Sometimes, whether you are feeling a little down in the dumps, or whether you just can’t seem to focus, you need a mental jolt. A mental jolt can help you wake up, clear your mind, and make better decisions.
Studies indicate that we make poor decisions when we are tired or distracted, so it makes to occasionally give yourself a mental jolt to get out of your doldrums and move forward with your life, it makes sense to produce a mental jolt. Here are some ways that you can give yourself a good mental jolt:
Stretch
Just getting up and stretching can do wonders for your mental state. You can enjoy a mood boost, and clear your thoughts. Stand up, stretch, and maybe even walk around a little bit. Sometimes, I even like to do a little yoga with my stretching. The combination of these movements, plus the stretches, really gets the blood flowing again, and it clears the cobwebs in my mind.
Go Outside
A breath of fresh air can stimulate your mind and re-awaken your senses. You don’t even have to go for a long walk. Just step outside for five minutes or so, and breathe deep. This works best when you have nature near you. Studies indicate that nature can have a positive influence on your attitude, so being able to go out in a garden, take a walk in the woods, or just sit under a tree for a while can give you a much-needed mental jolt.
Meditation
Even if you only meditate for five to 10 minutes, you can get a mental jolt. I like to spend 15-20 minutes in the middle of the day meditating. This helps me re-focus my thoughts and get back on track with what I need to do. I feel more alert when I am done, and I feel more ready to move on to the next effort.
You can also power nap. There are indications that a 15 minute power nap can rejuvenate you and boost your mental clarity. You don’t want to overdo it, though, since too much of a nap can have the opposite effect. Some experts suggest that you drink a cup of coffee just before your power nap. It takes about 15 minutes for the coffee to full effect, so that’s just the amount of time you need for your nap. About the time the caffeine is ready to kick in, your nap is over and you are especially ready for your next task.
Better Productivity and Better Decisions
Poor decision making is connected to tiredness and mental fatigue. Whether it’s trying to have a civil conversation with a loved one, or trying to make a decision about money, it’s much better to be in a positive and alert frame of mind. You’ll react better to almost anything, and your mind will be clear to make better decisions.
Take the time to give yourself a mental jolt when you feel that you are flagging, and you will reap the benefits of clearer thinking.
