Oxford University neurologist shares how she boosts brain energy when she hits a 'mental wall’

The neurologist likened the brain's state to a phone in 'low energy mode,' where it conserves resources by favouring low-effort, immediate-reward activities like scrolling. (Representational image: Unsplash)

A leading neurologist and neuroscientist from Oxford University Hospitals, Dr Faye Begeti, has revealed a simple yet profoundly effective strategy to combat overwhelming fatigue and boost brain health. Developed after nearly two decades of studying the brain, her "5-minute rule" has proven so successful that she now shares it with her patients, the doctor told CNBC Make It.

Dr Begeti, who holds an MD and PhD from the University of Cambridge and specialises in neurodegenerative disorders, navigates demanding days filled with complex neurological cases, followed by the responsibilities of parenting two young children.

The power of 5 minutes
The "5-minute rule" is straightforward: "When you don’t feel like doing something, start anyway and tell yourself you’ll just do it for five minutes, and then you’ll reassess how you feel." Dr Begeti explained that often, the barrier isn't physical exhaustion but the mental energy required to initiate a task.

She likened the brain's state to a phone in "low energy mode," where it conserves resources by favouring low-effort, immediate-reward activities like scrolling. In this state, the brain also "tends to exaggerate how much energy a task will take," making it seem harder than it actually is. But, the toughest part is simply getting started; once momentum builds, the task often becomes much easier.

Even if one decides to stop after five minutes, Dr Begeti asserted that the progress made is not lost. Her core insight for brain health is that "something is always better than nothing." Consistent, incremental progress, even just five minutes daily, accumulates to over 30 hours a year, underscoring the significant impact of small, consistent efforts on overall energy and well-being.

"That’s how people who’ve had a consistent fitness routine for years manage to stick with it, because it’s not about motivation anymore, it’s about habit," she told the publication.