Are you someone who procrastinates a lot? Do you find it difficult to start important chores, such as exercising, home errands etc? Now, there is an easy way to get more productive. Dr. Faye Begeti, who works as a neurology doctor and neuroscientist at Oxford University Hospitals presents the “5-minute rule”, as a basic yet powerful method, to enhance brain energy and defeat mental obstacles. Here is more on the rule…What is the 5-minute ruleThe 5-minute rule functions as a psychological technique, which helps people fight procrastination and mental exhaustion. When you face resistance to begin work on a task, you should dedicate five minutes to it before making a decision about continuing. The brain tends to overestimate work difficulty, so starting with a brief five-minute commitment makes the process more accessible. Dr. Begeti explains that mental fatigue, instead of physical exhaustion, prevents people from starting their work. The brain develops natural momentum which drives us to continue working, after the initial five minutes pass.
Why does it workDr. Begeti describes brain fatigue as similar to when a smartphone enters its “low battery mode.” The brain operates in a state of energy conservation, by selecting simple activities that provide instant gratification such as social media scrolling. The brain makes starting work more difficult, because it incorrectly calculates the amount of energy required. The 5-minute rule helps people overcome their initial resistance by making the beginning work more achievable.The brain releases dopamine when we start a task which functions as a motivational and rewarding chemical. The process generates a momentum effect which enables people to work past their initial five-minute commitment. Dr. Begeti states that making progress during the first five minutes establishes a routine of continuous work which leads to better brain health and productivity in the long run.The rule functions as a daily tool for any challenging, or energy-consuming task including exercise and work assignments and household responsibilities.The 5-minute rule from Dr. Begeti works for any challenging task including exercise, work assignments and household responsibilities. You should instruct your mind to attempt the task for five minutes, before you can stop if needed. However, people usually continue their work after the initial five minutes.The following steps will help you successfully implement the 5-minute rule:Select a particular small section from the complete task as your starting point.Set a five-minute timer to establish a defined work period.Make sure to eliminate all distractions which will help you stay focused during these five minutes.Check your progress after five minutes to determine if you should proceed with the task.
Benefits beyond productivityThe 5-minute rule helps people defeat procrastination, while simultaneously protecting their brain health through the reduction of executive fatigue which develops from continuous decision-making and focused work. Regular small efforts through brain training developmental pathways, which boost cognitive power as time passes. Dr. Begeti demonstrates how daily five-minute work sessions amount to 30 hours per year, which proves that small consistent work produces substantial results.The ScienceThe 5-minute rule operates based on psychological principles which include the Zeigarnik Effect, that describes how starting work creates mental tension which drives the brain to finish tasks. The method uses dopamine activation to boost motivation while it works.The rule enables people to begin tasks more easily which enables their brains to transition from a state of low energy to an active state, which enhances mental performance and emotional strength.ReferencesCNBC, “The No. 1 way I boost my brain energy when I ‘hit a mental wall’,” by Dr. Faye Begeti, June 23, 2025.Moneycontrol, “Oxford University neurologist shares how she boosts brain energy when she hits a mental wall,” June 29, 2025.Dr Faye Begeti official website, biography and neuroscience insights.LinkedIn profile of Dr. Faye Begeti, Neurology Specialist at Oxford University Hospitals.Lifeat.io blog, “The Five Minute Rule for Focusing,” 2017 (psychological background).