WHAT IS BRAIN FLOSSING AND HOW IT CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE A SHARPER MIND
By Nicole Fuge
When you think about flossing, you probably picture your dental hygiene routine—after all, it's all about keeping your teeth healthy and strong, right? But what if I told you that there’s a new “flossing” trend that’s less about your smile and more about your mind?
What is Brain Flossing?
Brain Flossing is exactly what it sounds like—a way to “floss” your brain. Just as you clear the space between your teeth to ensure a healthy smile, Brain Flossing is about clearing the mental clutter and exercising your mind to promote cognitive health, enhance clarity, and support mental sharpness.
While it might sound like another trend that’ll fizzle out after a season, Brain Flossing has roots in neuroscience and mindfulness practices. It’s all about engaging in specific exercises, activities, or mental habits that strengthen your brain’s ability to filter out distractions and negative thoughts, improve focus, and even enhance your memory.
So, how do you floss your brain, and why should you even bother?
The Science Behind It
Your brain, much like your body, needs regular exercise to stay in peak condition. But it’s not just about mental gymnastics like learning a new language or solving complex problems. Brain Flossing is more about targeted mental exercises that promote mental clarity, combat stress, and enhance your brain’s plasticity (its ability to adapt and rewire itself).
The idea comes from the concept of neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s ability to change and form new neural connections throughout life. The more you engage in activities that challenge and stimulate the brain, the more resilient and adaptable it becomes.
Much like the physical benefits of a workout, Brain Flossing is designed to keep your mind limber, flexible, and better able to handle everything from daily tasks to those moments of brain fog we all experience from time to time.
How to Brain Floss
Ready to start flossing your mind? The great thing about Brain Flossing is that it doesn’t require fancy tools or hours of meditation (though that can help too). It’s about weaving a few simple habits into your day. Here are some effective ways to “floss” your brain:
1. Mindful Breathing
One of the most accessible ways to start Brain Flossing is through mindfulness. Deep, intentional breathing helps you refocus, calm anxiety, and activate the brain's parasympathetic nervous system, which is essential for stress relief. Try a five-minute mindful breathing exercise each morning, where you inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale through your mouth for four. This simple practice can do wonders for clearing your mental clutter.
2. Meditation
Meditation, while not a new concept, is an incredibly effective way to promote mental clarity. Studies have shown that regular meditation practice enhances focus, improves memory, and reduces stress—all crucial for maintaining a healthy mind. You can start small, aiming for just 10 minutes a day, to give your brain that much-needed break from constant stimulation.
3. Brain-Boosting Exercises
Think of these as mental push-ups. Crossword puzzles, sudoku, and memory games are classic examples of brain exercises that encourage neuroplasticity. By challenging your brain with new tasks or solving complex problems, you’re keeping your mind sharp and engaged. Apps like Lumosity and Peak are designed specifically for this purpose, offering fun games and challenges that improve different cognitive functions, from memory to problem-solving.
4. Learning Something New
We all know that learning a new skill is one of the most effective ways to keep your brain active and healthy. Whether it’s taking up a new hobby, learning a new language, or even trying a new recipe, engaging in activities that require you to think creatively and critically is a form of Brain Flossing. The key is to challenge yourself—don’t stick to what you know best. The act of learning something unfamiliar forces your brain to form new connections and pathways.
5. Digital Detox
In today’s world, our brains are constantly bombarded with information from screens—social media, emails, news, and more. This digital overstimulation can leave us feeling mentally drained and distracted. A digital detox is a great way to reset and floss your brain. Try setting aside time each day where you put your phone down and disconnect from all screens. This helps to clear your mind and allows you to focus on the present moment.
6. Journaling
Journaling has been shown to help improve focus, reduce stress, and increase creativity. The act of writing allows you to process thoughts and feelings, clearing mental clutter. A daily journaling habit—whether it’s free writing or using prompts like “What am I grateful for today?”—helps to improve clarity and emotional resilience, and lets your brain release unnecessary stress.
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