Mental rest: why is it needed and how to arrange

Why is it important to rest

We are overloading the brain information

During the day, the brain processes the incoming information for hours and talk. If you do not give him relax, affected your mood, productivity and health. Therefore, it needs some mental rest - periods when you do not concentrate and do not interact with the outside world and are giving thought in the clouds.

Now we have less and less time to allocate to such relaxation. "People refer to him as a machine, - says Matthew Edlund, director of the Center circadian medicine in Florida. - They are regularly excessively loaded themselves and recycle. "

We believe that the best way to succeed - is to be as productive. But such an approach can lead to the opposite result.

Remember that zombipodobnoe state into which you fall after a long meeting or a crazy day in the bustle. You could hardly think, You forget importantYou make mistakes and end up making less than intended. Permanent stressful pace of life affects productivity, creativity and happiness.

"The brain needs to rest, - said Stuart Friedman, author of books about leadership and reconciling work with private life. - After a break of mental activity works best creative thinking, it's easier to make decisions, you start to get pleasure from their activities. "

We do not give the brain to recover

In the brain are two basic modes of operation. The first is aimed at action. Thanks to him, we concentrate on the tasks, solve problems, process incoming information. He is involved when we are working, watching television, leaf through Instagram, or even in any way interact with the information.

In addition, there is a network of the passive mode of operation of the brain (SPRRM). It is activated when we omits, Daydream, or immerse yourself in. If you read the book, and suddenly noticed that not remember the last two pages, then you have stepped SPRRM and you're thinking about other things. In this state, you can stay for hours, for example during a walk through the woods.

SPRRM necessary to use every day: it helps the brain to recover.

According to neuropsychologist Mary Helen Immordino-Yang (Mary Helen Immordino-Yang), thanks SPRRM we consolidate information, to understand yourself and what is happening in our lives. It is associated with well-being and creativity.

It SPRRM need to thank for the spontaneous solution to the problem, which was not given to us, as we are not distracted by it. According to researchers, writers and physicists at least 30% of creative ideas thereWhen the Muses Strike: Creative Ideas of Physicists and Writers Routinely Occur During Mind WanderingWhen they are doing something unrelated to work. In addition, SPRRM plays an important role in the formation of memories. This activity occursAstrocyte Intermediaries of Septal Cholinergic Modulation in the Hippocampus Just before going to sleep.

How to give yourself a mental vacation

Breaks should be done several times during the day. Stewart Friedman advised to rest approximately every 90 minutes or when you start to feel exhaustion, You can not concentrate, stuck at work. "The main thing is stop thinking that the rest - it is a luxury, undermining your productivity", - says Immordino-Yang. Just the opposite.

Engage in something that does not require mental effort

Washing dishes, gardening, walking, cleaning and similar activities - a fertile ground for enhancing SPRRM. Usually we ashamed to sit back and head in the clouds, and at the time of such cases, you can just relax mentally.

Put the phone

Most people picks up the phone just out of boredom, but this habit makes it impossible to relax. Try moving the smartphone away and not be distracted by it. For example, when you're standing in line or waiting for someone. Notice how you are feeling at the same time. Most likely, you will be nervous at first, but soon begin to pay attention to the world around us or dive into my thoughts.

Spend less time in social networks

Social networks - the main enemy of mental relaxation. In addition, they create a false picture of the lives of others, because we only see the perfect picture. All this, together with the news saddens causes stress.

Within a few days, watch how much time is spent on social networks and what feelings it causes you. Limit your time in them, for example up to 45 minutes a day. Or reduce the list of friends, leaving only those with whom you really like to communicate.

More often in nature

Walk in the park recovers betterThe Cognitive Benefits of Interacting With NatureThan walking around the city. The urban environment we are constantly surrounded by distractions: beeps transport, cars, people. And the singing of birds, the rustling of leaves and other natural sounds, on the contrary, calm. IN such conditions it is easier to relax and let go of your thoughts.

Observe the moment

Try to focus on different muscles of the body. Give each muscle 10-15 seconds. Or every time you drink something, pay attention to the taste and sensation. Such actions - this is a little break for your brain.

Engage those you love

Activation SPRRM - not the only way to mentally relax. More useful to engage in favorite things, even if they need to concentrate. For example, reading, tennis, play a musical instrument, a trip to the concert will also help to recover. So think, what activities give you energy and do not forget to allocate time on them.