1. Take a break from Social Media
Guys, I can't even put into words how good taking breaks from social media is for your mental health. Ben and I make a point to delete instagram on a consistent basis in order to give our brains a break. There's an incredible book by Nicholas Carr called The Shallows: What The Internet is Doing To Our Brains
Here's a link to it.
In this book Carr explains how our long term memory is like a bath tub. We can only handle a small steady stream of information like a faucet dripping into that tub. We're able to keep that steady drip going when we do things like read a book or write out our thoughts. Because of the access we have to so much information on the internet, it's as if we have an unlimited number of faucets going full-blast so if we aren't mindful to the amount and type of information we're exposing ourselves to, our long-term memory runs the risk of turning into a tub full of nonsense that doesn't correlate to anything because we haven't taken the time to focus on a steady drip anywhere.
Here's a link to it.
In this book Carr explains how our long term memory is like a bath tub. We can only handle a small steady stream of information like a faucet dripping into that tub. We're able to keep that steady drip going when we do things like read a book or write out our thoughts. Because of the access we have to so much information on the internet, it's as if we have an unlimited number of faucets going full-blast so if we aren't mindful to the amount and type of information we're exposing ourselves to, our long-term memory runs the risk of turning into a tub full of nonsense that doesn't correlate to anything because we haven't taken the time to focus on a steady drip anywhere.
2. Get Outside
There's a really interesting article written by Aaron Reuben called "The Incredible Link Between Nature and Your Emotions." In it, he goes over a few different circumstances where people who were exposed to green spaces were way less likely to be affected by mental illness. Like how patients in hospitals with a view of pine trees recovered more quickly than those who didn't.
You can check out the article here
I know when we get outside we feel a big difference in our minds. By taking social media breaks and making a point to get outside more, I've been able to recognize that I don't actually feel inspired when I'm on social media. I feel inspired by watching birds fly by and feeling the ocean mist on my skin. Everyone's different but there's a lot of science behind the benefits of getting outside and there's unlimited inspiration out there.
You can check out the article here
I know when we get outside we feel a big difference in our minds. By taking social media breaks and making a point to get outside more, I've been able to recognize that I don't actually feel inspired when I'm on social media. I feel inspired by watching birds fly by and feeling the ocean mist on my skin. Everyone's different but there's a lot of science behind the benefits of getting outside and there's unlimited inspiration out there.
3. Take yourself on a creative date
Julia Cameron wrote a book called The Artist's Way where she gives advice to creatives and in it she encourages readers to take themselves on what she calls an Artist's Date. This just means slowing down and taking the time to go somewhere or do something that inspires creativity. It can be an art gallery, a park, the movies, take a self-portrait, etc. There really are unlimited possibilities.
You can check out the book here
You can check out 101 Artist Date ideas here (it's an older article so there is talk of CDs and iPods- fair warning)
You can check out the book here
You can check out 101 Artist Date ideas here (it's an older article so there is talk of CDs and iPods- fair warning)
4. Journal
I feel like there's a lot of pressure on all of us to create. There's never been a time in history where we've had access to so much information. We have this access to anything from the outside world at our fingertips so we've become accustom to having this constant streak of information flowing into our minds but it's so important to processing that data in a healthy way and then creating habits to have an outlet of what's going on in your mind. Journaling can be such an incredible way to sit with yourself and take the time to work through what's going on in your head. It's like cleaning up your mind. There's a lot more inspiration up there when you're able to do some spring cleaning.
5. Meditate
Guys, meditation has changed my life. I used to think that meditation was just about trying to clear your mind and not think about anything but I've been meditating for a few years now and have learned that it's actually about learning how to remove yourself from your thoughts and practice seeing them from a distance. This practice is one of the most beautiful and simple ways I've found inspiration and peace. I'm sure you've tried meditation before but if you haven't, I personally recommend starting with Headspace.
You can learn more about headspace here
Headspace does an incredible job of simplifying meditation. There are all sorts of different levels and types of meditation from helping manage anxiety, to helping with sleep. They even have a movement section where you can practice mindful running or walking which has changed my relationship with movement and my body. It's such an incredible way to take time in your own head and recognize what thoughts tend to come up and why without getting to attached to the thoughts in your mind but instead just observing them.
You can learn more about headspace here
Headspace does an incredible job of simplifying meditation. There are all sorts of different levels and types of meditation from helping manage anxiety, to helping with sleep. They even have a movement section where you can practice mindful running or walking which has changed my relationship with movement and my body. It's such an incredible way to take time in your own head and recognize what thoughts tend to come up and why without getting to attached to the thoughts in your mind but instead just observing them.
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