Today my mind is whirling in a non-stop motion so much so that I need a mind bender to somehow regain my focus. Do you ever have that problem? Days where it is just difficult to focus or concentrate on what you need to? Join the club!

 

When I experience these days, I have learned to look for the root cause. For me they are usually one of three things: missing meals or eating too much junk, lack of sleep and lack of exercise.

 

Have you eaten today? When was the last time you ate?   When your blood sugar gets too low you begin experiencing physical and mental symptoms that effect how you function. Some of the symptoms you may experience are anxiety, clammy skin, trembling, hunger, difficulty in thinking and confusion.

 

Eating a small snack between meals may be just what you need. Eat something like yogurt and fruit or peanut butter and an apple. Or drink a health drink like Natural Vision’s Mind.

 

Have you been getting enough sleep? Inadequate rest can have serious effects on your health in the form of mental and physical impairments. Not getting enough sleep effects our ability to think, handle stress and moderate your emotions.

 

If you can’t take a nap (who but a kindergartener really can!), try to get some relaxation time in. Take a walk during lunch, sit outside and “smell the roses”. Take a mental break by walking to the coffee pot or speaking to a co-worker or doing some mind benders like crossword puzzles or sudoku. Of course, sleeping at night for a regular number of hours is the best. However many hours on which you can operate at maximum capacity is the magic number. Sleep regularly and give yourself a mental “nap”.

 

Have you exercised lately? Some of the symptoms that the lack of exercise creates are fairly well-known. Obesity, high blood pressure, and more. What about the benefits of regular exercise? Regular exercise improves your mood and can help prevent depression. Exercise boosts energy levels. Also, exercise even promotes better sleep. 

 

Don’t have time to exercise? Well, then incorporate it into you daily life. Walk whenever possible. Take the stairs. Just going up the stairs will get your heart pumping and can “wake” you up sufficiently during that afternoon slump to help you make it through the rest of the day. I know of people who do spats and waist bends while getting ready in the morning. If you watch TV, you can do a few exercises or get an exercise ball and bounce on it (do a whole routine!) while watching a show. There are many ways to incorporate into your life. You just have to remember to make time for it.

 

You may be thinking, well I have ADD so none of this will help me! Well, I have ADD and know from experience that my symptoms lessen when I eat, sleep and exercise on a regular basis.

 

These three solutions may seem basic but they remain tried and true and often overlooked. Today, try the simple solutions. Gain the focus you have longed for with these simple mind benders.