
Could doing nothing actually be good for you? From improving memory to boosting creativity, it turns out a little downtime might be just what your brain needs
When was the last time you did absolutely nothing? And we don’t mean watching Netflix, scrolling Instagram or listening to a podcast while walking the dog. We mean sitting quietly, with nothing to entertain you but your own thoughts
If the idea makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. We’ve become so accustomed to filling every spare moment that even waiting for the kettle to boil can feel like a lifetime
“We’ve trained our brains to escape boredom,” says Venita Dimos, author of10-Second Coach. “We reach for our phones before we’ve even had time to get bored.”
But what if those apparently wasted minutes are actually doing us some good? According to the experts, giving our minds a break from constant stimulation could have some surprising benefits for memory, creativity and emotional wellbeing


