Why and How I Like To Keep My Mind Busy
Keeping my mind busy has the best thing I could have done for myself
A few years ago, I spent my pockets of time with mindless things like watching YouTube or TV. I numbed my mind, ignored its feigning curiosity, and never explored the depths of my mind. I watered down the ability of my mind with long stretches of inactivity, of low-level thiking, if any at all.
But something changed when I realized I wasn’t using my mind to its full capacity. I realized that my brain wasn’t used to the same high-level thinking and that it has grown tired to even the slightest effort. I became bored easily and my mind was restless.
I realized that my brain wasn’t used to the same high-level thinking and that it has grown tired to even the slightest effort.
So I vowed to keep my mind busy and to challenge it.
The first thing I did was pick out books that piqued my curiosity, engaged, and challenged my mind. I have always been a reader at heart; since a very young age, it was my passion. But, as with anything that brings joy, it got to the point where the books I read no longer thrilled or challenged me. My mind just wasn’t equipped for the same reading level; I just wasn’t as invested in what I read anymore. So, I challenged myself to pick books that kept me thinking for long after I closed the cover. I chose books that kept me guessing and kept my mind whirring. Books with broader topics that could be further researched were perfect. It didn’t mean having to choose boring books, but rather ones that activated my mind.
I challenged myself to pick books that kept me thinking for long after I closed the cover.
I also started doing fun and engaging puzzles. I downloaded crossword games on my phone and purchased a word search book. The crosswords were amazing, but I eventually grew out of it. The hobby that stayed with me and continues to keep me busy to this day is the collection of word searches. I love the slight frustration that comes with not being able to find that last word and the satisfaction of crossing out words once I found them. Puzzles come in many different forms (jigsaw puzzles, riddles, etc.) and are a great way to keep your mind healthy and sharp. I am always down for a good puzzle and I love looking for more!
I love the slight frustration that comes with not being able to find that last word and the satisfaction of crossing out words once I found them.
I have found that sometimes keeping my mind busy doesn’t mean to keep it racing with thought. I have also found that simple tasks such as gardening and cooking keep my mind busy while simultaneously relaxing. Cooking has always been a great outlet of creativity for me and the process of making something so beautiful and delicious excited and relaxes my mind. While I may not be anywhere near the level of a chef, trying new recipes keeps my mind buzzing and helps me fill my time with productive outcomes. Working in the garden helps clear my mind and the cool air of the outside helps ground me.
Cooking has always been a great outlet of creativity for me and the process of making something so beautiful and delicious excited and relaxes my mind
Lastly, I keep my mind busy by talking to people. This may seem obvious, but it is important to realize just how many stories and lessons there are to be learned in the world that people keep within them. When we talk to people, we can learn more about them, ourselves, and the world; the possibilities are endless! I have found so much about research from a friend of mine who enjoys researching clinical trials. Conversation doesn’t even have to be educational. We can reflect on our own lives and just simply foster connection; something our mind loves and is necessary for social health.
When we talk to people, we can learn more about them, ourselves, and the world.
Whether it’s having a conversation, cleaning, or cooking, there is a myriad of ways to keep our minds healthy. Just like we exercise our bodies, we should exercise our minds so that we can better be connected to ourselves and the world.
About the Creator
Soha Sherwani
Hello everyone! You can find me @SherwaniSoha on Twitter and @SohaSherwani on Medium!
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