Give your brain a break

You are well aware of the importance of giving your body a rest in order to recuperate, repair and grow stronger but when was the last time you gave your brain a rest? No, scrolling mindlessly through your social media feed does not count! 

Here are some reasons why resting or grey matter is a no brainer… 

1. Rest plays a crucial role in the functioning of our immune system. Taking a break allows the brain to clear out the junk. Researchers have found that during sleep, the fluid present in the brain and spinal cord, (called the cerebrospinal fluid) washes in and out, like waves helping the brain get rid of accumulated metabolic trash. This waste includes potentially toxic proteins that may otherwise form build-ups that can impair the flow of information between neurons

 

2. When we work without taking a break we become more preoccupied and lose sight of goals. Taking a break is like having a power nap, you’ll be more revived and focused afterwards.

 

3. Taking a break creates an opportunity for ideas to emerge. Rather than trying to chase a solution which can be forced and counterproductive. Tuning out and allowing your brain to go into a flow state means you are more like to up the creativity levels. I often have my best ideas one out on a run as my brain and nervous system is in a parasitic sympathetic state – sometimes known as the rest and digest state.

 

4. Our bodies are not designed to be in distressed state for prolonged periods of time. Taking a break when you start to feel overwhelmed is like coming down the gears in your car and pausing at traffic lights.

 

Ways to give your brain break 

  • Get outdoors. The naturally occurring geometric shames in nature, known as fractals, are soothing and healing. 

  • Doing some physical activity is a great way to get out of your head and into your body. 

  • Daydream. Staring out the window looking up at the sky for a minute allows your brain to disengage and go into a neutral state.

  • Be still for a moment. Standing or sitting, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Think about the way the air feels when it enters your lungs. If your mind strays, simply turn your attention back to breathing. Intentional, focused breathing is a great way to listen to your body and give your mind some space to be calm.

  • Colour or draw. If you haven’t already used an adult colouring book, now is the perfect time to get one. The activity can help shift your focus to creativity and staying between the lines, which lets your brain take a much-needed break. If colouring pre-drawn designs doesn’t appeal to you, you could doodle your own designs on a blank piece of paper.

  • Go on a Google Maps Adventure. This is one of my favs! You can explore the world from your living room with Google Street View? MapCrunch.com is a website that randomly generates a new street view every time you click “Go!” You can customize your settings to drop you in specific continents, countries, or even urban or indoor settings. You might find yourself in a vineyard in Slovenia, on a rural road in Rio de Janeiro, or in a quiet neighborhood in Greece.

Nicola Strudley