How My Team Stays Creative - 6 Ways to Declutter Your Brain & Keep Things Fresh

Originally inspired by a fabulous Corrina Owens ’ post on LinkedIn, I asked my team: “What are your go-to brain de-cluttering tactics?”?

And wow–not only did they have some excellent suggestions for Marie Kondo-ing your mind, but they expressed just how crucial an intentional mental declutter can be. Even a 15 minute walk can allow you to shake off the stress of the day, and put your best foot forward.?

Since today is the last day of #mentalhealthawarenessmonth here are some excellent brain decluttering tactics–directly sourced from our ultra-creative Uptycs Marketing Team.?

1. Get Outside:?

• Whether it’s running or roller derby (like the incredible Bronwen Hudson ), our team loves to get outside and get active. We’re talking fresh air, a flood of serotonin, and a release of pent-up energy!?
• Kelsey Flatau takes the walking to another level with her daily steps competition that always keeps her on the go.
• Some of us like activities that allow our brains to mellow out, and disengage–like walking our dogs or fly fishing–while others appreciate the chance to essentially meditate through our activity. And it turns out we have a wide variety of hobbies among our crew: target shooting, horseback riding, mountain biking…?

2. Get Arty

• Sometimes creativity begets creativity… you just have to mix it up.?
• Our team likes to let go of the mouse, release the keyboard, and pick up the guitar or a set of colored pencils. Laura Kenner hits the kitchen to showcase her creativity (and make some tasty eats), Alicia Beaubien changes things up by getting stuck into some HGtv-worthy DIY furniture flips, and Gordon Riordon builds his own badass lightsabers!
• Changing up the medium can mean you turn back to your original project with renewed inspiration.

3. Snuggle Some Animals!?

If you’re a pet owner, you’ll likely get this one. Our team swears by the rejuvenating effects of pet snuggles! If you’re in a rut, take a minute for yourself and your pet. Serotonin for everyone!?

• Nicole Stasiak hangs with her frenchie, Oliver, and Alicia Beaubien volunteers at her local animal shelter. Win-win!?
• Crystal Poenisch even records LinkedIn content while walking her pup!

4. Self Care - For Real??

• Though self-care has been commodified in some strange ways, you can’t go wrong with a massage, a hot bath, or a glass of wine with your friends. Introducing indulgent habits, even at the end of a Tuesday, can help you relax and take the pressure off yourself.?
• Does retail therapy count as #selfcare ? If so, Brian Thomas has that covered with some daily Amazon surprises on his doorstep.
• Planning ahead can also help you take the pressure off yourself; scheduling self care into your week means you can look forward to it, even when you’re pinched in other areas.?

5. Reading?

• If you’re doing a lot of written work in your daily life, additional words might not strike you as an antidote… but reading a book can allow you to get someone else’s words into your brain. Pick a nice spot to curl up–our team is all about that sunshine for a Vitamin D boost–and enjoy a chapter.?
• Neil Gaiman once described novels as “little empathy machines”. Taking a moment to read a couple pages of fiction can help loosen your mind up to new possibilities.?

6. Play That Funky Music?

• That’s right: ain’t nothin’ like an impromptu dance party. Turn on your favorite track and get groovy–for our team, it’s a perfect way to loosen up, mentally and physically (looking at you, lower back). Bonus points if you skip streaming and put on some physical media - vinyl, cassettes, cd’s, and even 8tracks. Something about holding it in your hands makes it more of an experience! IYKYK???????

We all know that open-sourcing these tips is the way to go. It’s easy to get siloed–even just into our department labels–and asking open questions like these allows my team to connect with each other, exchange valuable information, and the practice reminds us that we’re human.

So for this last day of #mentalhealthawareness month, remember that you're worth the time it takes to mentally tidy things up! Your company will thank you too, since you'll no doubt be more focused and ready to tackle that huge queue of never-ending work!!!