The Human Optimization Project

Hosted ByMayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project
The bar for human performance is higher than it’s ever been. As a result, we all feel the need to do MORE. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the value of sleep, rest, recovery, and wellness. Accordingly, we also feel the need to do LESS. If you’re like most people, it can be challenging to reconcile this conflict of feeling the need to do MORE and LESS simultaneously, and that is likely contributing to high rates of burnout and decreased performance. So how do we reconcile these seemingly competing desires? That is where Human Optimization comes in. Human Optimization is the process of achieving more (however you define that for yourself) while simultaneously improving your wellness and well-being. Although it’s not easy, it’s certainly possible. Not only is it possible, but it is becoming increasingly essential. In this Mayo Clinic Talks Mini-Series, we are going to dive into the topic of Human Optimization and will focus on a few key areas including: exercise, nutrition, culture, emotional intelligence, and finding joy in all you do.

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Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project 9: E9 Cognitive Overload: Overcoming the Modern Epidemic of Mental Exhaustion

23 de abril de 2025 casimedicos The Human Optimization Project 00:49:40 0 Comments

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D.
 
Guest: Justin Anderson, Psy. D., LP, CMPC
Owner/Founder | CEO | High Performance Psychologist
Premier Sport Psychology

 
In our modern, hyper-connected world, our brain is subject to a non-stop barrage of noise, information, stimuli, and inputs. While much of it is necessary and meaningful, a large portion is just unnecessary distraction. With this heavy burden of constant stimuli, it’s easy for us to experience “cognitive overload” where our brain is overwhelmed by all the incoming signals. How do we sort through this noise to determine what is critical and really deserves our attention? Can we sharpen our minds so that we can continue to thrive in these times of information overload? Those are some of the issues we are going to tackle in this episode. Our guest for this session is Dr. Justin Anderson, Psy.D., LP., founder and CEO of Premier Sport Psychology.
 
In this episode, he is going to help us answer the following three big questions:
 
1-What exactly is cognitive overload, and what causes it?
2-What are the consequences of cognitive overload for everyday people in their personal and professional lives?
3-What steps can we take right now to reduce cognitive overload and improve our mental performance?

 

How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”:
Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better
Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random)
Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes
Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions in the PDF for each episode, and feel free to add your own!
Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action!

 

Discussion Questions for this Episode:

  1. Dr. Anderson describes a feeling of cognitive overload «when the demands of our life exceed our mental capacity.» Think about a recent situation in your personal or professional life where you felt this way. What did you notice in the moment or perhaps the effects later that day or week?
  2. The podcast distinguishes between acute cognitive overload and chronic burnout. How do you recognize the early signs of cognitive overload in yourself? What strategies do you currently (or plan to) use to prevent it from escalating into chronic burnout?
  3. The discussion highlights that multitasking often hurts rather than helps, due to «switching costs.» What is one specific area in your work or personal life where you could intentionally practice single-tasking to reduce cognitive load?
  4. Dr. Anderson introduced the concept of the «stress threshold» as how much stress you can handle at the moment. Right now, what would you rate your «stress threshold» on a scale of 1-10 (10 being highest)? He also emphasizes that sleep, exercise, and nutrition can «increase your stress threshold.» Which of these foundational elements do you feel is most critical for you in managing cognitive overload, and what small adjustment could you make to improve it?
  5. The concept of «attention» as a controllable resource is powerful. The call to action suggests turning off non-essential phone notifications. How else could you be more intentional about directing your attention away from distractions and towards what truly matters? Try to come up with at least three options that you can share with the group. 
  6. The episode discusses how cognitive overload can negatively impact executive function, creativity, and empathy. Have you noticed these effects in your own life when feeling overwhelmed?
  7. Dr. Anderson mentions that appropriate stress can lead to growth and resilience, similar to strength training. One of the keys is that that stress should be intentional and well understood. Can you recall a time when you pushed through a period of cognitive challenge and emerged stronger or with a new insight? What did you learn from that experience?
  8. The challenge of setting a morning intention is offered as a proactive step. How do you typically start your day? Would you be willing to commit to a 5-minute morning intention every day for the next week? If you meet to discuss this as a group, are there other group members who might be willing to do this and hold each other accountable?

 

Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize
X: @MayoHumanOpProj
Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj
YouTube: The Human Optimization Project – YouTube

Email: optimize@mayo.edu

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