Science has increasingly shown that balancing focus and relaxation time is good for your memory and learning, attention, creativity, and productivity. Just like we rest our muscles in between workouts or physical exertion, our brains need a little recovery time to balance out how often we are focused, stressed, or otherwise using mental effort.
When you enter a state of idleness or downtime, your brain is actually quite productive – replenishing its stores of attention and motivation, a ‘reset’ of sorts for when you next need to focus.
Downtime is also a chance for the brain to process new information. The human brain seeks to make sense of all the information coming at it, looking for patterns, categories, and connections. The ‘sorting process’ the brain engages in during downtime makes it possible for us to reflect, learn, and make sense of the world around us.
Some studies have even shown that the brain solves difficult problems while daydreaming. Have you ever had an ‘aha’ moment while gazing out the window or taking a shower? Even when you think you’re being idle, your brain is subconsciously working. Rest is productive!
Without adequate rest and downtime, we essentially rob ourselves of opportunities for creative thinking, introspection and consolidation of information, experiences, and memories. Research shows that when you work for long periods of time without sufficient breaks, the brain becomes less efficient. That’s why we often need to slow down to speed up, however counterintuitive that may feel.
So, how much downtime is enough? How can you experience the brain boosting benefits of rest, even when life is busy? Frequency is key. Research suggests that the brain requires a short break every 90 minutes and a longer break every 120 minutes of mental effort.
Look for opportunities in your day to recharge, even just for a few moments. Check out these 10 ways to get more rest for some ideas.