Mental Fitness Moment: Build in Downtime

Even my cat, Maribelle, knows this.

 

In  our crazy world, the message seems to come from all around us to DO more, BE more, OWN more, WORK more...well, you get the picture. But turning off all that (yes, gadgets included) for a little R&R is a prescription for health and for success.

 

Remember, your brain needs down time to rest, restore, and "compute in the background" when you are not actively trying to solve a problem. Our very powerful subconscious mind can be working on a problem without conscious thoughts getting in the way when we are resting, relaxing, enjoying a hobby, attending church, listening to soothing music, taking a bath, taking a walk, going for a hike, etc.

 

But it you don't build the downtime into your schedule...it won't happen. So take time to breathe, rest, relax, enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, meditate on all the things for which you are grateful. Your body will thank you. Your mind will thank you. Your soul will thank you.