You’re tired. Mentally drained. Foggy. The automatic advice? “Just get more sleep.” And sure, sleep is critical....
Oscar Forrester
Very Big Brain is written by Oscar Forrester, a researcher and writer with a long-standing fascination with how the brain works. Oscar spent several years working in hospital IT, including on infection control systems, and grew up in a household shaped by medicine — his father was a physician and his mother a registered nurse. He is not a clinician himself, and nothing on this site should be taken as medical advice. What he brings instead is a rigorous, source-first approach to research, honed over two decades of writing (he’s authored numerous published books, primarily on software development), and a genuine curiosity about the science of cognition. Mr. Forrester strives to present complex topics in a clear and engaging manner, making it easy for you to understand and apply the knowledge to your daily life.
Yes, boredom can be good for your brain. Research shows that unstructured, unstimulated moments give the brain...
Yes, changing your work environment can improve mental agility by stimulating different brain networks, encouraging flexible thinking,...
You’ve seen the listicles. “10 Productivity Hacks to Change Your Life.” “The Morning Routine That Made Me...
Yes, learning a new physical skill can rewire your brain by enhancing neuroplasticity, strengthening connections between sensory...
Let’s start with the obvious: attention disorders are real. ADHD is a legitimate, often life-altering condition that...
Yes, certain scents – especially peppermint, rosemary, and citrus – can enhance mental clarity by stimulating the...
Yes, having a pet can support cognitive resilience by lowering chronic stress, reinforcing emotional regulation, increasing physical...
These days, it seems like everyone is burned out. You’re tired. Your coworkers are tired. Even the...
Yes, cold showers can enhance brain function by stimulating alertness, increasing neurotransmitter levels like norepinephrine and dopamine,...