Have you ever noticed that some of your best ideas come to you when you’re in the shower or on a walk? It turns out, this is more than just a relatable experience; it’s a real neurological phenomenon. When we allow ourselves to be idle or do activities that give our brain a break, not only are we protecting ourselves from mental burnout, but we are also giving our brains a chance to let our best ideas rise to the surface.
Here, we will learn how letting our brains off the hook can prevent burnout and enable more creative thinking. If you’re constantly battling the anxious urge to be productive – maybe you’re finding it hard to have summer fun because you can’t get work off the mind – then this one’s for you.
Forcing Ourselves to Be Productive is Unproductive
We hear about burnout a lot, almost to the point of diluting its severity. So let’s remind ourselves just how damaging burnout can be:
According to NAMI’s 2024 Workplace Mental Health Poll, 52% of U.S. employees are burnt out. That means over half of U.S. employees are dealing with any of the following symptoms and more:
- Feeling drained and fatigued.
- Depression, anxiety, and/or irritability.
- Poor sleep.
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances.
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes.
- Weakened immune system.
Burnout affects more than the individual; it can contaminate relationships and negatively impact how we show up in everyday life. When we put our well-being first and learn how work and wellness can work in harmony, it benefits us and everyone around us.
So…when you hear the piercing siren of the productivity police, consider turning it off by reminding yourself that taking breaks is productive.
Taking Breaks Makes Us More Creative
Why do we get so many good ideas when we’re showering, driving, or daydreaming?
Research reveals that, when we are in a state of “autopilot,” we activate our Default Mode Network (DMN)— a group of interconnected areas of the brain that brings creative ideas to the forefront of our consciousness. In other words, the less our surroundings need our immediate, conscious attention, the more our creative juices get flowing.
Some other activities that allow your creativity to flow include:
- Watching a TV show or movie you’ve already seen.
- Going to the gym.
- Doing mindless chores.
- Listening to a familiar album, podcast, or audio book.
- Doing a craft – e.g. drawing, knitting, or coloring.
- Doing puzzles.
- Reading something you’ve already read.
Whichever activities you choose, make sure they’re things that don’t cause you further stress. For example, not everybody can relax at the gym, and some chores can be overwhelming for some of us. When in doubt, use trial and error until you’ve found an activity that recharges your brain the most, even if that activity is simply being still for a small block of time.
Conclusion
Next time you find yourself feeling stuck or restless at work, consider taking a break and giving your brain a chance to recharge. Take a walk, stare up at the clouds, or just daydream for a few minutes. Who knows? You may even come up with an idea that gets you excited to get back to work.
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