Does your brain feel tired? Your brain is tired when it cannot possibly think another thought, ponder another solution, or make another decision. It’s a mental “Do not pass go.” You feel unable to think clearly and drained of energy. Recently, I typed the words, “My brian is fired,” on a text. I could no longer avoid the reality I knew was more than a typo. Hello, wake-up call!
If you find yourself in a similar place, first, take some time to reflect on the source of your exhaustion:
- Physical: Are you getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating properly?
- Mental: Are you stressing out, spreading yourself too thin, over-committing yourself to everything?
- Spiritual: Are you praying regularly? Reading your Bible? Attending worship?
When your brain is mentally spent and your candle is dimming, there are five simple self-care activities that can reboot your brain:
- Do something mindless: Get out a coloring book, flip through a magazine, listen to music. Find something you can enjoy on autopilot.
- Play: Go to the park and swing on a swing. Grab your pet’s favorite toy and be their favorite human. Put on energizing music and dance like you did at the prom. Laugh and have fun.
- Unplug: Disconnect from all screens for an hour or more. Take a break from social media. Pick up your crochet hook or paint brush. Take a nap.
- Pray: Pour out your heart to God, and rest in His peace. He sees and knows and cares!
- Schedule a me-treat: Book an overnight stay in a local hotel. Pack your favorite book or journal. Take a long bath or shower with amazing-smelling body wash or bubble bath or go all out and indulge in a pampering massage. Bring snacks or order room service. Sleep in. Relax and unwind!
Of course, the list above is not a comprehensive list. Yet hopefully, it will stir up some fresh ideas for you. It’s important to pay attention to how you are feeling, and act on it quickly and decisively. Consider pausing to take care of yourself! Let’s face it: the same attention and care you give to everyone else, you deserve to give to yourself. You will feel recharged and renewed and in a better place to make wise decisions that affect your life and others.