Mental fatigue is a condition triggered by prolonged cognitive activity. Basically, it sends your brain into overdrive, leaving you exhausted, hampering your productivity and overall cognitive function. It can manifest as a mental block, lack of motivation, irritability, stress eating or loss of appetite and insomnia. I have experienced one or more of these symptoms at times, but I have learned techniques to manage mental fatigue and want to share them with you!
Here are 5 tips and techniques to help you revive your brain.
1) Aromatherapy: Several essential oils can stimulate the brain to improve focus/concentration while alleviating exhaustion. My 4 favorites are basil, nutmeg, peppermint and rosemary. Inhalation is my preferred method of administration for mental fatigue. I prefer to use a diffuser close to my work area so I can inhale the wonderful aroma. I do not use peppermint alone in a diffuser as it can cause eye irritation. I simply open the bottle and take 3-5 deep breaths in and out whenever I feel sluggish or blocked. You can use this method with any of the oils if you do not have a diffuser or are in an area where you cannot use one. You can use just a single oil or blend 2 or more together.
2) Self-mind clearing technique: This is an energy therapy technique from Healing Touch Program. This technique helps to relax the neck muscles, and encourages the free flow of spinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. It aids in quieting the mind and promotes relaxation. Click here to view a video of this technique. You can scroll down to the first comment there and click on the link to view a handout of the technique as well.
3) Move your body: Go for a walk and let your mind wander, shoot some hoops, do some yoga focusing on your breath and body, or dance. All of these activities boost the production of endorphins, which elevates mood and stimulates relaxation. They also enhance cognitive skills by increasing the blood flow to the brain.
4) Take frequent breaks: Watch a short video that makes you smile or excites you, socialize with a colleague or friend, color (yes, adults benefit from coloring just as much as children), get a change of scenery in the building or outside. Allowing your mind to relax and go “off task” for 10 or more minutes can help stimulate creativity and prevent tunnel vision.
5) Meditation: When you feel like you can’t think straight, even a 5-minute meditation can help reset your brain. Daily meditation relaxes the mind and can improve cognition and problem solving ability. Click here to hear a 5-minute breath meditation.
I hope you find one or more of these tips useful. Please share this with others whom you feel could benefit I would love to hear your experiences or if you have any questions please contact me.