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The Secret Ways to Recharge Your Brain

Our brains are "on" all the time and it is important to give them a break. These scientific ideas will help you recharge your brain.

It’s only human nature to take a healthy “moment of silence” for reflection and contemplation during times of difficulty, stress, and decision-making. However, being silent does not simply mean “not speaking” while you continue to check your Facebook page, surf the web, or watch TV. If the mind is constantly “on” while checking your email, listening to music, or watching your Instagram feeds, your brain, essentially never gets a chance to relax. The mind needs a time-out every so often to recuperate, recover, and refocus. Here are five simple ways to include these moments of silence into your daily routine.

1. Turn off the phone alerts.

The constant barrage of “dings” from social media alerts and “beeps” from text messages can wreak havoc on our mental state. Give yourself a break. Turn off your cell phone alerts during your daily meditation time. This will allow you to focus on the silence rather than on the thousands of other things that are going on in your life.

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2. Turn off the radio while driving.

Try driving to work without the tunes blaring. While you’re at it, why not turn off the smartphone and the car-TV at the same time. This gives the mind time to get ready for what lies ahead at the office. Begin with just five short minutes per day, gradually working your way up to an entire drive to work in total silence.

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3. Eat meals without distractions.

This may seem a bit difficult at first, but turn off the television, stereo, cell phone, and all other distractions while you’re eating your meal. Just sit with your food and concentrate on the act of eating. You might even find that you eat slower and eat less, too. Enjoy the moment.

4. Take a walk or a jog without iTunes.

The notion of exercising without music might seem a bit boring, but give it a try. By concentrating on your walking or running while observing the natural surroundings in front of you, your mind and spirit will get a boost of invigoration as well as your body.

5. Go to bed and wake up in silence.

Are you one of those people who falls asleep while watching television? Do you wake up in the morning, only to grab your cell phone to review the activity on your social media accounts that occurred throughout the night? Give your mind the time to wake up and relax into sleep without the sounds and sights of computers, television, and phones. You’ll likely receive a much better night’s sleep and begin your day feeling more rejuvenated, too!

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