UCanMakeItIfYouTry – Boost Mental Clarity
Walking into another room only to forget why you went in there is frustrating. Many people wonder if it is a symptom of old age. In reality, our world is full of distractions that can leave our brains unable to focus and remember the simplest thing. Luckily, you can boost your mental clarity and enjoy greater focus.
1 – Reprioritize Sleep
Lack of sleep wreaks havoc on your body and brain. You will often feel like you are in a fog or drained mentally. Look at your current sleep habits and determine to get enough sleep. Usually, it is helpful to develop a before-bed routine, such as taking a warm shower, turning down lights early, and refraining from using electronics before bed.
2 – Learn to Manage Your Stress
Stress levels will affect your ability to think clearly. It can also make sleeping much more difficult, increasing brain fog and stress. Find ways to help you lower your stress levels, such as daily walks, meditation, or turning off social media.
3 – Get Rid of Distractions
Often, we have problems focusing on a task because we are distracted. And they come from everywhere – your phone, your kids, or an annoying co-worker. Figure out how you can reduce or eliminate distractions so that you can focus on the task at hand.
4 – Increase Your Nutrition
Like the rest of your body, your brain benefits from healthy eating. Refined sugars, carbs, and unhealthy fats can leave you feeling lethargic. Instead of grabbing a sugary snack for a quick energy boost, change your menu to better quality food, like berries and pumpkin seeds.
5 – Hydrate Your Brain
A lack of concentration may be caused by slight dehydration. Your brain and body need hydration. When you aren’t hydrated, you will experience confusion and brain fog. For better focus, drink more water.
6 – Take Regular Breaks
Focusing for long periods becomes difficult. Your performance suffers as well. When you have to focus, you use mental resources. These resources need replenishing often. While it may seem contradictory, taking occasional short mental breaks will enhance your ability to focus on the bigger project.
7 – Practice Meditation
People have practice mindfulness meditation for years, and the payoffs are enormous. Meditation will teach you to declutter your mind and focus on the present moment.
8 – Take Up Journaling
The act of taking a pen to paper can be monumental. It causes you to slow down and stream your thoughts. When you get your ideas on the page, you will see things becoming clearer, helping you make better decisions.
9 – Keep Up with the Practice
Mental clarity isn’t something you work on once, and then forget about. You need to commit to habits, routines and techniques that can help you think more clearly in any given moment.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Implement a before-bed routine so that you get at least seven hours of sleep. Turn the heat down a little in your room. Get blackout curtains. Buy new bed linens and turn your bed into a haven.
2 – Buy a new water bottle and determine to drink more water. Look for one that will keep your water at the temperature you prefer and carry it with you everywhere you go.
3 – Find a productivity hack that will give you regular breaks. One such technique suggests that you focus on one task for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and dive back in for 25 more minutes.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
