THE MIND NEEDS REST

"Just as we can't expect to lift weights nonstop all day, we shouldn't expect our minds to be focused for long?periods."?Dr. Gloria Mark, author of "Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness, and Productivity".

Whether, for studies or work, the mind needs rest if we want to keep our brain in full operation. It is a way to?allow in some?air and breathe out the thoughts that do not contribute.

Several studies attest?to the benefits of rest. One of them was published in the?journal PLoS ONE?last year. It showed?that short breaks of 10 minutes or less reduce mental fatigue and increase stamina, the will to persist when work becomes difficult.

At the same time, the world we live in is so competitive and efficient that, even if we have all the will, we don't allow ourselves to truly rest. And when we do, we feel that we are one step away from anxiety.?Living as if everything were urgent causes us various stress-related problems: such as headaches, decreased defenses, digestive issues, and permanent fatigue, among others.

We are unaware that constant multitasking or jumping from one activity to another does not signal effectiveness. It increases errors, reduces creativity, and causes fatigue with recurrence.?

It is neither healthy nor sustainable to live under stress and in a hurry. Because neither our body nor our mind?isprepared to be highly?active?for a long time. This wears us out and causes our performance?to decline with time. Rest is essential.?

Disconnecting is no longer a pleasure. It is a necessity. Being able to rest our mind is synonymous with health and well-being.?

For many years, I convinced myself that time is "gold" and that every second of my life should be well spent to?obtainthe maximum benefit.?But time is not gold, nor silver: time is life.?Knowing how to manage it, and allowing ourselves, from time to time, to do nothing and limit ourselves to "being?and?feeling" is to?assure?health and quality of life.

We must be aware that, sometimes, wasting time is gaining it. This?allows?us to recharge and find calm?indisorder.?It?is the only way to clear our minds, to let creativity and reflection flourish.?

If you?experience?mental saturation due to your work, family, studies, or simple routine, there are 3 actions available that are a great remedy:?

?????Practice meditation:?People who meditate have approximately 30% more activity of enzyme telomerase,?also called “the fountain of eternal youth”, as it allows the lengthening of telomeres (the ends of the chromosomes of cells).

?????Disconnect from electronic devices:?Taking a break from email, cell phones, television, etc., reconnects us with reality.

?????Take a walk?outside:?A?walk in?your neighborhood,?park, beach, or forest reduces?stress and frustration. In addition,?connecting?with nature makes the body and mind feel rejuvenated. Our mood improves.

Our brain is designed to have regular rest periods. So listen to your body, listen to your mind, and give it the rest it needs. Gaining health and wellness depends on your choices.?

Article written for https://www.fredkofman.org/article-ing.php?id=258