10 Unusual Things that Will Energize Your Mind
If you want to energize your mind, there are some unusual things you can do. Firing up your brain encompasses both physical and mental aspects. If your brain is tired due to overwhelm, stress, the pace of daily living, or lack of sleep, rejuvenating your mind is something you should do regularly. Try these tips to recharge your mental batteries.
Physical Things to Energize Your Mind
1. Exercise
As counterintuitive as it may seem, expending energy exercising actually energizes you. Studies show that regular exercise can help your mind release stress and relax. The physical exertion of exercise will also help clear your mind for better thinking, focus, and clarity. Memory improves with exercise, too. And a tough workout is just what your mind needs to get your circulatory system pumping and snap you out of a sleepy spell.
Bonus Tip: Need a quick pick me up? If you’re finding yourself in need of a nap, try a set of jumping jacks or run up and down the stairs for a burst of energy first.
2. Sleep Well
Getting the right amount of quality sleep can make a big difference in your state of mind, your ability to focus, and your mood. It’s also a time when your body can release stress as well as heal and rejuvenate.
Bonus Tip: For better sleep, keep your room quiet, cool, and dark. This is the recipe for great sleep.
3. Do a Body Scan
Taking a few minutes to touch base with every part of your body can help you strengthen your mind-body connection and can allow you to relax each part of your body as you become aware of it.
Bonus Tip: Ready to relax and recharge? Start at your head and squeeze and release each muscle group, working your way down to your toes.
4. Go to the Spa
As weird as it may seem, treating your body to some relaxation can also help ease your mind. Letting yourself indulge in some luxury can make you feel good and pick up your mood while allowing you to fully relax.
Bonus Tip: For some serious self-care, try a pedicure or a massage for a quick, soothing retreat for tired minds.
5. Hydrate
Yes, drinking more water can help improve your mind. Your brain is made up of about 75% water and needs to be hydrated to fire properly. Water helps your brain stay sharp. Even being dehydrated by as little as one to two percent can cause you to feel depressed, cause brain fog, lead to poor memory, reduce attention span, disrupt sleep, and feel fatigued throughout your day.
Bonus Tip: To keep your body and brain hydrated, get in a minimum of eight glasses of water per day, especially before and after exercise, when you wake up, and any time you’re feeling low energy.
6. Explore Something New
Get up and get out. Getting away from the same old, same old can do wonders for your mind. Checking out what’s new around you can also refresh your brain and your spirit. See the possibilities and the beauty in your surroundings can give you an energizing perspective and a new zest for life.
Bonus Tip: Curious? Try a different gym or a new route to the grocery store. Breaking out of your monotonous patterns can spark new interest in your daily tasks.
Mental Things To Energize Your Mind
7. Play Games
Allowing your mind time out for a little fun can go a long way toward improving your headspace. Allow yourself to get lost in the fun and challenge of a new game. Play with others and enjoy the camaraderie and laughter.
Bonus Tip: Have fun! Grab your phone for myriad game choices or, better yet, meet up with a friend and teach each other a new game.
8. Improve Your Memory
This is a great way to energize your mind. Learning and memorizing improves brain health and keeps your mind sharp. Your brain loves to learn and when you don’t give it new information, it can get stale and boring. It’s a case of use it or lose it.
Bonus Tip: Ready to boost memory? Try some brain games. You can find apps, online sources, or yes, even physical workbooks.
9. Put Down Your Phone
Taking a break from electronics will give you a nice mental break as well. Not only can looking at other people’s “perfect” filtered lives all day throw you into a bout of depression, but the constant stimulation can also overwhelm your brain and even make sleep difficult. Studies show that when you go old school and read physical books, write things in a journal versus using apps, and get away from all the blue light your phone projects, you’ll sleep better and allow your mind and body to destress.
Bonus Tip: For a mental vaca, put the phone down two hours prior to bedtime and see how you feel the next day. The more you practice this, the better you’ll feel.
10. Learn Something New
Challenging your mind will allow it to focus on the task at hand and expand your horizons. Get creative because it will force your mind to relax as you enjoy learning and adapting to new challenges.
Bonus Tip: Practice being creative: Try picking up a new hobby, taking an online class, or researching a topic that interests you.
Keeping your mind sharp is essential for good health and longevity. Use these unusual activities to keep your mind energized and engaged.