Tips to Increase Mental Energy

Photo by Spikeball on Unsplash

This article reflects my personal experience. I cover three simple yet powerful techniques that affected my brain fitness and health from different angles. These practices activated various parts of the brain and provided an instant boost when needed. These transformational tools also contributed to enhancing my cognitive reserves.

1 - Cold therapy

Exposing the body to cold can activate the primal survival chemicals quickly. Protection against cold is coded in our genes.

I never thought I would enjoy cold showers. Who would have thought I would replace my warm morning coffee with cold exposure? Doesn't it sound insane?

When I reviewed the incredible benefits of cold showers, I initially thought it was hype. However, these anecdotes created curiosity in me. I kept reading various articles and watching YouTube videos about the benefits of cold showers.

After reading many testimonials, one day I decided to try cold showers myself. My first experience shocked me. My body reacted badly. I thought I was about to die. The primitive brain kicked in very quickly.

Then I watched more YouTube videos on how others did it. Some techniques, such as starting slowly with legs, arms, head, and whole body, were promising. The techniques I learnt made it a little easier. It was a good start.

After a while, I learned how to deal with the body's response. The adaptation process was an eye-opener. My coach told me I wouldn't die in a few minutes of cold showers. However, the body feels like I was about to die. The survival mechanism of the body causes this reaction. In a few minutes, the body would get used to it and would start feeling good.

The advice of my coach was spot-on. After 20 to 30 seconds, my body got used to the effect of cold water. The adverse reaction slowly turned into pleasant feelings. I started feeling great. The water seemed warmer after a while. I promise I did not change the tap at all.

The best part was after the shower. There was a euphoric feeling. All lethargy and morning drowsiness disappeared shortly. I felt as if I'd had three cups of strong coffee. My energy got a level higher. My confidence increased incredibly. This was the state I had aspired to for a long time.

Nowadays, when I plan a challenging day ahead of me, I take a cold shower for a few minutes. After a while, I feel ready for any challenge. After making cold showers a habit, I reduced my coffee intake substantially and eventually; I gave it up. What a relief it was. My stomach thanked me.

After reviewing the literature about the benefits of cold showers, I came across interesting points about sleep one day. Having cold and hot showers together half an hour before bed could reset the circadian rhythm. This was very helpful information for me. I frequently travelled over the Atlantic. Like many other travellers, I used to take Melatonin to overcome my jetlag issues.

Taking 30-second cold and 30-second hot showers alternately five to ten times half an hour before bedtime did resolve my jetlag issues. I've since stopped using Melatonin. Even though Melatonin was effective, it caused some side effects for me. I used to feel drowsy for a while the next day.

So cold showers became my morning and night therapy. Not only did it resolve my jet lag issues, but it also improved my quality of sleep. Caffeine was interfering with my sleep patterns and preventing me from experiencing deep sleep. Solving my sleep issues with cold therapy was serendipitous for me.

2 - Brain games

When I studied cognitive science, I learned the importance of stimulating our brain using various methods. Apart from being an avid reader, I also supplemented it with different crossword puzzles, Sudoku and several other mental exercises. I particularly enjoyed mind exercise collections from Mensa.

My discovery of Lumosity and Elevate was a new chapter in my mental fitness. They opened a new door and made a considerable difference in stimulating my brain.

Like many people, I was initially doubtful of the benefits touted by these products' owners and their fans. After a while of playing with both the Lumosity and Elevate games daily, I started enjoying them. They were not just for fun. I also noticed an improvement in my memory, attention, flexibility, and agility.

Lumosity and Elevate are designed for a progressive approach. Each time when we play, we move to the next level. Timing is an essential factor in these games. They also focus on increasing speed.

I love to challenge my working memory, retention, focus, and problem-solving daily. Ten minutes of investment in a brain gym can create a significant opportunity to keep our brains healthy and fit.

3 - Living in the moment

Living mindfully is a lifestyle goal for me. Practising mindfulness made the most significant impact on my mental and emotional health. After I started practising mindfulness, my overall mood improved considerably. I became more optimistic. Mindfulness helped me reinvent myself and have a new personality.

Living in the moment is essential to me. I see instant benefits when I genuinely get stuck and feel miserable. When I start practising mindfulness by being in the moment, by being aware of the things around me, my emotions and sensations in my body, I can see a dramatic drop in my stress and anxiety.

I practice mindfulness anywhere and anytime. It is paradoxically an effortless natural state. Many traditions use mindfulness in different formats under different names—for example, contemplative practices in prayer or mediation formats.

The purest form of mediation for me is focusing on my breath as soon as I notice my brain is ruminating. I take a deep breath, counting to four, then hold it for a count of four, then release it to a count of four again. This simple technique works for me. I know there are a wide variety of breathing techniques.

While doing slow and rhythmic breathing, I keep my focus on each breath. Then I continue my natural breathing process and focus on each in, out and the space in between. Whenever a thought comes to my mind, I gently remind myself that my focus is on my breathing.

Practising this simple process for 20 minutes a day works best for me. I usually try ten minutes in the morning when I wake up and ten minutes before I go to bed at night. When I face challenging situations at work, I try a two-minute mini-meditation session to reset my brain activities.

Making these simple techniques habits boosted my mood, improved my brain fitness and health, and enhanced my cognitive reserves.

Thank you for reading my perspectives.

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