Our brains are being stretched right now. They are continually adapting to changing guidelines about stressful information on staying safe. They are helping us rethink many basic, everyday tasks. And they are holding a lot of uncertainty about the future. It’s a lot for an organism to manage for an extended period of time.
This brain stress can directly impact our stamina, concentration, communication, mood, and our capacity to make decisions. And of course, all of that leaks out into our work and personal relationships.
You wouldn’t expect a car to get far on diluted gasoline or have a smooth ride with a flat tire. Don’t expect the same of your worn out brain.
At a time when we must be careful about where we go, what we touch, how we clean and more, we must be equally mindful of how we are caring for our brains. More than ever, it’s time to recall the basic practices that are essential to brain health:
Nutrition: We are all drawn to comfort food full of carbs and sugar during stressful times. However, to adequately fuel our brains, we need to balance this with a healthy diet.
Movement: Exercise promotes the production of feel good chemicals in your brain. Even moderate movements such as walking and stretching can provide a healthy boost.
Hydration: In addition to helping flush the body of stress chemicals produced by our nervous systems, drinking water decreases the inflammation that naturally occurs in our brains overnight. Starting the morning with a glass of water and continuing to hydrate throughout the day gives our brains more agility when navigating stress.
Sleep: Sleep is how our brains reset from all the stresses of our waking life. Everything is a little bit easier when we have had sleep.
While there are many more things we can do to help us manage stress, all these things will have limited benefits if we aren’t tending to the basics of brain health.
You wouldn’t expect a car to get far on diluted gasoline or have a smooth ride with a flat tire. Don’t expect the same of your worn out brain.
As you lead your company through this stressful time, remember that your effectiveness starts with good brain care.
What tricks or routines have helped you take care of your brain during this unusual time?
Please join us on Facebook and share your ideas.
G2 Solutions is wishing you health, safety, comfort and peace of mind.