Ready to switch off your “work brain” for the weekend? I know I am

We don’t REALLY switch off our brains as we walk out of our building, or home office on a Friday. Instead, they’re still extremely active, just in a different “gear”. Something we need to be mindful of so that we don’t add MORE stress to our train trip or car ride home from work (or decompress on the couch if we are WFH).

Let me explain.

Firstly, think of your brain as having two gears:

🧠 1. The DMN (Default Mode Network): This is the “rest” mode, active during daydreaming, mind-wandering, and introspection. It allows for creativity, self-reflection, and memory recall.

—For me, the DMN kicks in on my way home from work, when I go for a walk, etc.

🧠2. The TPN (Task Positive Network): This is the “work” mode, active when we’re focused on specific tasks like problem-solving or decision-making. The DMN and TPN generally operate in a seesaw fashion – one quiets down as the other activates.

You’d think that you can decompress when in “DMN mode”, though, the DMN’s activity will vary depending on our mental state. While it can facilitate relaxation and creative thinking, it can also lead to rumination and MORE stress (ever found yourself going over and over on a work issue, whilst on the train?).

So, if you do find your mind going to monkey mind and rumination, vs. relaxating mind-wandering, here’s some tips on how to leverage the DMN for a more POSITIVE experience:

➡ Set an INTENTION for your mind wander.
➡ Briefly think about a problem or idea you’d like it to work on, like brainstorming solutions or generating creative ideas.
➡ THEN, let your thoughts flow freely without judgment.
➡ Notice thoughts going off course? gently guide them back to the intention.

This simple shift transforms your commute (or couch time!) into a springboard for creativity and problem-solving, not just a replay of work anxieties.

Happy weekend everyone!

#BrainsOnChange