As we continue down this road of life, it becomes ever more crucial to care for our bodies and minds so that everything works at its best. But practically, what does that look like? What steps should we be taking to promote the health of our mind and body? Though many of us require different things depending on our body types, preferences, and biological dispositions, some apply to most of the human population, if not everyone. Maintaining your body as a whole will help it maintain you in return when you choose to endeavor in challenging tasks, such as escape rooms.

1. SLEEP

First of all, beginning your preparation before the room starts is critical. Getting ample sleep is crucial for maximizing your potential and thus factors into your success or failure. The right amount for you varies from person to person, but it’s usually between 6-8 hours. Believe it or not, women need more sleep than men, so beauty sleep has some merit despite it being a myth! Sometimes, fact is far more interesting than fiction. Nonetheless, if you’re having trouble staying awake and doing well with specific tasks, it may stem from your lack of sleep.
 

2. FUEL

Secondly, your fuel source should be chock-full of the good stuff. Greens like kale/broccoli, proteins like fatty fish, berries, walnuts, and tea/coffee are all helpful in promoting brain health. If you are or have gone through a diet change, be aware that sometimes your body can reject the sudden change, so slowly and steadily introduce the new diet to your body. Of course, consume these and all foods in moderation to avoid any potentially adverse side effects. Naturally, these nutrients won’t be of much use to you without water to carry them through your veins and into that big brain of yours! Ensure you drink enough according to your weight and activity level, and you’ll be in tip-top shape.

3. HUGS

Third, get those hugs! If you’ve read my previous blogs, you’ll know we humans are highly community-based. While physical health is a significant component of cognitive function, emotional health is equally important. Renowned therapist and author Virginia Satir said: “We need four hugs daily for survival. We need eight hugs daily for maintenance. We need 12 hugs daily for growth.” Hugs help release a chemical called oxytocin, the feel-good hormone that promotes positivity and reduces stress. Hugs aid in our desire to feel needed, loved, and noticed. Of course, the number of hugs does depend on how comfortable you are with physical touch and other people in your space, but her guideline is a good rule of thumb.
 
With all this said, be sure to keep in mind your well-being. If you haven’t got your health, you haven’t got anything, so do yourself a favor and be kind to yourself by applying these tips in your life! We are complex creatures requiring an assortment of things, so it’s best to keep them in mind as we navigate this world, especially when talking about cognitive ability and performing your best in an escape room!