Prioritizing Rest and Breaks for Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
It’s okay, stay away from your work desk for a few hours or minutes.
The prevailing culture of overworking is not a healthy trend to follow. Rather than pushing oneself to create content in bulk during weekends, it’s advisable to seize the moments when creativity strikes, irrespective of the day or time. Experiencing a content block or brain fatigue is a reality for everyone. It’s crucial to prioritize rest if one desires to remain creative and innovative.
A balance between rest and work is essential for good health, productivity, and creativity.
A study from the University of York and the University of Florida indicates that more than 40% of creative ideas originate during breaks and downtime. These moments of relaxation allow our minds to wander freely, leading to unique and innovative ideas.
For instance, ideas often flow during shower time, restroom breaks, or other restful moments like watching a movie or being in church. I get a lot of ideas while in church, in fact, I started writing this article, in church on Sunday morning, Lol.
Interestingly, the most creative parts of our brains become more active when we’re not focused on any particular task.
Moments of creativity are more likely to occur during rest than when we’re busy working. People who have had great ideas while walking their dog, working out, or taking a shower can attest to this phenomenon.
Moreover, research shows that boredom can foster creativity. It’s essential to let ourselves be bored, allowing our minds to tell stories, and create new ideas.
According to Neil Gaiman, “You have to let yourself get so bored that your mind has nothing better to do than tell itself a story.”
Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize rest, allow boredom, and not overwork if we desire to remain creative, innovative, and healthy.
If you’re reading this, here’s your cue to take a break.
