Give Your Brain a Break

Be more productive at work by taking breaks. Here’s your motivation if you are inclined to skip them: a neurologic discovery called "voluntary" and "involuntary" attention.

Each type of attention engages different uses of your brain. When you focus on work, whether it is a computer or a car engine, you are purposeful, intense, and focused; this is voluntary attention. In contrast, involuntary attention occurs when you walk down a sidewalk; you are not focused, but you are "attending" to the environment as it appears—butterflies, clouds, traffic, trees, flowers, wind, sunshine, sounds, and sensations.

This process of allowing your brain to engage the world this way (being "pulled" along rather than "pushed") is what relieves your stress and refreshes you neurologically. The payoff is improved memory and attention back at work. Google "how nature soothes involuntarily" to learn more.

Keith Stein | 1/30/2020

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