The body/brain connection has been a frequent topic of these blogs. Overstimulating the brain can lead to loss of attention, so inserting “brain breaks” during studying or creative thinking can help the individual to process information. A recent article about Steve Jobs’s creative process revealed that he adhered to a “10 minute rule.” When facing a tough mental problem after 10 minutes of trying, stand up and go for a walk.
When attending to a mental activity, such as problem solving or studying, engaging in physical activity can enhance the process. Physical movement like stretching or going to the kitchen for a drink of water can help avoid fatigue. It can also avoid overstimulating the brain, which can lead to a loss of attention. These breaks can “refocus our neural circuitry with either stimulating or quieting practices that generate increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, where problem solving and emotional regulation occur.” A study from a decade ago proposed that ”brief diversions vastly improve focus . . . The brain is built to detect and respond to change and suggests that prolonged attention to a single task actually hinders performance.”
So, walking away from a challenging mental problem and refocusing for a brief period may be the best strategy to solve that problem.
