Break the Worry Loop:
Tap your temples. When worries have your mind in a stress loop, try this: Turn on a cheerful song, rest your elbows on a table, and gently tap your temples to the beat for two minutes. Australian scientists found this unique type of tapping (known as EFT or emotional freedom technique) reconnects the mind and body, calming the brain and lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol by as much as 37 percent. Meanwhile, Canadian research suggests that listening to a song you love while you tap works just as well as anti-anxiety drugs at lowering stress.

Techniques to Beat Winter Brain Fog:
Cold weather brain fog is natural, but there are things you can do to prevent it. You might expect that crisp weather sharpens thinking, but temperature dips and less daylight can cause levels of focus-regulating brain chemicals to drop, leading to changes in cognitive abilities. While brain fog can be frustrating, fortunately, there are some easy, scientifically-proven steps you can take to stop those confused feelings. Brain fog doesn’t necessarily have to keep you from enjoying the cooler weather and all the fun activities that come with the season. 

Trouble Focusing? Sniff Lavender:
If you’re listening to a favorite podcast or trying to read a new page-turner and can’t focus and concentrate, try taking a slow whiff of lavender essential oil. Lavender sharpens alertness and concentration. A happy bonus: Focusing on smelling pleasant scents daily optimizes brain function and could help people with dementia.

Put Your Mind on Rewind:
If you’re like many of us who have performed a routine task, no matter how much you rack your brain, sometimes you can’t recall whether you’ve already done it. To erase that mental block, imagine walking backward. British research suggests the trick works the brain back in time to when the memory was first filed away. Hence, the memory is easier to retrieve, instantly improving short-term recall in a phenomenon called the "mnemonic time-travel effect." You can apply this technique to other things as well.