Balancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being has become a major priority in our lives especially since Covid 19. Brain Power Wellness’ mission does exactly this by enhancing the health and wellness of the “whole” person. The holistic, school-based organization offers science-based programs to support students, teachers, parents, and administrators, as well as Brain Power Wellness staff members to become healthier, happier and more productive, and corporate groups have begun to take advantage of attending Brain Power Wellness retreats to reap some of these benefits.
As an offering to members of all communities, whether school-related or not, Brain Power Wellness reviews the myriad ways to boost one’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being:
- Intentionally Generate Positive Thoughts
“Whether you say, ‘I can do it,’ or, ‘I give up, it’s too hard,’ your brain will believe you and works to help you manifest what you believe. This means your choice is all-powerful in creating your experience,” stated in a recent Brain Power Wellness Facebook post. Remarkably, there is potential for the human brain to generate hundreds of trillions of connections. This depends largely upon engaging the brain in novel and challenging activities that stimulate and strengthen these new connections.
In addition, the power of positivity can overcome “negativity bias” – the natural evolutionary tendency to focus on negative thoughts (threats, dangers, etc.) – upon which the human brain is wired to focus. Shifting to a positive mindset significantly affects how one looks at life and reacts to the cards they are dealt. Choosing hopeful thoughts and focusing on the positive during life’s experiences, and overcoming “negativity bias,” increases one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Engage in Physical and Mental Brain Breaks
One effective strategy to help us choose positivity is to regularly incorporate “brain breaks” into our day. What are brain breaks? They are proactive tools that relax, or re-energize, the brain by getting participants moving, which in turn stimulates improved circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain. This results in students being able to maintain better focus and attention. Using break breaks has been proven to result in more time on task, engagement, and positive changes in behavior.
- Move Every Day
Those who make a point of moving their body in some way every day take full advantage of free endorphins, which are considered the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. Whether a ten-minute walk or an hour bike ride, moving the body is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve overall health and well-being.
- Participate in Mindful Play
When the term “mindful play” is used, it is often associated with children. However, the fun and benefits of mindful play are not reserved solely for youngsters. Adults can reap the rewards, too. By participating in mindful play, adults can practice creative problem-solving, become relaxed, build compassion, empathy, and trust, and reduce pain by sparking the release of endorphins.
- Laugh
Laughter is a medicine everyone should keep in their cabinet. Many health benefits derive from having a good laugh, among them increased mental, physical, and emotional well-being. For those looking to rid stress, boost oxygen-rich air intake, release more endorphins in the brain, and stimulate the heart, lungs, and muscles, laughter truly is the best medicine.
About Brain Power Wellness
Brain Power Wellness is a holistic, school-based wellness organization that supports healthy, happy, and focused school environments. The mission of Brain Power Wellness is to help transform the culture of its partner schools through self-development, mindfulness, community building, retreats, SEL, holistic wellness, and brain training for teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Recently, corporate groups have begun attending Brain Power Wellness retreats, where participants receive powerful tools for creating healthy, sustainable, and happy work environments.
Erik Jackson has been a senior editor at Health News Tribune for three years. Fluent in French and proficient in Spanish and Arabic, he focuses on diseases and conditions and the newest trends in medicine.
