10 Easy Ways to Give Your Brain a Break During the Day
BY PURPLE CO
We all know that mental health is a BIG deal and that we don't talk about it enough.
Over a 24-hour period, we can process up to 70,000 thoughts, even as we sleep. Each day contains 86,400 seconds, so that equates to a different thought every 1.2 seconds - your brain never stops! (reference: http://inside-the-brain.com/2012/04/23/how-to-give-your-brain-a-break/). And add that to the 20 million bits of information coming to you from your external environment every second. No wonder we feel overloaded and overwhelmed at times.
For many people, working out how to manage their mental health at work is a really big deal.
However, like our physical body needs posture change throughout the day to remain healthy, our brain and its functions (like memory, planning, emotions, etc) also need changes to be as useful as we need them to be. And let's face it, a useful brain is a good brain.
And, like so many people, I will sit in front of my PC for too long because I want to get a task completed - because completing a task is just so satisfying!
So, I started compiling a list of the things I have been doing and teaching my clients over the past 20 years to help with giving your brain a break during the day.
Because a Brain Break does not have to mean a break from work or productive activity.
Thank you to all of the clients and health professionals who have contributed to this list. I am sure it's not an exhaustive list. However, I know that if you start to think and behave differently, in time, this type of activity change will become second nature.
- MOVE away from the screen — all screens. Including your mobile phone, tablet, computer screen. Give yourself at least 4x 10 minutes of no screen time each day (tea breaks and meal breaks then 2 others).
- When reasonable in your job, TURN OFF email for a period of time. There is often no need to respond the second an email pops up into your inbox.
- Plan to go for a walk for 20 minutes. Don't use this time to make calls or to return text messages. Just do the walking.
- Multi-tasking is way overrated. As your day progresses, you will become tired. Commit to 1 thing at a time — complete 1 thing at a time, get it done and then move on.
- Plan to listen to music during your lunch break or tea break.
- Overwhelmed by all the things you have to do — chances are you don't have a repository for all of these "reminders", simply write them down somewhere and cross them off. I am aware that a lot of us become anxious, fearing we might forget something. I recommend keeping an exercise book handy to write these "reminders" down or keep a notes page open on your desktop.
- Plan to listen to a guided meditation during your lunch break. These can be as short as 10 minutes to have an incredibly rejuvenating effect.
- Get out your Kid Hat and do something playful. Not foolish or disruptive — something as simple as taking off your shoes and walking on grass; slide down a slippery dip in the park near your office.
- Laugh — a really big belly laugh. Go on, try in, watch what happens to your productivity when you have had a really good laugh.
- Go find a quiet space and complete 6 deep breaths. Slowly, in through your nose, out through your mouth. Each breath in should take approx 3 seconds, and each breath out approx 3 seconds.
I am sure we can come up with a much more exhaustive list. What activities have you used or recommended to give your Brain a Break during the day? Please leave your comments below, it would be awesome to get this list to a BIG number!
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