Want to Think Faster & Remember More? Try this Huberman Trick

I thought I already had Peak Focus — then I tried Huberman’s Working Memory Technique

I used to think my brain was already firing on all cylinders. After all, I was juggling the intense demands of a PhD in physics—deep research, problem-solving, and long hours of technical writing and coding. My focus was razor-sharp, my work ethic solid. But then I discovered Andrew Huberman’s science-backed working memory techniques, and let me tell you—my productivity skyrocketed.

Photo by Minh Pham on Unsplash

The Problem: Your Brain’s “Working Memory” Is Holding You Back

If you’ve ever tried to juggle multiple ideas at once, solve complex problems, or even remember what you were just thinking about before getting distracted—you’re dealing with your working memory. Think of it like your brain’s scratchpad: the space where you hold and manipulate information in real time. The stronger your working memory, the better you are at problem-solving, learning, and staying focused under pressure.

The catch? Most people’s working memory isn’t optimized. Even high performers (like I thought I was) often struggle with mental clutter, distractions, and inefficient recall.

The Fix: Huberman’s Working Memory Enhancements

After diving into Huberman’s research, I implemented these key strategies—and my mental clarity and efficiency went through the roof.

1. The “Focus-Expand-Contract” Technique

Huberman emphasizes the power of shifting between deep focus and expansive thinking. Here’s how I use it:

• Focus Mode: Set a timer for 45-90 minutes of deep work with zero distractions.

• Expand Mode: Step away and let your mind wander for 5-10 minutes (walk, look at nature, or just stare at the ceiling).

• Contract Mode: Dive back in with fresh insights and a stronger ability to retain information.

This technique alone cut my problem-solving time in half.

2. Visual Field Training (Yes, Your Eyes Affect Your Memory)

Turns out, your vision directly impacts your brain’s ability to process and hold information. Huberman suggests:

• Narrow Focus: When doing deep cognitive work, slightly constrict your visual field (e.g., focus only on the text in front of you).

• Panoramic Vision: Every 60 minutes, look into the distance to reset your nervous system and improve recall.

Once I started integrating this, I noticed a drastic reduction in mental fatigue.

3. Dopamine-Driven Chunking (The Motivation Hack)

Huberman talks about breaking tasks into small, rewarding chunks to maintain motivation.

• Instead of slogging through a 3-hour study session, I break it into 30-minute sprints with micro-rewards (a quick stretch, a sip of coffee, or a minute of deep breathing). Or, depending on the task, I go for 1.5h-2h max.

• This keeps my brain engaged and craving the next round of learning.

4. Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) for Memory Consolidation

After intense learning sessions, I now use NSDR (like yoga nidra or guided relaxation). It helps lock in what I just learned and gives my brain a reset without actual sleep. Just 10 minutes of this makes a huge difference in retention.

The Results: A Productivity Breakthrough

After just a few weeks of using these methods, I noticed:

• Faster problem-solving in building my business

• Sharper recall when I need it

• Less mental fatigue at the end of the day

• More motivation to tackle tough cognitive tasks

If you’re an entrepreneur, student, or high-achiever looking for an edge, give these a shot. Even if you think you’re already operating at a high level, like I did, you might be surprised at how much further you can push your brain’s potential.

Have you tried?

Cheers,

Mira