Just as it’s important to take time out for the body it’s just as crucial to take  time out for the mind. No more thinking of time out is a luxury it’s a necessity for good health and wellbeing. Here’s why:

• It boosts productivity
• Increases creativity
• Increases feelings of contentment
• Improves sense of wellbeing …..just to name a few benefits.
• Helps consolidate information
• Helps make sense of life through reflecting

One of the misconceptions associated with taking time out for your mind is that you have to be still to do it. For some the concept of stopping completely is not only foreign but fraught with feelings of guilt and boredom. The good news is that non demanding tasks such as watering the garden, folding the washing, walking the dog are all good time out activities. The key is to do activities that give your brain an opportunity to wander or even daydream. My favourite time out activity is sitting outdoors with my bare feet touching the ground, preferably on a sunny day. What’s yours?

So what should you be aiming for in terms of time out per day? The latest research suggests you should be taking some time out every ninety minutes or when you start to  feel drained or your concentration is dropping. Now for some people this may not be realistic, especially in some workplaces, so an alternative may be to aim for two blocks of fifteen minutes through the day.

Now for an interesting fact – apparently the brain may be busier forming memories in your downtime than when you’re asleep.

So if you haven’t already make time out part of your daily routine, something you automatically do…..a non negotiable. By doing so you’ll be doing your health a huge favour!