A few years ago I was watching a brain nuero-scientist who gave simple explanations of how the brain works and shared easy tips to help maximize how to use it.
During one particular video he described our brains as a bowl full of trail mix. Curious, I found his object lesson very fascinating. During the next few days I became aware of the truthfulness of his lesson as I experienced what he was talking about. My perspective shifted because of this new awareness, which has helped me become a more mentally healthy person.
I want to describe what happened in his video, what I learned from it, and how it can help you. He said…
Our conscious brain (the part of our brain that is active when we are awake) is like an empty bowl. Throughout the day we ask our brain to find answers to questions, recall information, create something new, and respond to others. As it does this, it goes into the storage center of our brain to find the pieces we need to formulate answers and solve problems. It brings back all the raisins, then some peanuts, cashews, almonds, caramels, and M&M’s. Soon we have all the pieces we need to answer questions, create new ideas, and solve problems. It’s truly amazing! Thank you brain for being so efficient!
In our busy world today, we then move on to our next project, question, or problem to solve. We ask our brain to find us the pieces to this idea, and it brings back cran-raisins, more nuts, and other sweet treats. All pieces to the questions, new ideas and problems we are working on.
Again, we ask for more information, and again, and again.
Starting to sound overwhelming? Your brain thinks so too.
The brain is now full of this crazy trail mix (in various styles)! And… it hasn’t had time to put things way in between projects. So now, it’s full, tired, confused, and overwhelmed.
In order for the brain to function optimally again, it needs a little bit of time (just a couple minutes really) to put away the last project before it is ready for a new one. This is why, when I finally get a few moments to myself, it seems as if I am getting nothing done; sitting there staring into space for no reason. My brain really does need time to unwind.
This used to frustrate me, especially as a young mom. I often thought, “In the 20 minutes I get to myself, why do I feel like my brain suddenly doesn’t work?” Then I would feel unaccomplished. After watching this simple presentation I learned something very valuable…
Actually, my brain is doing a lot! It is carefully putting all the information I asked it to recall, back into its proper space in long term storage in the brain. If I allow it some time to do this, it will function so much better for me! Thank you brain!
I have learned to honor my brain’s time to put away and organize itself, without stimulating it with social media, music (calming meditation music being an exception), shows, and other distractions. I like to thank my brain for the amazing service it gives me and show my appreciation by allowing it down time.
At first, I thought, “I already don’t have enough time to get life done each day, how am I going to do this to?” Through experimentation I have learned that when I take just a minute or two, every hour or so, to close my eyes, breathe deep and let my brain wander-I am so much more efficient and I get more done! It’s amazing!
What does this look like?
This amazing stillness looks like me, sitting in a comfortable chair or lying on my bed for 5-10 minutes with my eyes closed (closing out as much sensory input as I can). My brain runs around wildly for a while, jumping from one conversation, idea, and question to another. I just allow it and watch it. After a few minutes the activity in my brain slows down and I begin to see longer patches of nothing going on. After a few more minutes I begin to feel peaceful, rested, quiet. I hear my brain sigh and then say, “Okay, we are ready, what’s next?”
Here are a few ideas you can experiment with as you find what works for you.
When I had young kids, I disappeared into my closet or laundry room (with the light off) or my van in the garage to just sit and relax. The kids were fine by themselves, and I was a better mother after having a few moments alone.
Now that my kids are older, I just close the door to a room and sit. Sometimes I take a walk or go for drive and just allow my brain to do whatever it wants without any direction from me. During the summer (when all my kids are home from school) I have to do this more often. It took practice, but through trial and error, I have learned to not let my brain get too overloaded before I take a minute or two.
The neuro-scientist I watched suggested that every 45 minutes to an hour, take time to stop what you are doing, stretch and yawn, take a couple deep breaths and then get back to work. I have tried his suggestion – it works! It’s especially helpful when I’m working on a project on my computer that I know is going to take a while.
In our busy and over stimulating world today, we have lost the art of “being still,” and have forgotten how important it is to our brains, our bodies, and our lives. Being still is a gift! Honor yourself today with a few moments of doing nothing, allowing your brain to wander at will and be grateful for it.
Wishing you a fabulous summer!
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