Feeling mentally foggy, overwhelmed, or just can’t seem to focus? You’re far from alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 76% of adults in the U.S. report at least one stress-related health symptom.
But what if the key to mental clarity wasn’t to sit still and “clear your mind,” but instead to actively engage it in the right way?
Dr. Nikki Scheiner at Ben’s Natural Health, has revealed four activities proven to relax the brain by influencing its stress response systems, focus mechanisms, and neural pathways.
1. Pick up a racket and calm your thoughts
Racket sports like tennis are one of the most effective ways to reset your brain and clear mental clutter. The mix of movement, focus, and fast-paced decision-making creates what experts call a flow state – where your brain becomes deeply focused and inner noise fades.
“Playing tennis improves how your brain connects different regions,” Dr. Scheiner explains. “It helps you stay focused and think clearly for the rest of the day.”
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that people who play racket sports report significantly lower stress levels and better cognitive performance.
2. Play your stress away with strategy games
You don’t need to break a sweat to boost your brain. In fact, games like Sudoku, chess, or even mobile puzzle apps can redirect anxiety into structured problem-solving, offering quick mental relief.
“Strategic gaming triggers a surge in alpha brain waves,” says -. “This creates the ideal neurological state – calm yet alert – where stress dissolves and mental processing thrives.”
A study in Computers in Human Behavior found that playing strategy games improved working memory by 12-18% – measurable progress in just a few sessions.
3. Try archery to quiet your inner critic
Looking for mindfulness without meditation? Target sports like archery deliver fast, focus-enhancing results. The deliberate aiming process activates your brain’s sensorimotor systems and shuts down background stress signals.
“Activities requiring precision, like archery, force complete present-moment awareness,” Dr says. “This integration calms racing thoughts and boosts focus within a single session.”
Even beginners can feel the shift — a few minutes of target practice is enough to reset your mental state.
4. Play music to build stress resilience
Perhaps the most powerful tool for mental clarity is also one of the most creative. Playing a musical instrument activates multiple brain regions at once, helping to regulate emotions and lower stress hormone levels.
“Musicians show stronger connections between the areas of the brain responsible for emotion and planning,” Dr. Scheiner explains. “This leads to better mood control and long-term stress reduction.”
A review published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found that regular musical practice boosts brain connectivity by 10–25%, depending on time invested.
The Expert Takeaway
“If you’re feeling foggy or mentally drained, turn to activities that naturally help your brain relax,” says Dr. Nikki Scheiner -. “Whether it’s tennis, music, or even a puzzle game, find what helps you feel good and disconnect from stress.”
For beginners, she suggests choosing just one activity and practicing it for 15 minutes twice a week. “You’ll start noticing clearer thinking and improved mood in just a few weeks.”