Why downtime is essential for your career

Breaking news: working 24/7 is bad for you
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A new book explains that downtime is an essential ingredient for good work.

Here's why you should implement the philosophy into your life.

Rest your brain
When we let our minds wander, our brains are almost as active as when we’re concentrating hard on a problem.

The ‘resting’ brain consolidates memories, makes sense of the past, and searches for solutions. Rest is scientifically proven to help people overcome exhaustion and stimulate and sustain creativity – making you a better worker.

Unleash your unconcious mind
This happens during active rest and is key for creativity.

Walk (Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote musical Hamilton’s lyrics during morning walks), nap (they were one ofWinston Churchill’s ‘inflexible rules’ and improve memory), stop (it sounds counterintuitive, but cease working when you know what’s going to happen next, because it’ll be easier to start the next day), and sleep (it’s not the passive phase we experience it to be, you’ll find it easier to focus,make good judgements, plus stave off mental health problems).

Detach from work
Although mounting to-do lists and overflowing inboxes make leaving the office seem impossible, not holidaying risks burnout.

Recover from challenging jobs and replenish your energy and enthusiasm by developing ways to sustain creativity over the longer term. Recover, engage in ‘deep play’– hobbies that are meaningful and mentally absorbing – and take sabbaticals to reanimate your creative working life. Explore new interests, make breakthroughs and stay curious.

Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang (Penguin Life, £12.99)

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