Be in the Know
- There is an $85 million class-action lawsuit hitting Zoom over privacy concerns and users may be eligible for a payout
- Virgin Voyages is now using Aviation Gin on their cruise line, Sir Richard Branson and Ryan Reynolds announce it in a way only this comedic duo could
- Ford is using their autonomous vehicles pilot to deliver groceries to Detroit seniors and will be decorated by a Detroit high schooler’s design
- L’Oréal’s NFT space is supporting female artists and calls out a lack of female representation
The Science Behind Downtime and Creativity
We asked you guys, “do you think you give yourself enough downtime?” And these were the results:
- 41% – Sometimes. But not as much as I need.
- 33% – WTF is downtime??
- 26% – Yes. I make it a priority.
So almost 75% of you are not getting enough downtime in your life. Well, science is saying you gotta do something about that. And that something is nothing. It is essential to make time to do nothing so you can stay sane, maintain your creativity, and boost your productivity.
Downtime is a big part of work-life balance that many people are neglecting, especially in creative industries. Marketers, creators, developers, and everyone in between get stuck in cycles of work, work, work, and then maybe some play, but no actual breaks.
The Definition of Downtime:
Downtime is unstructured time with no goal in mind and no targeted focus of attention.
Have you been doing downtime wrong? Podcasts, TV, and background noise might be our great ways to escape or speed up tasks, but experts say that doesn’t count. They suggest embracing the mind-numbingness of a task to give your brain a chance to chill.
The Science of Doing Nothing:
Studies show that thinking relies on two different brain networks, each with its own way of processing information. So how do you make them work together?
Brain network number 1 is the central executive network. This is the task and goal-oriented part of your brain. Brian network number 2 is the default mode network, also known as the imagination network. It comes to life when you’re not paying attention to anything in particular. Hence what makes downtime so important.
To get the most out of your networks, you have to let go and let your imagination network activate.
We get it. That’s not an easy thing to do in this busy world. Check out the full Forbes piece to learn more about ways to embrace downtime and the science behind supporting your creativity by doing nothing.
Q for You
Alfread
So much to read, so little time! Are your bookmarks absolute chaos with articles saved for later? Alfread is an app that helps you to actually read articles, or decide it’s time to let them go. It helps you prioritize time for reading in a realistic way that works for your schedule. Try the free app on your phone for yourself to start reading more!
Ask Around
Get to know your audience better with Scalemail Polls!
Scalemail Polls is a polling system that lets you ask your audience questions right in your current email system or site. Get feedback, insights, and engagement all from asking some Q’s.
Hit us up to show you a Polls demo.
Watch
Take Your Truck for a Swim
This is a ✨dreamy✨ Ford Ranger ad for the UK. Slow your day down a bit and get lost in this swim. Granted, this ad is 90% ethereal swimming, 10% impressive truck shots. But it gets the point across that this is basically an amphibious exploring vehicle.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…Including you.”
Anne Lamotte
