The Bioenergetics of Better Thinking
“What could be more important to understand than biological energy? Thought, growth, movement, every philosophical and practical issue involves the nature of biological energy." — Ray Peat, PhD
In today’s fast-paced world, professionals across all fields are constantly looking for ways to enhance their learning and productivity. Yet, an often-overlooked factor that has a profound influence on cognitive performance and personal development is bioenergetics, or the way our bodies produce and use energy.
Why Energy Matters
Our brain, while only 2% of our body’s mass, uses 20-25% of our resting energy, especially during complex thinking like problem-solving and critical analysis. Maintaining a high energy state is essential for professionals to make sound decisions, reflect critically, and innovate. Here’s where bioenergetics comes in: optimising how our body produces energy is directly tied to how effectively we learn, grow, and perform.
Unfortunately, as the below image shows, many common facets of modern life actively hinder energy metabolism.
Common Paths to a Low Metabolism, by Functional Performance Systems
Understanding Energy Metabolism
Our body’s primary way of generating energy is through oxidative phosphorylation in our mitochondria, which converts oxygen and food into ATP, the fuel for all cellular processes. Professionals, particularly those in high-stress environments, must be aware that stress can push the body to less efficient energy production methods, leading to fatigue and cognitive decline. Chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep all impair energy metabolism and affect cognitive abilities like focus, creativity, and decision-making.
Common Paths to a High Metabolism, by Functional Performance Systems
Enhancing Cognitive Performance Through Energy Management
Maintaining optimal cognitive function relies on effective energy production, supported by a healthy thyroid to prevent mental fog and boost productivity. Adequate energy also fuels dopamine, the neurotransmitter that drives motivation and creativity, promoting cognitive flexibility and innovation.
A balanced diet—rich in natural carbohydrates—helps manage stress and supports brain function. Poor nutrition and high stress, however, can limit critical thinking and lead to simplistic solutions.
Key Takeaways
Manage Energy: Prioritise sleep, reduce stress, and maintain a balanced diet for sustained productivity.
Reflect with Energy: Deep thinking requires energy—without it, you're prone to oversimplification or external influence.
Build Resilience: Optimise your mental agility by managing energy, ensuring flexibility in demanding environments.
Promoters of Efficient v. Inefficient Metabolism, by Functional Performance Systems
Moving Forward
Professionals need more than just knowledge and skills to excel—they need the energy to fuel their cognitive and creative processes. By taking a bioenergetic approach to personal development, you can ensure that you maintain high levels of performance and avoid burnout. Taking control of your energy metabolism can be the key to unlocking your full potential.
This post is based on a paper I wrote aimed at coaches in 2022. You can read the full paper here.
For a deeper discussion of bioenergetics, listen to Episode 14 of the Talk Doesn’t Cook Rice podcast.