Mindlessness.
Mindlessness—allowing yourself to simply be—is just as essential to mental health as mindfulness. It allows our thoughts to drift away from the things that we are experiencing around us. Mindless activities do not require a lot of attention and can be either habitual or something that we really enjoy participating in. It allows us an intentional rest which helps reset the nervous system, reduce cognitive overload, and restore emotional balance. Giving your brain moments of stillness isn’t laziness—it’s a strategic way to recharge, so you can show up with clarity, focus, and resilience when it matters most. It is extremely useful to practice when one finds themselves under a lot of stress or experiencing anxiety. Mindlessness has been found to boost creativity, improve moods, and promote emotional wellness.
Paint / Color.
Coloring/ Painting is known for its relaxing benefits. It has been found to stimulate specific brain areas that helps our creativity and motor skills. This is an activity that people have used to cope with depression, anxiety, and even normal everyday stress. It allows our brains to relax and our minds to wander. It is up to you whether you want to use coloring books or go for it and use a blank canvas. The important thing to remember that this is a very low stakes activity!
The next time you intentionally want to practice mindlessness, try drawing with your non-dominant hand for 3 minutes. Many people immediately feel a release with this activity because their brain releases endorphins and activates their reward system.
Watch TV / Listen to Music.
Both of these activities are a great way to unwind. Whether you choose to catch up on your shows or listen to your favorite playlist, there are many benefits. One suggestion I have is not to multitask! Because neither of these require too much effort you might be tempted to multitask but to truly indulge in mindlessness you have to give the activity your undivided attention. Allow your brain to take a break and have someone else run the show. While you are indulging in the things you love, your brain will be extremely grateful and begin releasing what is known as a “feel good hormone”-- dopamine!
Maybe you are someone who watches the same shows over and over. Maybe you enjoy watching something new and exciting. Whichever your thing is, it’s important you indulge every once in a while.
Exercise (emphasis on CARDIO).
Exercising is probably my favorite mindless activity because of the many benefits! By exercising you improve your physical and mental health! It is known for improving memory, relieving stress, and increasing the quality of sleep. Cardio specifically, gives your mind a break and puts your muscles to work. Not only will you burn fat and lower your heart rate, cardio has a positive impact on many mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and even ADHD. If you are in need of a mindless break do yourself a favor and become your own health goals.
Nap.
Napping benefits include improving motor skills and perception, reducing stress, and boosting creativity! Sometimes if you are having a difficult or busy day a nap is just what you need. By taking a nap you give your brain a chance to relax. If you are on a schedule, be sure to limit your naps in length so that you don’t disrupt your night's sleep pattern.
Am I the only person who NEEDS better sleep? Naps are a great way to not only increase alertness but also improve cognitive functioning. If you’re anything like me, I convinced you by simply telling you to nap more. Immediately YES.