Mental Cleanse

Scott Schwab:
We have spoken many times about cleanses for your body and fulfilling more of a physical detoxification. Well what about a mental cleanse? How could we do this type of cleanse and what would be some of the activities that would provide results? I surely don't have all the answers, but here are some of the things that I do to help my cranium detoxify.

Mental Detox
With all of the wonderful technical advances in our lifetime, we are constantly bombarded by technology. The fact that media is such a large part of our lives is a helpful thing, but can also provide stress in our life. Researchers are now finding a direct correlation to anxiety for those who have a propensity to be more connected to media. Ask yourself these questions. How many hours per day are you in front of the computer? How many hours per day are you on the phone either texting, surfing, or talking? How many hours in the day do you spend watching T.V.? How much of your day is spent listening to the radio or some other form of music. Begin by looking at what is essential and necessary and what is leisure or simply wasted time.
Another study that is staggering is the shift of brain stimulation. 10-20 years ago there were much higher levels of reading and obtaining information through text. Today we are so visually stimulating that it is not only effecting areas of anxiety, but reading comprehension and grammar are being effected like never before. At the high school level some schools have reported the negative effects of heavy texting and media influence on students. Not only is personal communication happening less, but the ability for students to write papers and express themselves in a written format are dwindling. I don't want to get off track, because we all know that technology has great aspects, but if there is not a balance the negative will occur. Regardless of whether you are in High school, college, or in a different season of life find ways to limit your technical involvement.

10 Ways to lessen the load

#1 Turn it off- Plain and simple, just make the adjustment to go without the essential for a couple of days or even a week.

#2 Take a trip- This vacation can be figurative or literal. Get into a situation where you can mentally be away from the norm. Reading is great, because as you read you not only stimulate your brain neurons, but you also can visualize yourself in different locations, scenarios, and situations. This is very helpful for the sending and receiving process of brain receptors.

#3 Take a break- The same principle applies. You may be so inundated with technology that you may not even know the effects. Spend a night away from Facebook, and other social networking sites. Turn off the Phone and T.V. and sit and ponder and think. Yoga is great for this because it helps focus your mind and a specific element for a defined time.

#4 Exercise- All of us know the benefits of exercise, but do we really understand how liberating exercise can be? It literally frees the mind and helps release endorphins that are responsible for our happiness and overall health.

#5 Massage- The rubbing of our physical releases toxins for the body and will also relieve stress on the brain. Your skin is the biggest organ on your body. By taking care of it with a rub down, your mind can relax and not focus on the physical pressures that many time the brain suppresses.

#6 Do something for you- Life is to busy not to enjoy yourself. A great way to do this is to revisit old hobbies, favorite places, and things that you have enjoyed previously. It is also important to find things that naturally you are not good at and explore your creative nature. For example if you put a person in a room with a piano. Eventually that person will start playing the piano even if they have no skills.

#7 Mozart principle- Many studies have been performed with learning, retention, and actual brain development with classical music. Supposedly, a person will be able to have better clarity and brain function. Soft and relaxing music will naturally help a person to relax.

#8 Bubble Bath- Just like a massage, your body can relax, which can free the mind. Get a hot bath and even put some bubbles in the bath. Soak your body and relax the minds. I guess you could even put the cucumbers on your eyes and do a mask, even though I don't know if that will do anything.

#9 Communicate- Talk or visit loved ones. When you talk to someone that you have a fond memory of, your brain naturally re-visits positive experiences and helps your mind feel at ease. This is also accomplished by doing something for someone else. Service helps us to forget ourselves and put someone else's needs before ours.

#10 Take a nap- Sleep is a great way to relax the body and free the mind. If you are out of whack and you may not know why. Look at your sleeping patterns. If you are not getting enough sleep your body will let you know. Sickness, anxiety, and desire are all effects of not getting enough Z'sssss. Work in a nap in the day or just get to bed earlier.