The Importance of Downtime

What is downtime and why do you need it?

Downtime can have different faces. It allows your brain rest and wander, but may also encourage you to contemplate what matters to you. Scrolling on social media, watching tv, or playing a game requires your brain to process information. It is not enough of a break to recharge and, in most cases, you are being bombarded by others’ opinions. If sitting still and letting your mind wander is hard for you, you can do a “mindless activity.” Weeding, vacuuming, knitting, or coloring are all repetitive activities that can allow your brain to stop hyperfocusing and begin wandering.

Why do you need downtime?

Your brain is like a sponge, soaking up information all day long. When your brain is saturated, you need to take a break. Even when you are taking that break your brain is still active. Scientists call this the Default Mode Network or DMN for short. If you’ve ever worked on a problem, felt stuck and walked away only to have the solution pop into your head when you had stopped trying, you have experienced the default mode network. Your default mode network allows you to step away from actively working on a problem so creativity and problem solving can happen.

Downtime is also essential to free yourself from ever-present marketing manipulation and reflect on what truly matters to you. Prioritizing this time to consider your values and how you could better incorporate them into your life is something only you can do for yourself.

Next time you are taking a walk in the woods, vacuuming, or just sitting in the grass, turn off your phone and let your mind wander or reflect. It will do wonders for your creativity, mental health and sense of purpose.

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