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7 Simple Ways You Can Take A Mental Break

Helpful ways to clear your thoughts.

Megan Quinlan

Nov 15, 2016

Salve Regina University

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7 Simple Ways You Can Take A Mental Break

Mental Clarity

Everyone has moments, days or weeks where they need a mental break. A time to disconnect from the world for a little bit and just be. A time set aside to clear your mind from all of life's little irritations, moments of anxiety and days you don't feel like yourself. This week, in particular, we all need a mental break. It’s been a long and tiring week regardless. So I’ve compiled a list of things you should do to clear your mind whenever you need to take a step back from reality.

1. Nap

A nap is always a good place to start. I know we all have things to do, places to go and people to see, but even a quick nap can change a person’s mood and feel like an automatic re-start. It doesn't matter how long or short your nap is, but everyone deserves some extra zzs.

2. Watch TV/ Movies

Whichever you choose, watching a good show or movie will take your mind off of the day. You can be equally entertained and consumed by it, helping you take that needed break. Pick something that supersedes your thoughts or anxiety, or a show you see yourself in. You won't be disappointed.

3. Take a walk.

I know that walking alone doesn't sound like a good, safe option; but if you are able to take a safe walk during the day I highly recommend it. A walk, not only good for your body can also help you think things over. Walking helps me settle my thoughts and if it is peaceful enough, clear my mind.

4. Sit in silence.

I know this sounds weird, but it helps. Like a walk, sitting in silence helps settle your thoughts. It clarifies them and allows you to get to know yourself while not overthinking. Sitting alone also helps you get to know yourself better, learn more about who you are rather than who you would rather be.

5. Do laundry.

I have found laundry to be calming, that is if there is a washer and dryer available. I find it calming because it is a mindless task that smells good and for some reason is satisfying.

6. Take a shower.

Taking a shower is wonderful, it combines free thinking with warmth, maybe mild karaoke (if you’re not in a communal bathroom) and being clean. A shower seems like a place where time stands still and nothing matters. This may be one of the best ways to clear your mind and escape reality.

7. Call your mom/dad/family/friends/etc…

Call anyone that you think would understand or listen, or just the person you want to talk to. It helps. I know that calling home sounds like an “emergency” type of call, but just hearing an understanding voice might be all that you need.

I hope these ideas help you when you need to take a mental break or just clear your mind!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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7 Simple Ways You Can Take A Mental Break

Helpful ways to clear your thoughts.

1. Nap

2. Watch TV/ Movies

3. Take a walk.

4. Sit in silence.

5. Do laundry.

6. Take a shower.

7. Call your mom/dad/family/friends/etc…

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All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

I get it... I'm pale.

1. At least I can't lose you in a crowd!

2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

6. *holds arm against your arm* Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

The struggle bus is real.

1. Child prodigies:

2. Hearing other musicians in the practice room next door and accepting that you will never be as talented as them:

3. That anxiety that takes over before every performance:

4. Taking a million 0 credit classes:

5. When there's a paper due the next day, but you have to attend yet another concert in order to pass a 0 credit class:

6. When your friends try to encourage you after a performance, even though you are criticizing everything in your mind:

7. Knowing that there's always that one professor during juries:

8. The oh-so-attractive band/choir uniforms:

9. Realizing that a college campus is maybe not the best atmosphere to finish your latest composition:

10. Hearing "Oh, you sing opera? I LOVE Phantom of the Opera!" for the hundredth time:

11. When people think finals week is a breeze for you.

12. When you're drowning in the stress that comes with 18+ credits (and not to mention all those 0 credit classes) and people ask you how you are:

13. When it all comes down to it, though, you know that at the end of the day, music is your passion:

Because you need it in your life.

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!