Background Processing

I’m rarely without something to read, something to watch, something to listen to. I always have my earbuds in. My instinct is to put on a podcast or music just to walk next door to the convenience store or to get something from my car, activities which take on average about 3 minutes.

I’m not going to lecture about why this kind of behavior is bad, obviously being overstimulated is bad. It’s not that I’m unwilling to be alone with my thoughts, it’s just that I don’t have to be. Yes, before all this technology came our way, it was probably better for our mental states, but let’s be honest, having all this seems objectively better.

So, I’m not going to lecture about why we shouldn’t be overstimulated for our mental health, there are many better and smarter people than me who can explain that to you. If you want to find that information, it’s readily available. What I am about to say is actually also readily available elsewhere and articulated by better people than me but so what this is my website.

One of the most important things I think you can do for yourself is give your mind some space to breathe. I’m not talking about unplugging, although that can be part of it. I’m talking about doing something (going for a walk is best, for me) that allows your brain to go on auto pilot. To wander.

It’s usually during this time that I’m able to be centered, and while it seems as if my mind is on auto pilot, being just stimulated enough by the activity to run on auto-pilot without being bored, I find most of my creative and/or problem solving ideas come to the surface.

Those who are interested in the modern day analysis and presentation of stoicism (like that provided by Ryan Holiday, for example) will likely be familiar with this concept already. The point is I would encourage anyone who is currently stressed, anxious, working on a problem, brainstorming ideas for a project, or even just trying to build healthy mental hygiene in the modern age to try it. Don’t go into it chasing a result, don’t go into it with expectations, just go for a walk.

Further Reading: The Positive Effect of Walking on Creative Thinking