How to Keep Mentally Sharp While Traveling

Keeping your mind sharp on a business trip or vacation can be a challenge, with the rigors of travel such as jet lag and lack of sleep often dulling our brains. Here are a few tips for keeping mentally focused and refreshed during your travels.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crossword puzzle/s
• Chewing gum
• Paperback book

1. Be "chewsy." Did you know chewing gum can reportedly galvanize your powers of recall and concentration? So if your head’s feeling numb, just grab some gum!

2. Embrace "spacing out" now and then. By daydreaming with no agenda in mind, many researchers believe you’ll stimulate the sensory part of your brain (or right hemisphere). This type of tranquil meditation can help jump-start creative thought and can also help clear your mind of unnecessary worries.

3. Play some mind games! Quiz yourself about current events, memorize new data, try to challenge your mental recall on long-ago events—all these little brain workouts can help keep your mind strong and sharp. More organized tasks along these lines—such as crossword puzzles or video games like Bejeweled—can not only keep your brain alert, but be entertaining as well.

4. Do the "left" thing. By forcing yourself to use your other hand for daily tasks like brushing your hair and opening doors, you’re actually helping produce a protein in the brain that bolsters your mood and sharpens your memory.

5. Eat right, including a healthy intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Mind-preserving antioxidants can be found here, and it’s also wise to not overdo dairy products or high-fat proteins.

6. Exercise physically to gird yourself mentally. Physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain cells, and exercise can also fuel the growth of molecules that fix and preserve nerves.

7. A word to the wise, literally: partaking in good conversation or simply reading a book or other materials are easy ways to keep your brain active and engaged. These activities can also reduce stress, which can be a detrimental factor both physically and mentally.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to get a healthy amount of sleep during your travels, as sleep deprivation can seriously affect our mental state.

[ManyMusings]

on 1/14/2009 Thanks. I tend to get a little drowsy when driving and these are some great tips.

[Cherrie]

on 12/17/2008 This is a superb article written by an experienced traveler. If a chance for a good conversation exists, as it sometimes comes along, these are once in a lifetime chances and often unforgettable moments. Thanks, 5 star

[Raphaella]

on 12/10/2008 Particularly partial to #2, the solitary reverie. Thank you - very good advice!