Our brains are the engines that keep our bodies moving, working properly and helping us succeed in life. While the amount of correct and incorrect information out there is substantial, I’ve combined both research and my own routine to give you an idea of what works for me. When I have to fuse together the roles of researcher, problem solver and creative, I need to be at my best. Here are some ways I’ve found that get me in a productive mood.

Exercise

According to Time Magazine, aerobic workouts help your cognitive thinking. Not only does it work your brain, but it also reduces stress and is beneficial for your overall health. Exercise might seem expensive with gym memberships, videos and equipment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a cost-effective way to get yourself moving. Personally, I was able to construct a decent workout routine with a few weights and a great pair of shoes. You can also go outside for a walk, let your brain relax or you can find workout videos on youtube.

Eating Habits

I’ve found that my body does better when I eat healthier. Fast food and added sugar make my body feel sluggish and less able to process information faster. That being said, junk food is physically addictive and tends to provoke cravings. If you’re in the middle of a big project, it might not be the best idea to dramatically change your diet to something less processed. Overall, you’ll find the results totally worth it. Read for more information on how your eating habits affect you.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Each of us has our optimal amount of sleep and sleeping habits. If something works for you, stick with it. While there’s research out there that states working while tired is great for ideas and creativity, I find my brain gets super foggy. I do much better when I’m more awake. Another study shows when we don’t get enough sleep it has an adverse effect on our brain. If I’m exhausted, my brain has trouble staying focused and tends to drift off course. So the compromise is sketch crazy stuff when you’re tired and work on solutions when you’re awake.

Get-up and Do Something Different

Also referenced in the TIME magazine article, little games don’t always do the trick. Find activities that stimulate your mind and that you WANT to do. I play piano, dabble in amateur photography, cook and crochet. Especially, when I need a mental break from projects. Hopping on the piano for about 15 minutes or crocheting reboots my brain a bit.

Habits differ from person to person. Share some of your ideas for getting your brain in gear in the comments.

Resources for this blog post include:

• Time Magazine: “You Asked: Do Brain Games Really Improve Memory?”
• Huffington Post: “What Happens to Your Brain When You Eat Junk Food (And Why We Crave It)”
• Fast Company: “10 SURPRISING WAYS TO TRANSFORM YOUR CREATIVE THINKING”
• Fast CoDesign: “Your Brain On 6 Hours Of Sleep A Night”
• HOW Design: “Creative Bootcamp: 3 Exercises to Build Your Brain”

All excellent reads. Please check them out.