As a professional, you’re constantly juggling dozens of tasks and responsibilities. But it turns out it might be better to spend time doing nothing.  I recently read a fascinating article about why this is. It  all comes down to the ‘default network’ in your brain, which becomes active each time you’re at rest.

Picture this: you’re lost in thought, not focused on any specific task. That’s when the default network comes to life. It helps you make sense of your experiences, consolidate memories and even come up with brilliant ideas. Throughout the day, when you engage in activities that don’t require your full attention your default network comes to life. It facilitates communication between different brain regions, helping them to work harmoniously together.

Recent research  has shown the default network plays a crucial role in creative thinking, problem-solving and synthesising complex information. But it only works when you’re not working! So, here are some tips for making the most of this little-known network in your brain.

1. Embrace downtime: schedule regular breaks throughout your workday to give your brain a chance to rest and activate the default network.
2. Engage in mindful activities: try mindfulness practises like meditation or journaling during your downtime to promote self-reflection and boost creativity.
3. Go somewhere quiet: find somewhere that allows you to have moments of solitude and uninterrupted thinking. This will give your brain the freedom to explore new ideas.
4. Balance focus and rest: recognise that periods of rest are not wasted time. They’re essential for brain rejuvenation. Alternate between focused work sessions and intentional breaks.

In a world that celebrates constant busyness, it’s essential to recognise the value of rest and tap into the power of your default network. By understanding how our brain operates during periods of rest, we can unlock untapped potential and improve our professional performance. So, take a moment to embrace the power of doing nothing and let your default network work its magic.

You can read the original article here.

This article summary was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer, success coach and people skills expert. She helps managers and business owners build thriving teams and organisations, using tools from Positive Psychology. She's trained more than 60,000 people during her career as a corporate trainer and professional development consultant. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.