When I heard that the Oxford English Dictionary crowned “brain rot” as the word of the year for 2024, my first reaction was, “Oy vey! Really?!” And then, I thought about it—it actually makes sense. The term captures something many of us feel: the fogginess and mental fatigue from scrolling, streaming, and being bombarded with endless distractions. But as someone who believes we can train our brains and turn challenges into opportunities, I’m here to offer a different perspective.
Let’s talk about brain resilience.
What Is “Brain Rot,” and Why Should We Care?
“Brain rot” refers to that mental numbness we experience when we consume too much unchallenging content—think endless TikTok videos or doomscrolling through news feeds. It’s like eating junk food for the mind: a little is fine, but too much leaves us sluggish, irritable, and feeling out of sorts.
Now, imagine your brain as your own internal AI. Just like you’d avoid downloading viruses onto your computer, you can actively choose what kind of “programming” you feed your brain. And that’s where brain training comes in.
From Brain Rot to Brain Resilience
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from hardship—it’s about strengthening your mental fitness to thrive in any situation. So, how do we combat “brain rot” and cultivate a mindset of resilience, positivity, and joy?
Here are three actionable steps to reclaim your focus and joy:
1. Be Present and Intentional 🗣️
Just like I remind audiences in my “Train Your Brain” sessions, your attention is your most valuable resource. When you find yourself mindlessly scrolling, pause. Ask yourself, “Is this adding value to my life, or am I just killing time?” Choose activities that nourish your mind—like reading, journaling, or having a meaningful conversation.
2. Switch from Saboteurs to Sage ✔️
One of the key Positive Intelligence (PQ) tools I teach is identifying your mental saboteurs—those voices that drain your energy and feed negativity. Instead, activate your sage brain by practicing curiosity and creativity. For example, instead of thinking, “Why can’t I focus?” ask, “What small step can I take right now to feel more energized?”
3. Turn Challenges into Growth Opportunities
I always say, “It’s not about avoiding the ‘oy’ moments in life—it’s about finding the joy within them.” When you face setbacks or distractions, try reframing them. What can this moment teach you? How can it strengthen you? Like a muscle, your brain grows stronger with every challenge you overcome.
The Joy of Choosing What You Feed Your Brain
The beauty of this conversation is that you get to choose. Just like the title of my upcoming book, Choosing to Be a Life Champion, the power to shift from brain rot to brain resilience is in your hands. It’s about choosing the right mindset, the right habits, and yes, the right content to consume.
What would happen if, instead of scrolling aimlessly, you spent five minutes practicing gratitude? Or replaced doomscrolling with a walk outside? Small, consistent choices add up, and they can transform your mental state.
Let’s Champion Your Brain Resilience Together
This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress. Every time you choose joy over distraction, presence over chaos, and resilience over stagnation, you’re building a brain that serves you and the life you want to live.
If you’re ready to take your brain training to the next level, let’s connect! Whether it’s through my speaking workshops, or my book, I’d love to help you shift from “oy” to joy, from brain rot to brain resilience.
PS: Feel free to share this blog with someone who could use a little more resilience and joy in their life. And if you’re looking for a dynamic speaker to inspire your team or audience, I’m just one click away!
Let’s reprogram those mental pathways together—your brain will thank you!
And, as always,
Be yourself, Be Positive, Be the champion you want to see!
PS: If you enjoyed this email, don’t keep me a secret- please share it and always connect if you have a need for a speaker!
As always,
Be Yourself, Be Positive, Be the Champion you want to see
About Dorice Horenstein
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Resilience Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Resilience Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice is a dynamic speaker whose energy and charisma have a global impact. Her core superpower is her ability to present, train, and coach effectively. She redefines “T.E.A.M.” as “Together Everyone’s Attributes are Magnified,” inspiring others to recognize their strengths, enhance effectiveness, and joyfully step into their destined leadership roles. Her mission is to cultivate healthy, positive relationships that reduce stress, increase retention rates, and create a more positive culture both at work and at home.
