Marketers are classic over-thinkers, and sometimes we can run ourselves into the ground by overworking, overanalyzing, and trying to perform ten tasks at once. This can cause stress, which can lead to other bad habits, further intensifying the negative feelings. Fortunately, there are a lot of things we can do to rectify this situation. It all starts with our brains. Keeping our minds healthy needs to be a priority in order to perform up to the company and our own standards. Achieving optimal brain functionality takes work and dedication. Being aware that our mental well-being has an enormous impact on our quality of life and work performance is the first step. We can then create a game plan to address the key factors that may impact us negatively and take steps toward developing healthy habits that allow us to get the most out of life and our campaigns.
Exercise
Thirty minutes each day of aerobic exercise can have a host of benefits to your brain. It increases blood flow, releases endorphins, and opens up blood vessels. This can improve cognitive function and help you to think more clearly and make better decisions. The reality is that any type of consistent exercise can have a positive impact on your mental state.
Breaks
Much like the muscles in your body, your brain can become overworked. Taking breaks throughout your day will help you to be more productive. Even a five-minute breather every couple of hours can make a drastic impact. A few minutes of yoga, meditation, or walking can be just the refresher your brain needs to tackle the rest of the day.
Sleep
By now, everyone recognizes the importance of sleep, but too many of us fail to take action to improve our sleeping patterns. Setting a time each night to turn off the screens and relax an hour prior to going to bed will help you get to sleep faster. Consistency is key. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day will help you to get into a healthy pattern.
Diet
We’ve all heard the term brain food and a proper diet is extremely important to brain health. Many of the same foods that impact heart health are also the best for the brain. Leafy vegetables, fish, berries, and, thankfully, coffee all help open up blood vessels and give your brain what it needs to function properly.
Social
Social activities involving friends and family have a positive impact on your mood and overall mental well-being. Good conversation, planned activities, and a concerted effort to connect with those around you helps you to build a support network that will be there for you through the good and the bad.
Positivity
The value of positive thinking and being around positive people is astronomical. Your brain, although wired for negativity to protect yourself, actually craves positivity. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay calm and focused on the positive. It is also very important that you spend your time with positive people and avoid being dragged down by other’s drama.
Outdoors
Simply getting into nature can help reduce stress and anxiety and even prevent depression. Taking a walk through a park or finding other fun outdoor activities is something that should be done daily. Fresh air and being in nature can have a calming influence on the brain and help you clear your mind of whatever junk you’ve been holding on to.
Focus
While it may be impossible to avoid multi-tasking completely, focusing on one task at a time is much more productive and healthier for your brain. Distractions like email boxes and social media can cloud your thinking and even send you into a tailspin. Establish a schedule for your daily tasks and stick to it.
Experiences
While many people hesitate to try new things, doing so is actually quite healthy for your brain. Getting over the nerves of trying something new and having a positive experience can do wonders for your attitude and give you another way to relieve the stress of everyday life. Seek out new experiences and make an effort to try different things each day.
Diversity
Getting to know people from different cultural backgrounds has been proven to increase brain function, and making new friends will undoubtedly have a positive impact. We all have our own story, and having a conversation with someone who has had a vastly different life experience can open up your mind and teach you things you never thought to learn.
Maintaining a creative edge is essential in developing winning campaigns. Doing so requires that you make a conscious effort to improve your mental well-being. Maintaining healthy habits can have a tremendous impact on your work and home life. It’s never too late to start thinking about your brain. Take these tips to heart and watch your life and attitude change!