Does the Mind Need a Break?

I’ve read many articles over the years emphasizing the importance of downtime, of relaxing, and sometimes “turning off your brain” (possibly my translation, but either way, definitely a phrase I’ve heard).

However, I ran across the following in the book “How to Live on 24 Hours a Day” by Arnold Bennett: “One of the chief things which my typical man has to learn is that the mental faculties are capable of continuous hard activity; they do not tire like an arm or a leg. All they want is change – not rest, except in sleep.”

And personally, I’m beginning to believe that is true. While there are times when I just stop and watch something, I normally feel worse afterwards. Do I need a break from work? Certainly. But I should pivot to doing something else that exercises my mind and keeps me learning and growing, not stagnating.

I’m publishing this as part of 100 Days To Offload (Day 56/100). You can join in yourself by visiting https://100DaysToOffload.com.