Mental energy is about taking time to unwind our minds, using techniques and taking action to invigorate and enrich our focus.
MENTAL ENERGY EXPLAINED In our demanding lives, we rarely give ourselves the opportunity to recuperate mentally. Our minds are constantly occupied and time dedicated to contemplation and relaxation is rare. Turning our attention to our mental energy allows our brains some much-needed respite from the everyday challenges of life.
FOCUSING ON YOUR MENTAL ENERGY Any improvements we make to better our bodies and relationships will be depleted when our minds continue to ponder and our focus is elsewhere. Mental energy focuses on releasing tension and alleviating stress by simply letting go. By rebalancing this energy, addressing the other energies becomes easier and more fulfilling.
STEPS TO ADDRESSING YOUR MENTAL ENERGY Clarity can be achieved in a number of ways, personal to each of us. • Taking the time to enjoy a book or listen to an inspirational speaker can offer a release and shift in perspective. • Shutting out distractions can bring peacefulness, this could be obtained through yoga, meditation or just thinking quietly. • Some may find absorbing themselves in a new hobby provides escape from responsibilities and thoughts.
BENEFITS OF PAYING ATTENTION TO YOUR MENTAL ENERGY • Practising a more mindful approach to life improves sleep, productivity, physical energy and boosts your memory. • It also lowers blood pressure and lessens the likelihood of suffering from a stroke. • Giving ourselves time to focus on our mental energy can also be effective in combating mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. • People who don't take enough time to ‘turn off’ may find it harder to relax in future. The parts of our brains that produce feelings of calm become weaker, so as time goes on it actually becomes harder to shift into relaxation mode.