SLOW DOWN BEFORE YOU SPEED UP

It is too tempting in our busy lives to do everything fast. But sometimes the best ideas come to us when we allow our brains to do their job. Research has shown that when we slow down, our minds can wander. 

Sometimes we need to go for a walk into nature, sit and meditate, play with LEGO® (that’s probably just me) or have a bath to makes us more creative and solve challenges. 

It can feel counter intuitive to literally walk away from the desk and do nothing. It can feel awkward and even feel like you are being lazy or a slacker. But it works and you shouldn’t see it as a luxury but an essential part of your routine to help fresh thinking. If you take time to engage in activities that make you relaxed and happy, your brain receives a dopamine hit and that can lead to a boost in creativity. 

I recently was listening to Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry on BBC Sounds. In the first episode – the Power of Small, she talked about taking up knitting during the Covid Lockdown She had been asked to speak at the Democratic National Conference and she couldn’t imagine what she would say. She describes how the gentle rhythm of the clicking of her beginners knitting needles moved her brain in a new direction. Having procrastinated, she finally knew what she wanted to say.

I often do Walks and Talks with clients in nature. It is always an impactful experience. There is something magic about walking side by side and being away from the normal place of work. It allows your brain to calm down and untangle messy problems. So when you get stuck creatively or you have are at a crossroads for a big decision, walk away from your screen and SLOW DOWN.