Why you should give your brain a break
Technology and the endless amount of information it provides people is often viewed as a distraction, but new research suggests it could actually increase productivity.
Researchers found that when people step away from a problem they are more likely to find a solution if they drift to a new activity and topic, according to a study published in the journal Psychological Science. When people do this, their brains work to find a solution behind the scenes getting inspiration from the new information they come across.
“While neuroscience has come a very long way, there is still a lot we don’t know,” says Dr. Andrew Gordon, neurologist at Advocate Health Care in Barrington, Ill. “While it’s an old adage that it’s better to focus on one thing than do too much, this study suggests there is benefit to multitasking, as the best ideas can come our minds wander while we are engaged in something else.”
“Zoning out” can also aid in planning ahead and help people refrain from giving in to immediate desires.
Dr. Gordon says that while more neuroscience research will be needed to better understand these findings, it is a sure thing that when people let their brain wander through Twitter or Instagram feeds, creativity is sparked, whether they notice it or not.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
