Three easy ways to revitalise a weary brain, by Henrietta Greene.

Do you ever feel mentally exhausted, unable to think clearly or productively, be it at the start, during, or at the end of the day?

Leaving aside the torrent of politics recently thrown our way, our brains take as much of a battering as our bodies do – there is the work environment and the working day, which now stretches far longer than in times past; then there is the ‘non-work’ environment, be that social or personal responsibilities that further demand planning, consideration, and decisions; and on top of both of these aspects of our lives, there is the constant and unending sensory bombardment from marketing, advertisements, and social media – all of it vying for your attention, grappling to make you engage, consume, digest. How, then, to keep our brains refreshed and focussed? Read on for three simple changes you could make to leave you feeling that little bit more energised and empowered.

We are what we eat

Whilst eating a specific diet so as to impact our physical shape is in no way uncommon, eating a specific diet so as to impact our brain and cognitive function may perhaps be less common.Research into various foodstuffs has now identified the beneficial impact our diet can have on the brain. Including items such as walnuts, olive oil, beetroot, broccoli, spinach, avocadoes, salmon and dark chocolate (70% cocoa+) into your diet will provide the brain with the key vitamins, minerals and fats needed for cell repair; protection of the nerves; reduction of inflammation; and a boost in blood flow to the brain – all of which combines to protect the brain from disease, improve memory and support a sharper, quicker, slicker cognitive machine! For more brain food tips, click here. 

Stop!

It should not be underestimated how much the constant stimuli to our senses can erode our energy levels - just as our legs may become tired during a long run, so too can the brain, very similar in its function to a muscle, become fatigued during our waking hours.Aim for a moment in the day where you totally stop what you are doing – that means no phone, computer, TV or screen. It may be sitting still, or it may be moving, however internally give yourself a moment’s break from actively thinking. Instead, try to engage with something that is there in front of you, be that a sight, sound, smell, taste or touch. By giving the brain something to engage with in the immediate environment, you may find it easier to detach from the thoughts previously whirring around your head. Try to stay focused on your chosen object for the count of ten deep breaths (it may even be the breath itself that you focus on), and then allow yourself to continue with your day.The more you practice these momentary cessations in mental activity, the easier they will become, so don’t be disheartened if at first you find yourself thinking very hard about not thinking! 

Breathe

Oxygen is vital to life. We all know that, however how much oxygen we successfully draw in through our breath can vary dramatically, depending on the time of day, our stress-levels, and even the surrounding environment. Oxygen is vital for cells within the body to function properly and efficiently. Given the brain controls our central nervous system, the high metabolic demand of its cells is unsurprising! Even when we are not consciously thinking or using our brains, the brain continues to regulate and control our responses to endless other stimuli. This constant activity demands a high level of oxygen in a similarly constant supply if the cognitive function is to be unaffected. Therefore, make sure rooms are well-ventilated with fresh air, if possible. If you suddenly start to experience ‘brain fog’, as it is known, or feel stressed, stop what you are doing and focus on taking ten, deep breaths. Try to move regularly, even if it’s simply to another room and back – it will encourage you to breathe deeper than when sitting still.

Save More from Henrietta below: Catch Henrietta at Soul Circus this August.Three tips to help you unwind at the end of the day.