool: Doing for Others, Feel Good Do Good 03:01:42 Tool: Asking for Help 03:05:32 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Protocols Book, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how neuroplasticity allows the brain to continue to adapt and change throughout life, particularly through focused attention and active engagement in learning. I explain how neuroplasticity differs in children and adults, highlighting the key neurochemicals required for adult learning. I explain science-supported protocols to boost alertness and improve attention, including techniques like visual focus and goal accountability. I also discuss how sleep, along with practices such as non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) and naps, support the brain to enhance learning.  Huberman Lab Essentials are short episodes (approximately 30 minutes) focused on essential science and protocol takeaways from past Huberman Lab episodes. Essentials will be released every Thursday, and our full-length episodes will still be released every Monday. Read the full show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman More Huberman Lab Huberman Lab Premium: https://go.hubermanlab.com/premium Huberman Lab Merch: https://go.hubermanlab.com/merch Timestamps 00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Neuroplasticity 00:03:27 Sponsor: David 00:04:43 New Neurons; Sensory Information, Brain & Customized Map 00:07:40 Recognition, Awareness of Behaviors 00:09:58 Sponsor: AG1 00:11:06 Attention & Neuroplasticity 00:15:40 Epinephrine, Acetylcholine & Nervous System Change 00:18:20 Improve Alertness, Epinephrine, Tool: Accountability  00:20:39 Improve Attention, Acetylcholine, Nicotine 00:23:09 Sponsor: LMNT 00:24:26 Tool: Visual Focus & Mental Focus 00:29:54 Tool: Ultradian Cycles, Anchoring Attention 00:31:00 Sleep & Neuroplasticity; NSDR, Naps 00:33:34 Recap & Key Takeaways 00:36:38 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Recommendations, Sponsors Disclaimer & Disclosures