Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

Ep. 565 We’re Wired to Lose Focus – The Best Tools to Reclaim Clarity & Conquer Overwhelm with Dr. Zelana Montminy | Menopause & Mental Health

2026-03-11

Today, I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Zelana Montminy, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology. Dr. Montminy developed her career speaking for and advising Fortune 500 companies and academic institutions. She regularly appears on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Access Hollywood. In our conversation, we unpack the concept of novelty bias, exploring how it shapes our neuroanatomy and compromises our conscientiousness. We debunk the myths of multitasking and task switching, and dive into generational shifts and our disconnection from ourselves and the world ...

In our conversation, we unpack the concept of novelty bias, exploring how it shapes our neuroanatomy and compromises our conscientiousness. We debunk the myths of multitasking and task switching, and dive into generational shifts and our disconnection from ourselves and the world around us. We also highlight the vital role of the gut-brain connection, share practical social tools such as the Pomodoro Technique, and examine the transformative power of curiosity and awe.

This discussion with Dr. Zelana Montminy is an exciting and forward-thinking exploration of how our brains and bodies are programmed for distraction. Her book, Finding Focus, also offers a compelling narrative to help us get back on track.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

What is novelty bias?
How technology impacts our mental health and ability to empathize in the long term
Why are we seeing a loss of conscientiousness in the younger generations, and why do older generations tend to feel and process things more intensely?
How constant exposure to technology affects the ability of the brain to process information
Generational differences in information processing
The detrimental effects of multitasking on productivity and focusing ability, and the benefits of single-tasking and staying in the present moment
How being in a constant state of fight or flight dysregulates the nervous system
The importance of nutrition, sleep, and hydration for mental health
Tools and strategies to boost your ability to focus
The value of curiosity for problem-solving, resilience, and health

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