Brain Rules (Updated and Expanded): 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School Paperback – April 22, 2014

Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey through the inner workings of the brain with "Brain Rules" by John Medina. As someone utterly captivated by the mysteries of our gray matter, diving into this book felt like unlocking a treasure trove of knowledge and insights that I never knew I needed.What truly sets "Brain Rules" apart is Medina's knack for making neuroscience not only comprehensible but downright captivating. With his engaging storytelling and relatable anecdotes, he transforms daunting scientific concepts into riveting narratives that you'll find yourself eagerly devouring, page after page. It's like having a fascinating conversation with a brilliant friend who happens to be a neuroscientist.But beyond the sheer fascination, "Brain Rules" offers something even more valuable: practical wisdom that you can apply to your everyday life. Whether it's discovering the transformative power of exercise on cognition or understanding how stress impacts our ability to learn, Medina arms you with actionable insights that can truly make a difference. Suddenly, those sluggish mornings or moments of mental fog start to make sense, and you feel empowered to take charge of your cognitive well-being.What I love most about "Brain Rules" is its heartfelt emphasis on the human element. Through Medina's anecdotes and reflections, you get a glimpse into the profound impact that understanding our brains can have on how we navigate the world around us. From fostering curiosity to nurturing emotional stability, these are not just academic pursuits but fundamental aspects of what it means to be human.In the end, "Brain Rules" isn't just a book; it's a journey of self-discovery and wonder. It's about unlocking the potential of your mind, embracing your innate curiosity, and finding joy in the intricate dance of neurons firing. So, if you're ready to embark on a voyage of exploration into the depths of your own consciousness, I wholeheartedly recommend joining Dr. Medina's expedition through "Brain Rules." Your brain—and your soul—will thank you for it.

John Medina breaks down brain science into a list of principals aimed directly at challenging your classroom and making your office more efficient with (mostly) practical application.After taking copious notes throughout the book and reflecting on how his principles and ideas could be implemented in my classroom, I find that I will likely be returning to this gem and it's ideas in upcoming years. Medina takes the complexities of the brain and breaks it down into basic language with 12 rules that are especially applicable to the classroom and the workplace.His writing is conversational and the narrative bounces between scientific experiments, personal anecdotes, observations and ideas to implement in your classroom and office.To a teacher, the chapters on memory, attention and exploration are probably the most useful, as they are loaded with ideas that could alter your classroom and instruction, if employed. Other chapters, such as those on sleep and memory, are of tremendous importance when it comes to informing your students on effective learning and living (and yourself).Some of the chapters (gender, music and sensory integration) are interesting, but don't possess the same sort of pragmatic daily applicability as the others.One of the best things about Medinas ideas and suggestions for the workplace is that he stops short of ever saying that 'this is the way it is'. Instead, he is transparent about when research has presented us with a frank 'we don't know yet' and a shrug of the shoulders.Another highlight is Medinas humor and clear fascination with the field. His writing is light and his wit is often at his own expense. A quick read of the book though would be a mistake, and I recommend absorbing the material and considering its application, especially if it pertains to your field.The only drawback to the book was that he included a section on 'More Ideas' for each chapter. Some were useful (take a nap during he afternoon if you can), but others are less pragmatic. For instance, he envisions a reimagined school environment in which students experience the same content three times a day, to enhance memory. The only problem is that he spends as much space explaining he idea as he does admitting he doesn't know how this would work. The research isn't clear he admits and also considers how interacting with the material numerous times might even confuse the student.Overall, this is phenomenal read and highly recommended!