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Essentials: Tools to Boost Attention & Memory | Dr. Wendy Suzuki

2026-01-15 Science & Technology
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Andrew Huberman
Andrew Huberman
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Description

In this ⁠Huberman Lab Essentials⁠ episode, my guest is Dr. Wendy Suzuki, PhD, a professor of neural science and psychology at New York University. We discuss simple, daily habits to improve focus, memory and overall cognitive performance. Dr. Suzuki explains how exercise directly enhances brain function—both the immediate benefits of a single workout and long-term support for cognitive health. We also discuss how meditation, verbal affirmations, sleep and other behavioral practices positively influence mood and stress regulation. Episode show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/4IcdLnG Watch more Huberman Lab Essentials: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPNW_gerXa4OGNy1yE-W9IX-tPu-tJa7S&si=a1_sA7rUT-fE0OM5 *Timestamps* 00:00:00 Wendy Suzuki 00:00:21 What Makes Moments Memorable? 00:02:24 Memory & Hippocampus, Imagination 00:05:35 One-Trial Learning, Fear 00:07:08 Exercise Effects on Focus, Attention & Memory 00:11:29 Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) & Exercise 00:13:16 Tools: Cardiovascular Exercise; 10-Minute Walk & Mood 00:15:55 How Exercise Increases BDNF 00:17:59 Adults, Neuron Growth, Hippocampus 00:20:03 Exercise Effects on Memory, Tool: Morning Exercise 00:23:20 Exercise & Long-term Effects on Cognition, Older Adults 00:25:08 Minimum Exercise For Cognitive Benefits (Adults, 30s-50s) 00:29:15 Increase Exercise For Greater Cognitive Benefits 00:31:23 Affirmations, Exercise, Mood, IntenSati 00:33:30 Meditation & Benefits, Tool: Brief Meditation 00:35:25 Tools to Improve Attention #HubermanLab #Science #Memory Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.hubermanlab.com/disclaimer

Top Comments (10)

@AN-cw3ym 2026-01-16

My grandfather used to do yoga every single day without fail till he passed away. He got covid at the age of 93 and he beat it. We all attribute it to his exercising and healthy eating habits. He lived on till 96 and he had the most amazing memory. He would recount numerous stories from his younger days and he rarely forgot people and used to tell us stories that even we had forgotten. He did donate his brain and eyes to the medical school in our city, so that they could research. He used to say it’s better if my body is used for science than turning into soil. Point being: exercise helps!

221 2 replies
@NeuroWavesLabMusic 2026-01-15

This episode made me rethink how I approach both my workouts and my workdays. There is something powerful about syncing physical effort with mental clarity.

94 2 replies
@hubermanlab 2026-01-15

Thank you for watching. Please click the subscribe tab and then the "bell" icon to subscribe to our channel here on YouTube and get notified when new content is posted... And thank you for your interest in science! -- Andrew

47 2 replies
@elsvanhage1072 2026-01-15

So, novelty-repetition-association-emotional resonance, did I remember correctly? Thanks for another interesting episode!

42 1 replies
@tommy10436 2026-01-19

I really liked Wendy! Has the same ability as Andrew to explain things in layman's terms to a caveman like myself.

29
@ПолинаМагницкая 2026-01-18

It would be very useful, at least for me as a uni student) and for all the other people who work in an office, if you created an episode about how to reset during weekends something like a weekend protocol, thanks in advance. Thank you for your amazing podcasts))

21 2 replies
@jojow8416 2026-01-15

When I went to CognitiveFX in Provo Utah for a TBI, they had me do many of the exercises mentioned here and in 5 days I went from being in a state of a two year old to thinking and walking like an adult. God has so richly blessed these people with helping others with these non-invasive methods. Thank you and God bless you all.

16
@Spaceman2020 2026-01-15

I can’t tell you how happy I am about this episode. Extremely happy that you and Wendy are getting together after a few years. I still watch the very first time you bought her as a guest to this day on repeat. You guys are my neuroplastic parents.❤

16
@Moto_Medics 2026-01-15

10:30 I’m in the same boat My mother isn’t doing well all of a sudden, I’m desperately grasping for information on how to help her, this podcast is a great resource and look forward to hearing the rest of this one especially now…❤

8
@chintomendoza 2026-01-30

It has been said : 3 important though for-free tools almost all of us have : body scan focused meditation, Sleep and exercise ! 🙌…… this lady “dropped the mic “

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