The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
Essentials: Using Play to Rewire & Improve Your Brain
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss why play is a powerful yet often overlooked tool for shaping the brain across the entire lifespan, not just during childhood. I explain how play engages specific brain circuits and neurochemicals, allowing us to explore different roles and learn in low-stakes environments uniquely suited to learning. I also describe why adults benefit from deliberately reintroducing play and which forms of play are most effective for expanding cognitive flexibility and creative thinking.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
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Timestamps
(00:00:00) Power of Play
(00:00:37) Play, Brain & Exploring Contingencies; Creatives
(00:03:27) Childhood Play & Low-Stakes Scenarios
(00:05:18) Sponsor: Mateina
(00:06:21) Tool: Adults & Playful Mindset
(00:08:53) Play Postures; Eyes
(00:12:00) Group Play, Testing & Breaking Rules
(00:14:32) Role Play
(00:15:43) Sponsor: AG1
(00:16:34) Play Mindset, Low-Stakes Situations, Tool: Adult Play for Brain Health
(00:22:29) Tinkerers & Creatives, Playful Spirit
(00:24:54) Sponsor: Our Place
(00:26:09) Tool: Play to Enhance Neuroplasticity: Dynamic Movement, Chess & Mental Roles
(00:30:15) Personal Play Identity, Adulthood
(00:33:23) Recap
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