Secrets to a healthy brain: less multitasking, more playing

As much as we need to take care of our immune system, there is an important part of our body we want to pamper as well: our brains. In our modern-day life, our brain is constantly solicited and very rarely do we give it the space and time to properly reset. One way to optimize our brain performances is to stop multitasking and play more. 

What happens when we multitask?

Studies have shown that multitasking decreases our efficiency and performance. Our brain can actually focus only on one thing at a time so when we overwhelm it with multiple tasks, we not only significantly slow it down but also lower the quality of its performance. A research carried out by the University of Sussex, proved that multitasking could have cognitive impairment on the brain: through MRI scans of participants’ brains, the study showed that high multitaskers had less brain density in the anterior cingulate cortex, a region responsible for empathy as well as cognitive and emotional control. 

Why does our brain need a reset? 

Our brain is like any other part of our body - it needs a reset and works better after downtime and reboot. If multitasking can impair the quality of our brain’s performance, stress too can put pressure on the nervous system. When we are under stress, our brains shift to a ‘survival’ mode and shut down our critical thinking in favour of reactionary thought. In that state of survival, some problems such as lethargy, anxiety, brain fog, apathy, memory loss can occur. Knowing that, we can help improve the functioning of our brain by giving it a reboot. 

Why is playing good for your brain?

When we are playing, we fully immerse ourselves in an experience, and we give our brain a break which will help it rest. Playful activities such as board games or outdoor games allow us to “get out of our heads” and make us be in the moment. Playing is one of the most effective ways to clear our minds. It is also proven that when our brain switches to “play mode”, it releases endorphins which are chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin. These chemicals give people better clarity of thought and put them in a relaxed state. Stanford University even incorporated a class called “From Play to Innovation” to promote play at work and fuel creativity and innovation. 

How to reboot your brain?

• Workout is an efficient manner to release stress put your brain into a relaxation mode. Check out Rachel Sacerdoti complete and simple fitness program on her platform; It’s so simple. 
• Try meditation - be it a mantra or visualisation meditation, it teaches you to slow down your brain and observe your thoughts come and go without engaging with them. Sound healing meditation is a powerful way to enter a state of calm and clear your energy. 
• In the same way, meditation helps us relax, and aromatherapy can also promote brain clarity and significantly impact the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre. 

You might be interested to read our Guide to Healing through Sound.