4 Tips to Spring Clean your Brain!
Spring is upon us — the weather is a bit warmer, our children’s spring break is coming in a few weeks, and March 20th marks the official day of spring this year. This time of year brings new growth; out with the old and in with the new!
Just as clearing out a cluttered closet during your “spring cleaning” will free up some space, the same concept applies to our bodies and especially our brains! In a society where we are consumed by daily responsibilities and work (often which includes technology) it benefits us to reset our bodies. Many times, we forget that our internal storage needs clearing to reset from all of the stress we have accumulated. Here are four tips to spring clean your brain this season:
Remove technology: First and foremost, for adults and especially for children, it is crucial to take time away from technology. Let go of the passive and interactive screens and take a break. According to psychiatrist Victoria Dunckley, too much screen time can have major negative effects on children’s developing brains, exhibiting similar symptoms we see in diagnoses such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, and depression. Even as adults we may find ourselves distracted, disengaged, and having trouble sleeping. Screen time disrupts the body’s clock because it models daytime and suppresses melatonin. Contrary to the belief that watching screens before bed relaxes you, it has the opposite effect. Removing screens is a great way to let your brain reset and relax. It is like allowing an over-worked muscle time to recover. We all need rest days!
Get out in nature: According to National Geographic, spending time surrounded in nature lowers stress. Nature does wonders for our brains, increasing feelings of happiness. We have become so absorbed with fast paced day to day grind that we forget where we originated from! Just a few minutes outside each day going for a walk, playing with our children, and absorbing some vitamin D through the sun can be very healthy for us psychologically. David Gessner shares some brief insight to this!
Change up your diet: The holidays and winter season tend to be full of warm comfort foods. With spring in the air many fruits and vegetables are coming into season. Change up your diet and incorporate new assorted fruits and vegetables. You may even consider starting your own garden this year which is a great way to combine tip 2 and 3 of this blog. According to Naturally Savvy, eating fruits and vegetables that are in season is more cost effective, more tasteful, healthier, and greener! Food is brain power, MANGIA BENE!
Do something new: Now is a great time to start a new activity you’ve been wanting to do. Invite an interested friend to join or create a new memory with your family. The rule is, it has to be new. In spring newness is all around so don’t miss out on the fun. Trying something new is a great way to boost your confidence, learn a new skill, appreciate being alive, and can help break up the doldrums of life.
It is time to grab the dust pan and broom: Start sweeping away those brain cobwebs. Clear out the old mental storage containers, and hit the refresh button on your brain! You will come back from this feeling rejuvenated, clear-headed, lighter, and eager to take on your next life adventure!
