Do you have the time to do nothing? It seems like a silly question, but it’s a real predicament for people in America and elsewhere today. We have been trained to try and be productive every minute of the day. We even feel guilty about taking time to do things that serve no real purpose, like watching birds outside our window, or stopping to smell the proverbial roses. These moments of stillness have an important role in our lives, though. They allow our brain to perform “cleanup” work – or recalibration, so to speak. It used to be that we would arrive home from work and have time to ourselves or with our families. Now, the boundary between work and home has blurred, with the advancement of technology and being reachable at all hours of the day. We have lost the ability to take mental breaks and recharge internally.
Do these mental breaks really matter? Yes. They allow the brain to reinforce long-term learning, and we become better learners in the future. Performing tasks that do not require focus is the best way to allow yourself to have a timeout from the constant stressors of life and work. You can start with familiar tasks that you perform without much thought. Here are some techniques to guide you:
Take a bath. Not only is it relaxing, but you can also allow your mind to wander or quiet down after being surrounded by noisy environments. Add in your favorite essential oils or fragrances to fully immerse yourself in the act of chilling out.
Look out your window. There is a whole world out there, and most likely it’s full of interesting critters to watch. Birdwatching is a slow-down activity that keeps your mind occupied just enough to enjoy the many colors and behaviors of the local animals while remaining relaxed.
Play a game without keeping score. We know, it could be difficult. However, keeping score brings out our inner competitor and riles up the brain. Find a game that does not require too much brain power and allows you to zone out while you play.
Take a walk without your phone. Take 30 minutes to absorb the sights and smells of your neighborhood or local walking trail. Being in nature has many mental benefits, and a walk is a great opportunity to be alone with your thoughts. Embrace the slow meandering rather than racing to the finish line.
Get lost in cooking. Preparing a meal from scratch requires time and it allows your mind to refocus your attention while you work with your hands to slice and dice. Try a simple recipe that requires a significant amount of time to prepare, as this will keep you engaged while allowing your mind to take a breather. You will have time to rest while foods bake or cool down, then you’re back at it for the next step. Cooking can be therapeutic, and the rewards are delicious.
Just sit down. Find a comfortable seat in the house and close your eyes. Whether this becomes a nap or just a chance to relax, the brain is allowed an opportunity to slow down brain waves and give rise to a calmer state of mind.
These are just a handful of ways to promote downtime into your life. You may know a few of your favorite relaxing activities that you label as “guilty,” though they are likely beneficial to your mental health. Indulge in these and remember that relaxation prompts your brain to release endorphins that lessen pain or anxiety. Allow yourself to relax and regroup. We are only human!