An essential part of wellness is self-care. Technology has made leaps and bounds in the last 20 years, which is a good thing for most of us. However, there is a downside. The number of tasks we can accomplish in a single day are also substantially higher.
This increased expectation of productivity takes a great toll on our minds. Technology can only do so much. There is always a human behind the machine.
Day in and day out we stretch ourselves, sometimes too thin. It’s imperative we find ways to recharge and rejuvenate our minds.
The brain is an organ; the mind is invisible yet in every cell. Our minds are responsible for feelings, attitudes, imagination and beliefs. So, how can you take care of your mind?
.
Self-Care for the Mind
An adequate amount of quality sleep and proper nutrition are at the top of the list. In most cases though, that’s just not enough. We need to think outside the box and forget the idea that self-care is indulgent and unnecessary.
It’s absolutely necessary! If we don’t take care of ourselves, who else will? And if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we possibly offer the best foot forward in any given day?
The mind needs two things: stimulation and relaxation. We have to stimulate our mind and give it new information to keep thinking sharp and relevant. We also have to give our minds a break and allow rest.
Stimulating Self-Care Ideas for the Mind
The following should help you get an idea of self-care options which will both stimulate and rejuvenate the power of the mind.
- Learn a new language – You could take a college level class or simply look online for freebies on learning the basics of a new language. Don’t forget about sign language! Not only is it incredibly interesting, it’s also another way to earn money on the side.
- Take a Class – As above, only don’t limit it to a language. You could take a pottery class, painting, macramé, or anything else artistic that suits your fancy. Likewise, a college level class like accounting or writing might be more your style.
- Try a New Hobby – Anything you’ve always wanted to try but never made the time.
- Puzzles – Don’t limit this to just a puzzle you put on a table and piece together. There are tons of apps for brain teasers and twisters, word games, etc. Challenge your knowledge!
- Board Games – Similar to puzzles, there are lots of apps available to play online if you don’t have a partner. Backgammon, chess and other strategy games are great options!
- Learn to Play an Instrument – Piano, drums, guitar… there are so many choices!
- Volunteer & Community Service – The rewards of serving others is invaluable and extremely stimulating.
- Purge – Go through your closet and get rid of things you haven’t worn in a year. But you don’t have to stop there. Choose a different area or room in the house each week and you’re sure to find things you didn’t even remember you had. Purging provides a fresh, clean start for the mind. When there’s too much clutter lying about, the mind has problems with focus and clarity.
Relaxing Self-Care Ideas for the Mind
The “mind” isn’t just brain power. It isn’t wholly encompassed in a single organ inside the skull. The “mind” is a powerful element, a seat of consciousness, that enables people to be aware of surroundings, experiences, memories, to think and feel. Much of the time the mind is running at full power.
Here are a few ideas to help give the mind a break and allow it to rejuvenate:
- Massage Therapy – Go to a fancy boutique or have someone else do it for free at home. As much as the massage itself is therapeutic and soothing, the ambiance is just as important. Make sure the environment is clear of distractions, put on some soft music and light a candle in a semi-dark room to get the best results.
- Meditate – Some still think meditation is kooky and weird, but it can be the difference between complete chaos and soul-saving peace. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
- Garden – Fresh air is exceptionally beneficial. There’s something calming about getting your hands in the soil, creating and nurturing life… especially if your bounty is edible.
- Read/Listen to a Book – Sometimes all it takes is an escape to another world, someone else’s life in a romance or historical novel.
- Aromatherapy – The nose always knows, right? Choose calm and clean scents during bath-time, reading, nap-time, or any other relaxing self-care activity.
- Play Music – Why not add in your favorite play list with the aromatherapy for a double whammy? Go for classical, instrumental, slow jams, etc.
- Color or Draw – You don’t need a ton of supplies to get started. A box of colored pencils and blank paper will do the trick. Adult coloring books are available just about everywhere now, and there are even apps for smartphones.
- Unplug – This is probably the hardest, and yet the most rewarding form of self-care. Unplug from all things with screens for 30 minutes. Spend this time being mindful. Go outside and watch the sunset, sunrise. Watch the clouds gently float across the sky or gaze at the stars.
Self-care for the mind doesn’t have to cost a lot and there are plenty of ways to get the job done. It’s all about nourishing your mind so you can enjoy the moments life gives you instead of constantly running on fumes. Take the time to take care of you!
