Productivity has become a metric of self-worth over the years. The capitalist society, with its work ethic, keeps us on our toes.
Ventures like side hustles and monetization of passion projects and hobbies keep us in the rat race.
You give too much time and energy to being productive at all times, because the moment you stop, you’ll be declared useless.
But this productivity fever keeps us busy all the time and makes us work overtime; it has become the norm, a cycle of exploitation that we can’t get out of.
However, Dr. Joseph Jebelli, a neuroscientist, believes that the easiest way to boost functional productivity is by doing less work.
He started noticing the changes in his health owing to overwork; he was following the same path as his dad, which led to depressive disorders.
So, he took matters into his own hands and started researching the resting brain, which became the topic of his new book.
Less work = More productivity
You have been programmed to work around the clock without a break. You get cracking at the crack of dawn and keep going till your eyes can focus.
You worry you will be left behind if you don’t work every minute, but in reality, you are killing your productivity with overwork.
The work task engages the executive network control that overrides the default network, which is essential for problem-solving.
This is the reason you find a solution for a problem that plagued you for days while taking a shower or walking your dog on a quiet evening.
But your default network can only take over when your brain is at rest, disengaged from work completely.
The less you work, the more likely you are to be at rest, which will lead to better creativity, memory, and problem-solving.
It boosts mental health as it makes us more empathetic and helps us for better and stronger connections with people we care about.
So, less work can help you boost your brain health, which will ultimately lead to better productivity.
Take a break, a real break that will activate your default network to speed track your productivity.
- A walk in the park without a phone can solve any life problem.
- A 30-minute nap has been proven to increase the size of your brain.
- Schedule a mind wandering session for 10 minutes every day.
Indulge in the right type of rest for a better brain
Rest can lead to better productivity quickly; it is an antidote to overwork, which has wrecked your peace of mind.
But we have changed the definition of rest over the decades. Now rest means scrolling reels and binge-watching Netflix, till there’s nothing left.
It is fake rest, as you’re actively engaged in these tasks, so your executive network is still dominating the default mode.
Your brain needs a real break to engage in the rest that it desperately needs.
But the algorithm knows you better than anyone else. It puts the most distracting content your way; the temptation is impossible to ignore.
Short-form video content has single-handedly replaced hobbies that can actually make you relax.
Moreover, it has reduced attention span to mere 6 seconds , which is less than that of a goldfish.
Engage in soft fascination that holds your attention in an effortless way, like listening to waves, staring into a bonfire, and gazing at the sunset.
Real rest will boost your brain health and make you more productive while slaving fewer hours in the office.
- Relax by engaging in real hobbies that don’t require you to scroll a screen.
- Indulge in your creative hobbies; it will help you rest instantly.
- Do repetitive chores to switch on your default mode instantly.
Purposeful rest demands a little effort
In an overworked world, it’s natural to seek out rest. A few moments stolen from a busy schedule, where you can be away from the demands of the day.
But rest isn’t always easy, as effortless activities don’t guarantee the rest you need.
Sometimes you need to choose the difficult option to give your brain the real rest it deserves.
Purposeful solitude can help you activate the default network without moving a muscle.
Silence calms the restless chaos in your brain in less than ten minutes a day.
Practicing solitude in nature will rewire your brain and boost your creativity, and help you be more productive.
Exercise is another activity that can rest your brain, but it’s not as restful as it takes a lot of effort.
A sedentary lifestyle needs active rest. Moreover, exercise can help you boost cognition and make you more creative and productive.
These rest require more effort than lazing around your living room scoping Netflix, but they are way more effective in activating default network mode.
So, indulge in the right type of rest to garner the full benefits of relaxation.
- Practice purposeful solitude to give your brain a respite from daily hassles.
- Make it a point to work out at least three days a week to boost cognition and productivity.
Conclusion
Overworking is wrecking your brain health, it’s killing the quality of your work, and reducing productivity as well.
Indulging in more and better quality rest can help you boost your cognition and make productivity easy.
So, improve your productivity by working less with simple daily habits.
- Take a quick nap to boost brain health and productivity.
- Exercise is the optimal rest for a sedentary lifestyle.
- Practice creative hobbies for better brain health.
- Stop the mindless scrolling as it’s killing your cognition.