Hey Reader,

I've taken a couple weeks of reduced work recently with some time off to rest and refill my creative juices.

And I'm always struck by how much creativity and how many new ideas I get when I take time to switch off. As a hypnotherapist, I've noticed that a lot of the benefit is similar to what happens when I work with a client, so I wanted to share my findings and the science with you.

There are a few reasons this happens.

There is a network of neural pathways in the brain that gets switched on when we stop actively working. It's called the Default Mode Network (DMN), and it works to connect unrelated ideas and to process memories.

This is the unconscious mind using your energy in the background to make new things happen. And it reminds me of some interesting advice a mentor of mine once gave me:

This is why we have "shower thoughts" - the unconscious mind is 90%+ of our brainpower, so it's going to have a lot more energy for figuring out solutions to challenges.

Daydreaming is important for a similar reason; when you take a break, there may be moments when you get bored, and boredom forces your mind to wander. This wandering helps you find lateral solutions to stubborn problems, because again, the brain starts to kick into gear by working in the background.

Finally, it's worth noting that the brain gets lazy. Being in the same environment all the time means that the brain gets "sleepy" and so part of it can turn off in the background when you're always in the same places or doing the same things. This is why we get surges of energy when we travel - a change of environment on holiday forces your brain to wake up and make new neural connections. And this spark of energy also can spark new ideas.

Taken together, taking time off makes for a good reset!

However, we can also make this happen directly, quickly, and intentionally without needing to take loads of time off!

For those who don't know, I run hypnotherapy support for ambitious professionals, founders, and public speakers, who want to become more emotionally and mentally resilient and unlock more energy and progress more quickly in their career.

(By the way, I'm doing a £100 discount before the end of this month - if you're interested, learn more and book a call with me here.)

Hypnotherapy isn't as weird as it's made out to be online - there's no dangling of a pocket watch or making anyone do anything they don't want to do. Folks are always completely in control of themselves.

Simply, I use language and techniques to speak directly to your unconscious mind, and together we create a new reality for your body to get used to.

Ideas, habits, and leaving behind old patterns can all arise quickly, in a matter of just a few weeks, or even just days (no years of therapy needed).

So if you'd like to get some support right now, learn more and grab a call with me here: hypnotherapy.sevenjacobs.com​

Otherwise, the greatest gift we can all give ourselves ASAP is to REST more! That doesn't mean not working hard - it can simply mean a full weekend or a walk. Or maybe, this is your sign to book your next vacation. BUT - if you don't do anything, you're only keeping your own brain away from it's full potential.

Until next time Reader,

Seven

(PS you can learn about my background and wider coaching support on my website here. And connect with me on socials here.)