FUEL THE MIND

Your brain works hard, and needs to be fueled and nourished like the rest of your body. Ensuring that your brain is in top shape can help support the wellness of your entire body.

As per research, the brain uses ten times more energy than the rest of the body, mostly because of the amount of processing the brain does every second, every minute, every hour. Neurons in the brain are constantly signaling to one another, allowing you to remember information, move your limbs, digest your food, digest new information, analyze data, critical thinking, and probably anything else you can think of (including the thinking you are currently thinking of more tasks done by the brain).

There are plenty of ways to fuel the brain, both directly and indirectly. Below are some of the most effective and simple ways to stimulate the mind and give your brain the physical and metaphorical fuel your brain needs to thrive!

1. SELF REFLECTION \ INTROSPECTION

Self-reflection is an important habit to practice. We are constantly changing, growing, and transforming into better versions of ourselves. By practicing self-reflection, you will gain more clarity and peace in your life.

2. PRACTISE GRATITUDE

Make a mental list of the things you are grateful for first thing in the morning or right before bed, or write them down in a gratitude journal. The health benefits of gratitude are extensive. Practicing gratitude can be a game-changer: it has productive effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships with others. Living your life with gratitude helps you notice the little wins—like waking up in your own home, consuming a nutritious breakfast, or the sun shining through your window when you wake up in the morning. Each of these beautiful moments ties together to create a circle of well-being that, over time, strengthens your ability to notice the good.

3. MEDITATE

Meditation improves memory, attention, mood, immune system function, sleep, and creativity. All it takes is a few minutes a day to start reaping the benefits. Find a comfortable position in a quiet space. Focus on your breath, not your thoughts. Allow your thoughts to come and then allow them to leave easily and return to focusing on the breath. When we pay attention to our breath, we learn how to return to, and remain in, the present moment, to anchor ourselves in the here and now on purpose, without judgment. The longer you meditate and the more often you do it, the better, more relaxed, and more present you will feel.?

4. READ A NEW BOOK

Reading a book is a great way to nourish your mind. Set a goal for yourself to read a certain number of books a year or even a certain amount of pages a day. It is an incredible habit to add to your daily routine. Every day reading results into a number of benefits: Mental stimulation, vocabulary enhancement, stress reduction, memory improvement, improved focus and concentration, and stronger analytical thinking skills.

5. LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Consider challenging yourself and learning something new. You can learn a new language, a new skill, take an online course, learn by reading a book, watch an educational YouTube video, listen to a podcast, or share meaningful conversations with friends and colleagues.

6. LISTEN TO A PODCAST

Podcast topics, range from personal development, business, spiritual, finance planning & investment, career, health & wellness, and so much more. While getting ready preparing yourself for Work\ School, driving, or even doing laundry listen to a podcast to feed your mind with information.

7. LISTEN TO TED TALKS

Listen to an educational, empowering, and inspirational Ted Talk to inspire you.

8. PRACTICE VISUALIZATION

Visualization is the practice of imagining what you want to achieve in the future, being visionary, being futuristic. You can try out visualization practices like making a vision board or a guided visualization meditation.

9. EAT MORE PLANT-BASED FOODS

Getting the right nutrition is the best way of ensuring your body has adequate amounts of fuel to keep you going.?Eating more plant-based foods improves the health of your gut so you are better able to absorb the nutrients from food that support your immune system and reduce inflammation.?Find ways to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your meals and limit your intake of processed foods. This is a much healthier option to nourish your body and reduce inflammation.

10. EXERCISE

Find an exercise you enjoy and start doing it regularly. Research shows that exercise boosts your mood by pumping oxygen into the brain and releasing feel-good hormones.

11. GET SUFFICIENT SLEEP \ REST

Sleep is one of the biggest factors in our energy levels throughout the day. Getting a good night’s rest will put you in a better mood, help reduce stress, and boost your immune system, among many other health benefits.

12. SPEND TIME IN NATURE

Spending time outdoors, breathing in fresh air, and soaking up the sun (Vitamin D) is such a great way to refresh. Be present and mindful of how amazing nature is and the benefits it gives us and let it help you clear your mind.

13. GET FRESH AIR

During the day when time allows you or on the weekend, getting some fresh air and Vitamin D is a great way to feel more refreshed. Trees, flowers, grass, wildlife, and sunshine all help you to automatically relax, de-stress, and feel nourished right down to your soul.

14. BREATHE DEEPLY

Breathing releases toxins, improves digestion, and strengthens your immune system. Conscious breathing also helps you focus, feel less stressed, and relax your muscles.