Holidays should be the most relaxing time of the year. Yet, it is precisely now that many experience their brain having the hardest time relaxing.

It's not really that strange.

Research shows that recovery is about much more than just stopping work. The brain needs time to switch from a constant problem-solving state to a more restorative mode.

The brain doesn't go on holiday just because you do

The weeks before a holiday are often the most intense of the year. Projects need to be finished, inboxes emptied, and everything must be done before the computer is shut down.

When the holiday finally begins, we expect the brain to immediately switch to rest mode.

But biology doesn't quite work that way.

Stress hormones and ingrained thought patterns don't disappear overnight. Therefore, it's common for the first few days of holiday to be marked by restlessness, poor sleep, or a feeling of not being able to truly unwind.

Chief physician and associate professor of psychiatry Lotta Borg Skoglund describes it as many needing "active rest" before the body finds its way back to a calmer pace.

Daydreaming is not a waste – it's brain training

One of the most important things we can give our brain is actually... nothing.

When we sit by a lake, walk in the forest, or just look at the clouds, the brain's so-called Default Mode Network (DMN) is activated.

It's a network that helps us to:

• process impressions
• sort emotions
• strengthen creativity
• restore mental energy

The problem is that many never get there.

As soon as a thought arises, we pick up our mobile phone.

The mobile keeps the brain in work mode

Social media and constant notifications provide the brain with a stream of new impressions.

We get small dopamine kicks, but the brain never gets the opportunity to switch to the restorative state where thoughts can wander freely.

That's why many feel mentally tired despite several hours of scrolling.

Can herbs help the brain find calm?

No herb can replace sleep, recovery, or a healthy lifestyle.

But several plants have been studied for how they can support normal brain function and help the body cope with periods of mental stress.

Ginkgo biloba – one of the world's most studied brain herbs

Ginkgo biloba has been used for centuries and is today one of the most scientifically researched herbs for brain function.

Research shows that standardized ginkgo extracts can contribute to improved blood flow in the brain and have been linked in several studies to improvements in attention, working memory, and mental performance, especially in individuals with impaired cognitive function and during high mental stress.

Lemon balm – calm without making you drowsy

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has a long tradition in European herbal medicine.

Modern research shows that lemon balm can contribute to reduced perceived stress and anxiety, and improve calm and concentration. Several studies also suggest that it can support cognitive performance during stress, which makes it interesting when the brain has difficulty winding down.

Sideritis – the Mediterranean's "mountain tea"

Sideritis, also called Greek mountain tea, has long been used in the Mediterranean region.

In recent years, research has become increasingly interested in the plant's high content of polyphenols and flavonoids.

Studies suggest that extracts from Sideritis can help protect nerve cells against oxidative stress and support normal brain function. There are also clinical studies that point to positive effects on attention, memory, and emotional well-being in older individuals, although more research is still needed.

Brain Focus – three herbs with different strengths

In our tincture Brain Focus, we have chosen to combine:

• Ginkgo biloba for focus and mental performance.
• Lemon balm for a calmer nervous system and better balance during stress.
• Sideritis for its high content of antioxidants and promising research on brain health.

We do not see the product as a shortcut, but as a complement to what truly makes a difference:

• good sleep
• regular exercise
• time without screens
• nature
• recovery

Exactly what the brain needs to actually go on holiday.