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A breath of fresh air can help you clear your mind. When things get tough, take a deep breath and go somewhere else. Go to a local park, walk a local nature trail, or take a simple stroll around the block. Just going outside will give you a mental boost.

Sit on your front porch, find a shady park bench, or chill out on your back steps. Turn off the news. Sometimes the hustle and bustle of current events can be too much.

Try reading a book or listening to music in the morning instead of turning on the news or reading the paper. Unfollow news stations on social media to avoid triggering headlines and news reports.

Turn off news notifications on your phone. Set a timer for yourself when watching or reading the news and stop watching or reading when the timer goes off. Use weather and traffic apps to help you get through the day without current events.

Log off social media. A digital detox could be just what you need. Sometimes all you need to be happy is to live in the current moment. Start by logging out of all social media accounts or deleting the apps from your phone. Keep your phone in another room to avoid the temptation to pick it up.

Set a timer for 30 minutes to check your accounts. When the timer goes off, your time is up. Listen to something that makes you happy. Turn on your favorite playlist to brighten your mood.

Do you have a podcast you love listening to? When those negative thoughts start to take over, put those earbuds in and drown them out. Put on a song that makes you dance, or an audio book that will let you escape reality if only for a moment. Go to source.

Start an art project. Why cry when you can craft? Let those tears and negative thoughts become something beautiful. Spend an afternoon creating something new. Do you like hats?

Try knitting a beanie. Do you love wearing jewelry? Try your hand at beading. Do you admire the colors of the sunset? Try painting it. Surround yourself with positivity. Your energy feeds off the energy around you.

Do the people around you lift you up or push you down? Surround yourself with positive people who help you be the best version of yourself. Schedule weekly catch ups with friends and family that help you feel good. This will also give you something to look forward to each week. Start a journal.

Clear your head and put it all on paper. Grab a piece of paper, open a journal, or tap the notes app on your phone and write down whatever comes to mind. Treat yourself. Give yourself a boost by treating yourself to something you want. Do whatever makes you feel happy.

Marathon your favorite movies with a giant bag of popcorn. Take a bubble bath in the middle of the day. Dance around to your favorite songs while baking your favorite cake. Stop and smell the roses. Appreciate the little things in life. You only get one shot at this whole life thing, so why not fill it with all the joyful moments?

Focus on the little things when you have negative thoughts—live in the current moment. Feel the sun warming your cheeks. Smell the air right after it rains. Try breathing exercises. One breath can be the difference between panic and calm.

When life gets overwhelming, remember to take a step back and breathe. Counting your breaths can help you relax and focus on something other than those negative thoughts.

Take a deep breath in through your nose, feeling your belly expand, and breathe out through your mouth, feeling your belly deflate. Repeat this 3 to 10 times. Repeat 3 to 7 times. Meditate to calm your mind. Ease your worries by thinking of nothing at all.

Let your mind rest by meditating, allowing thoughts to come and go as they please. The beauty of meditation is the art of just letting things happen. Close your eyes and watch those negative thoughts drift away. The detoxification process, particularly liver function, is crucial in maintaining cognitive health.

The liver's role in filtering out toxins from the blood and converting them into safer substances significantly impacts brain function. Cognitive dysfunction has been observed in various liver diseases, ranging from mild cognitive changes to overt hepatic encephalopathy, illustrating the critical role of liver health in cognitive performance.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD , for example, is associated with cognitive impairments, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia , further establishing the link between liver health and cognitive function. The liver's efficiency in detoxification processes, including the management of insulin resistance and inflammation, is vital for preventing cognitive decline.

Additionally, the gut-liver-brain axis plays a significant role in cognitive health. This bidirectional axis involves not only the enteric and central nervous systems but also extends to endocrine, humoral, metabolic, and immune communication routes.

The gut influences mood, cognition, and mental health, and disruptions in this system can lead to cognitive impairments. The axis's complex interplay indicates that an imbalance in the gut-liver-brain network can contribute to neurological conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.

For instance, cirrhosis is linked to brain dysfunction known as hepatic encephalopathy, with proposed mechanisms including hyperammonemia and systemic inflammation due to gut dysbiosis. This relationship underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy gut-liver-brain axis for optimal cognitive function.

Signs that poor liver health is impacting cognitive function are diverse and concerning. Individuals with liver dysfunction often experience brain fog, a state characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of mental clarity. Memory lapses are another common symptom , where patients have trouble recalling recent events or information.

Difficulty concentrating, which manifests as an inability to focus on tasks or sustain attention, is also frequently reported. When the liver fails to adequately filter toxins and metabolic by-products, these substances can accumulate in the bloodstream and negatively affect brain function.

Ammonia, a by-product of protein metabolism normally detoxified by the liver, is one such toxin. Elevated levels of ammonia in the blood can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, where cognitive functions are significantly impaired 7 , The impact of these toxins on the brain can range from mild cognitive disturbances, like decreased processing speed and impaired executive functioning, to more severe conditions, such as hepatic encephalopathy, characterized by altered consciousness and behavioral changes.

In chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, even without obvious symptoms, a condition known as minimal hepatic encephalopathy can occur, leading to subtle but impactful cognitive deficits 7 , In functional medicine, a variety of lab tests are instrumental in assessing liver health and its detoxification ability.

These include liver function tests, toxin exposure assessments, and oxidative stress markers. Gaining insight into how effectively the liver processes and eliminates toxins is crucial not only for maintaining liver health but also for cognitive function, as poor detoxification can impact mental clarity.

The Hepatic Function Panel offered by Access Med Labs provides a thorough look at liver health markers, making it particularly useful for individuals showing signs of liver distress, such as unexplained fatigue or abdominal discomfort. It's also recommended for those at higher risk due to lifestyle factors or family history, helping identify any issues affecting the liver's detoxification processes, which in turn could influence cognitive health.

For those concerned about exposure to toxins, the Hepatic Detox Profile by Doctor's Data is an excellent choice. This test focuses on measuring specific substances that indicate the body's exposure to environmental toxins and the liver's capacity to process them.

It's especially beneficial for those who suspect exposure to harmful chemicals or who are experiencing symptoms suggestive of such exposure. Additionally, the Advanced Oxidative Stress test from Precision Point Diagnostics is helpful for those looking to understand their body's management of oxidative stress, which significantly affects liver and cognitive health.

This test is ideal for evaluating the body's ability to cope with oxidative stress, a condition that can influence liver efficiency and, consequently, brain health. It's an important tool, especially for individuals focused on maintaining overall health and cognitive well-being.

Improving liver health for enhanced cognitive function involves several dietary and lifestyle changes. Incorporating foods rich in B vitamins and folate is essential, as these nutrients are crucial for liver detoxification processes. B6, B12, and folic acid, in particular, play a vital role in the liver's methylation process, essential for neutralizing and eliminating toxins.

Including sulfur-rich foods such as cruciferous vegetables broccoli, kale, cauliflower in the diet can also support liver detoxification. These foods contain glucosinolates, which break down into compounds that aid liver enzyme function and detoxification processes.

Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are important, too, as they help protect the body from oxidative stress and support detoxification 25 For gut health, which is crucial for detoxification, a diet rich in fiber and probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

This, in turn, supports optimal detoxification. Adequate hydration and a balanced diet are also important for supporting kidney function, which plays a role in detoxification 25 , Supplementing with milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine NAC , and curcumin can enhance liver detoxification.

Milk thistle supports detoxification in autoimmune diseases, NAC stimulates glutathione biosynthesis and acts as a free radical scavenger, and curcumin has antioxidant properties that support detoxification 26 , A detox-friendly lifestyle includes a whole-food, plant-based diet rich in phytonutrients, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management.

Practices such as mindfulness meditation can help manage stress and improve sleep quality, positively impacting physical health 25 , Liver health plays a fundamental role in detoxification processes, significantly impacting mental clarity and cognitive function.

The efficiency of the liver in processing and eliminating toxins is intimately connected to cognitive health, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy liver. Recognizing and addressing liver health issues is an essential part of any comprehensive approach to enhancing overall cognitive wellness and maintaining mental clarity.

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Metabolic Management. Nutrient Fact Sheets. Research Studies. Running Your Business. Women's Health. Understanding Cognitive Function Cognitive function refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

Connection Between Detoxification and Cognitive Health The detoxification process, particularly liver function, is crucial in maintaining cognitive health.

Signs of Poor Liver Health Affecting Cognitive Function Signs that poor liver health is impacting cognitive function are diverse and concerning.

Functional Medicine Lab Testing for Liver Health and Detoxification In functional medicine, a variety of lab tests are instrumental in assessing liver health and its detoxification ability. Enhancing Liver Function for Better Mental Clarity Improving liver health for enhanced cognitive function involves several dietary and lifestyle changes.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or making any changes to your diet or exercise routine. Lab Tests in This Article Hepatic Function Panel.

This salad is a good first step in exploring seaweeds in recipes. It is especially beneficial for fatigue, depression, and hypothyroidism. Combine the vegetable mixture with the softened seaweed and pour the dressing over it.

Mix and allow to marinate for a few hours. Eat and enjoy! Purge-and-cleanse systems traditionally include the use of clays, plant and animal-derived oils, sweat lodges and saunas, water therapies, induced-regurgitation, and enemas to detoxify the body and reestablish metabolic balance.

The use of sweats and enemas and cleansing teas are found throughout world cultures. In future posts, I will explore many of these specific science-based strategies to detoxify the body and thereby enhance mental function.

Leslie Korn, Ph. Leslie E. Korn Ph. Rhythms of Recovery. Health How Detoxification Will Improve Your Mental Health Yes! There is both science and cultural wisdom to this new buzzword. Posted January 13, Reviewed by Ekua Hagan Share. Health Essential Reads. Why People Lie About Being Sick: 5 New Scientific Facts.

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Back Magazine. January Overcome burnout, your burdens, and that endless to-do list. Back Today. Here are 10 ways to clear your mind without meditating. Try setting a timer for 30 minutes and doing a brain dump of all of the things you want to complain about or challenges you are struggling with to let it all go and detox your mind from those nagging worries.

The people that get under your skin, the details that irritate you, and the problems that are in front of you. If you are venting to a friend, give them a heads up that you need to get some things off your chest, and ask for their permission.

Perhaps they need to unload also and you can take turns. The goal is just to let it out. Now is the time to take inventory of where you are in life and what you want to focus on and release. Ask yourself:.

As you go through these questions, consider any roadblocks that are keeping you from being where you want to be. Reflect on your responses and goals in life. What or who may be in the way of achieving your goals in life? What are you ready to release from your life in order to create space for something new?

This could be a job, relationship, type of food, emotion, responsibility, limiting belief, time commitment, chore, or otherwise. Write down as many things as you can think of that are standing in between you and your success and happiness. If you have a habit of being a people pleaser, or if you often find yourself overbooked or overwhelmed because you too-quickly say yes to requests for your time, take heed.

If you are not incredibly judicious about what you agree to, it means you will have to say NO to some of the things you truly care about — no one has enough time to do all the things they want to do, so life becomes a process of prioritizing the things that are most important and nearest to your heart.

If you have trouble saying NO and are trying to detox your mind, follow the advice in this article about how to say no with grace and diplomacy. Come back to your intention from Step 1, and imagine that this intention is already part of your life.

Observe how you feel in this imagined future and explore what your life looks like, with this intention being brought to life. Whenever you feel like you need to de-stress, de-clutter, and detox your mind, follow these 10 steps and enjoy the clarity that follows.

Join my monthly newsletter! If you loved this article, join the monthly newsletter — featuring tips and reflections on leadership development and stress management in the modern world. Hi Melissa, again thanks for shearing such a helpful article.

Really it is very easy to overlook mental toxins. All the tips you have shared are pretty helpful. Americans spend only 2 percent of their outdoors is very surprising! Hi Akash! Thank you so much for this comment!

I agree, it is surprising and quite sad. Take care, Melissa. Woaw, I like this article, very helpful. We all in one way or another need to detoxify so that new things can enter and let go all those barriers. I enjoyed the article! It definitely helps give some guidance on how to start the journey to mental health.

THANK YOU FOR THE ARTICLE. DOES IT TAKE A WHILE TO WORK? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TO SHARE!!! Thank you for your comment, Miriam! Yes, consistency is important. Hi Melissa, I got right thing to detox mind and body in this pandemic situation. Sitting home and doing office have changed life.

We are not going for vacation or restaurant to refresh mind. But we can do refresh our selves by doing yoga or early morning exercise on terrace or something.

How can I subscribe your article or page. Hi Pooja, Yes, self-care is so important right now! I think this info will help me alot even as secondary school student it will help me to focus on my studies. Thank you for these Wonderful Tips. Keep it up mellisa! Excellent article. These days with our technology and dopamine overdose we definitely need a reset button once in a while.

Thank you for sharing. I think this article has got me to think about all the negatives I have been allowing in my life thank you Melissa. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Join the monthly newsletter! Twitter Facebook LinkedIn.

First Name. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Posted in Mental Fitness , Mindfulness , Personal and Professional Development , Stress Management , Work-Life Balance. Melissa Eisler Melissa Eisler, MA, PCC, is an ICF certified executive coach.

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Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE. Related Articles. Co-authored by Mirjam Quinn, PhD and Aly Rusciano Last Updated: January 10, References. Take a nature walk. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc.

is the copyright holder of this image under U. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. A breath of fresh air can help you clear your mind. When things get tough, take a deep breath and go somewhere else.

Go to a local park, walk a local nature trail, or take a simple stroll around the block. Just going outside will give you a mental boost. Sit on your front porch, find a shady park bench, or chill out on your back steps. Turn off the news. Sometimes the hustle and bustle of current events can be too much.

Try reading a book or listening to music in the morning instead of turning on the news or reading the paper. Unfollow news stations on social media to avoid triggering headlines and news reports.

Turn off news notifications on your phone. Set a timer for yourself when watching or reading the news and stop watching or reading when the timer goes off. Use weather and traffic apps to help you get through the day without current events. Log off social media. A digital detox could be just what you need.

Sometimes all you need to be happy is to live in the current moment. Start by logging out of all social media accounts or deleting the apps from your phone.

Keep your phone in another room to avoid the temptation to pick it up. Set a timer for 30 minutes to check your accounts. When the timer goes off, your time is up. Listen to something that makes you happy.

Turn on your favorite playlist to brighten your mood. Do you have a podcast you love listening to? When those negative thoughts start to take over, put those earbuds in and drown them out. Put on a song that makes you dance, or an audio book that will let you escape reality if only for a moment.

Go to source. Start an art project. Why cry when you can craft? Let those tears and negative thoughts become something beautiful. Spend an afternoon creating something new. Do you like hats?

Try knitting a beanie. Do you love wearing jewelry? Try your hand at beading. Do you admire the colors of the sunset? Try painting it. While not a toxin, sleep deprivation is also linked to impaired mental capabilities. A brain detox, or brain cleanse, is intended to help protect against neurodegenerative diseases and decrease symptoms related to poor brain function.

This type of cleanse usually involves steps such as prioritizing sleep, taking certain supplements that may help support brain function, eating an anti-inflammatory diet , exercising and fasting if appropriate.

How do you do a mental detox? Most adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep per night to operate at their best. Here are tips for helping you get the best sleep you can:.

Due to the gut-brain connection , your diet plays a pivotal role in managing your cognitive health. Your brain needs a steady supply of nutrients — including protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals — for you to feel your best.

In addition to eating a diet that includes lots of foods with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects, you want to avoid foods that can aggravate inflammation, autoimmune reactions and oxidative stress. These include processed meats, foods with processed vegetable oils and trans fats, added sugar, and highly processed foods in general.

If this sounds like you, it may help to avoid these aggravating foods:. Additionally, exercise can help you cope with stress, sleep more deeply and have more energy in general. Most adults should aim for at least minutes of moderate exercise each week, which can be divided into shorter sessions.

High intensity exercise HIIT workouts can also benefit brain health in various ways, such as by increasing blood flow to the brain, supporting mitochondrial function and potentially staving off dementia. Ideally try mixing up your workouts to keep things interesting and to challenge your body, such as by running, lighting weights, walking, hiking, cycling, doing tai chi or yoga, dancing, etc.

According to BrainFacts. This protein plays critical roles in learning, memory, and the generation of new nerve cells in the hippocampus. Founder of Release Linda Townsend, explains it best. The benefits of mental detoxification go beyond cleansed energy.

Removing what is no longer serving you also prevents anxiety, stress-induced illnesses, and chronic disease from stored toxins. Kathleen Quinton, our Wellness Coach at Release, detoxes to quiet her mind and connect with her inner self.

In life, many things can contribute to how you feel, whether fear, lack of confidence, or being overwhelmed. As a wellness and life coach, she uses her own mindfulness approach to teach clients how to strengthen and prioritize what makes them happy, healthy, and productive.

The noisy, unfiltered, and negative thoughts become tempered and seen in a new light, leaving us with more peace and clarity. For Yoga Instructor Marianne Davis, mental detoxification has a similar meaning.

In her personal life, Davis spends time outside in her garden, going for morning walks, and reading poetry. There are so many different options for meditation , from guided classes to simple five minute videos on Youtube.

Her advice to beginners is to explore your options. Stick with a format that is best for you, and practice meditating everyday.