Monday Must: Brain Health Tips to Help You Get Through Mondays

MIND.ON HERE!

WE’RE A COMMUNITY OF BRAIN HEALTH EXPLORERS FASCINATED BY THE INNER WORKINGS OF OUR MINDS. WE’VE GOT A LOT OF BIG QUESTIONS ABOUT WHY OUR BRAINS BEHAVE THE WAY THEY DO, HOW WE CAN MAKE THEM WORK BETTER, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HOW TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEM.

We gather (virtually!) to discuss the physiology of our brains and share our lived experiences, in the hopes of learning about our individual and collective brain health (check out our website here). For our Monday Must, we really want to share some tips for tackling Mondays. Mondays can be hard. Mondays in lockdown can be really hard. So we’ve decided to share our brain health tips and tricks that help us start the week off right. 

Meditation - Insight Timer’s “How to meditate in seven days” course

You’ve heard it time after time - meditation has so many positive benefits on your overall well being. But hey, we get it, getting into a routine takes time and dedication. If you’re new to meditation or just getting back into the routine, try Insight Timer’s free seven day meditation course. 

Cold shower

We look at this like a coffee but for your whole body. It gets your blood circulation flowing and gives your nervous system a wake up call. If you’re new to cold showers this can be jarring at first, so ease yourself into it. Try turning the tap cold at the end of your shower for 20-30 seconds. 

Midday walk/run break!

If you’re like us and work on a computer all day, it’s so important to get the body moving. On a physiological level, it helps blood flow to the brain and those endorphins will help get you through the next few hours. Try running/walking without a certain distance or pace in mind. Instead of trying to hit a personal best, try to get moving with the goal of expending energy and getting fresh air. 

Eye pillow break 

3:00pm hits and productivity is hitting an all-time low. Instead of pushing yourself to keep working, take a 20 minute break. To combat eye fatigue or computer headaches, try resting with an eye pillow on your face. Tip - store it in the freezer before use for a cooling sensation on your eyes. 

Gratitude journaling before bed

As you’re winding down for bed, write down 5 things you’re grateful for (try this journal if you don’t already have one). By ending your night reflecting on the best part of your day instead of the worst, you will put yourself in the right mindset before hitting the hay. It also forces you to reflect on the small things like morning sunlight, a warm cup of tea and chocolate chips.

Do you have some go-to ways to get through a Monday? Let us know in the comments below or share with us on Instagram by tagging @itsmaryyoung & @mind.on