Take a long shower
A natural place to start slowing down is a habit that ’ s already built into your schedule , such as taking a shower . Letting your mind wander here can be a stepping stone to quieting more hectic environments . Or try blocking off time to look out your window . In her book “ How To Do Nothing : Resisting the Attention Economy ,” writer Jenny Odell describes how bird-watching became her favorite slow-down activity : Exhausted after pulling an all-nighter , she had gazed out the window and noticed a cluster of yellow birds . “ I burned out , and in that state of forced relaxation , that happened to be when I noticed ,” she says .
Play a game without keeping score
Dr . Oakley points out that while our body ’ s dopamine reward system might encourage tasks , keeping score is labor . Instead of competing against your crossword best , find a puzzle game on your phone that requires simply swiping .
Take a solo walk
Leave the Fitbit at home , and free up an hour to absorb the scenery in silence . Being in nature has been linked to a multitude of physical and mental benefits . But be sure not to create a competition , which can take the relaxation out of the activity . “ We get fixated on taking 10,000 steps ,” Ms . Odell says . “ Yes , it ’ s good to go for a walk , but this isn ’ t a job .” Enjoy the meandering , rather than the race , she suggests .
Cook a big meal
Borrowing from the downtime that the Italians call dolce far niente ( the sweetness of doing nothing ), the act of cooking a meal can encourage a wandering mind . It can be tempting to create a culinary masterpiece to make the time worth it , but fight the urge . Ms . Odell suggests trying to “ see the nonwork time as something other than the negative space left after work .” Try a simple recipe that requires slow preparation . Not only is the activity downtime , but bonus points for resting at the table between courses .
Just sit down
If you ’ re struggling to get enough rest at night , try a short nap . Simply find a comfortable chair , and breathe . While you ’ re napping , remember that your brain never is . Rest is one of the most important ways to enhance the neurological flexibility to build the kind of conceptual understanding that is related to identity and purpose , says Mary Helen Immordino-Yang , a professor of education , psychology and neuroscience at the University of Southern California . Consider that a reason to lose the guilt over a daily rest .
MARCH 2021 • DITCHMEN 9