How to give your brain the rest it needs

[New Sancai Compilation and First Release] The most restorative rest for the brain is not taking a nap or lying on the couch binge-watching TV shows. Experts say taking active, rather than passive, breaks during the day can rejuvenate the brain.

"A long walk, hike, or exercise can give us more energy, not less, and leave us feeling more refreshed." Author of "Break: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less" Alex Soojung-Kim Pang said. "

According to the Washington Post, when we shift our attention from focusing on a task to something that requires less active mental attention, our brain’s “default mode network” (DMN) becomes Be more active. The DMN is essential for many cognitive functions, including creative thinking. By practicing the art of resting your brain, you can more easily improve and activate your DMN. Giving your brain restorative rest allows it to function at its best.

Here are some tips on how to do this:

• Focus on positive rest. Take a break from intensive tasks like work and go for a walk or go to the gym. Even if your body is tired from this activity, it still counts as a break for your brain.

• Pick up a hobby. Hobbies such as painting or bird watching are also forms of brain rest.

• Take frequent breaks throughout the day. Research shows that when employees take a break, they come back more energetic and creative.

• Change your "To-Do" list to your "Today" list. Experts recommend assigning yourself only the chores that need to be done today. Once you're done, don't add more items to your list. Instead, use your time to practice self-care.

• Take technology breaks. Turn off your laptop and phone and disconnect yourself from technology. If the screen is visible, your brain will focus on the unopened email and expend unnecessary energy in anticipation.

• Take regular vacations. When it comes to the benefits of a vacation, longer isn’t always better. Research shows that most holidays appear to have strong but short-lived effects on health and well-being. The benefits peak around the eighth day of vacation, with most of the mental health benefits coming from the anticipation of vacation. Pang recommends taking one week off each quarter. A study found that middle-aged men at risk for heart disease who did not take annual leave had a higher risk of death during a nine-year follow-up period.

• Practice micro-breaks. Research shows that taking a brief pause before a video conference or at a red light, such as taking three deep breaths, can increase energy and reduce fatigue. The Washington Post says taking a few seconds to get outside and get some fresh air during the workday can put you in a completely different mood.

(Compiled by: Wang Jimin)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: First published by Xinsancai)