"The brain also needs a detox": 7 practical ways to clear your mind and regain energy

We are used to thinking that fatigue appears after physical exertion. But today, most of us are exhausted by excessive information – news, social networks, notifications, and endless streams of other people's thoughts. Often, people see the solution in medication. "I'm not against antidepressants, but it's important to remember: working with the cause of stress is much more effective than just with its consequences," says in a conversation with LIGA.net geneticist and scientist Olga BarkIn this article, you will learn a few Simple ways to reduce information overload, maintain clarity of thought, and restore the nervous system., and you will also understand howYour psyche directly affects your body and energy every day.What is a "mind detox" and how to do it properly"We are what we eat — everyone knows this phrase, but it's usually applied only to food. At the same time, our minds absorb an endless amount of information every day, and no one teaches us about our information diet," explains Olga Bark.The key here is not so much "purification" as it is controlling the flow of information. Over hundreds of years, human physiology has barely changed, while the number of stimuli the brain encounters has increased many times over."Imagine what would happen to your body if you ate everything that came your way. We treat information exactly the same way. Therefore, the first thing you should ask yourself is: what benefit will this information bring me and where can I use it?"Information doesn't disappear immediately after we consume it. It accumulates, interacts with memory, and shapes our reactions to the world."Our mind is a memory system, and we are constantly trying to improve it. But if you were once told a scary story about a car accident and you have a well-developed imagination, then every time you see a car, you may unconsciously overload yourself," Bark explains.The brain easily lets go of mundane things, but it's hard to forget what was emotionally traumatic."If you hear bad news about loved ones while eating a Kyiv cake, that taste can become permanently associated with that emotion. Even if the situation is resolved later, the 'aftertaste' will remain," she adds.To get rid of the negative "residue" after emotional experiences, Olga Bark advises consciously working through them: breaking down the situation and identifying specific steps in case of a recurrence. That is why today, instead of a magical "mind detox," we talk about real skills in managing information and emotions.Top 7 practical ways to reduce information overload and restore your nervous systemAccording to Olga Bark, there are dozens of ways to "unload" the mind today, but the most effective ones are simple and physiologically sound.1. Information silenceGiving up social media, news, and online games for a while reduces anxiety and restores concentration. As scientist Olga Bark explains, the most effective "mind detox" is precisely giving up high-intensity stimuli."""Information silence allows the nervous system to recover and reduces chronic anxiety." - explains the expert.2. Physical activitySports, dancing, or walking for at least 40 minutes every day is a necessity for modern people. But it's important to do it without gadgets and news. Physical activity helps balance neurotransmitters and stabilize your mental state."While dancing, the brain focuses on coordinating movements—and thus rests from the stream of thoughts," explains Bark.3. Meditation and breathing practicesSimple attention exercises, meditation, yoga, or breathing practices help calm the mind and detach from everyday life. It is important that these practices are not medical prescriptions — everyone can choose what suits their character and lifestyle. Their essence is to give the brain a pause and shift the focus of attention.4. Hobbies with a sense of accomplishmentGrowing flowers, embroidering, painting, swimming, or any activity with a clear result brings joy and stimulates the production of dopamine.The mind loves results: a flower has bloomed, a painting is finished, or a distance has been covered, notes the expert.Instead, unfinished business—an unread book, interrupted studies, or a loan—continues to occupy mental space.5. Controlling your information dietGreed for information, combined with a passive lifestyle, leads to the brain responding worse over time not only to negative but also to positive stimuli.6. Sleep and recoveryRegular sleep is a key element in the restoration of the nervous system. It is necessary not only for the body but also for the psyche: it is during sleep that the brain processes information and emotions experienced.According to the scientist, a healthy rhythm of life—informational silence, physical activity, and sleep—is the foundation of mental balance.7. Prescribing actions for stress triggersA clear action plan in case of a repeat stressful situation helps to reduce the emotional "residue" and restore a sense of control. Working with the causes of stress, emphasizes Olga Bark, is often more effective than fighting the consequences — even considering that antidepressants have become a common tool for mental health support today.Why it's important to manage your information loadResearch and expert experience show that chronic information overload affects not only mood but also physical health. High levels of anxiety can increase blood pressure, lower immunity, and provoke sleep problems."The treatment of most diseases begins with balancing one's mental state. The psyche affects the quality of life just as much as physical factors," explains Olga Bark.Many people think that "mind detox" is a one-time practice. In fact, as the scientist summarizes, it's about forming small but systematic habits. For example:notice what exactly is draining you;separate the important from the secondary;focus on completing small tasks.These actions may seem simple, but they allow the brain to process information efficiently, feel in control, and experience genuine satisfaction with life."The practices are not a medical prescription — it's important to find what works for you," adds Bark.In other words, "mind detox" is not a trend, but a conscious effort to work on your daily rhythm of life. A person who cares about their mental balance not only reacts more calmly to stress, but also improves their physical health and sense of energy.Read also"Clean hours," sports, and detox: how top performers manage their energy to stay at the peak of productivity

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