» Need Some Quality Time for Thinking?

A simple task helps free your mind for serious thinking

I was reminded recently how much benefit you can get from simple, mind absorbing tasks.

When we were offered the opportunity to use some of the ground among the olive trees where we’re living there was a lot of work to do. The mass of 3 foot high weeds had been ‘cleared’ with a strimmer but new weed growth was already well established. The soil is quite heavy, and  needed a rotary tiller to open it up.

My task was simple: once the soil had been turned by the tiller I had to remove as many weeds, roots and stones as I could. A slow task that needed little active thought, just patience and attention to detail as I worked along the rows. Rushing is pointless – you just miss things and have to go over the same ground again.

It was warm, but not too warm for working. The machine produced a constant background noise, relaxing rather than distracting.

It’s the ideal time to let your mind wander. And so I did.

I was able to think about things that had been bothering me recently. About important decisions I need to make quite soon. I had the opportunity to think things through, to go over the information I already have and decide whether it’s enough to make my decision. I took each different choice in turn, imagining the outcome it would lead to.

By the end of my task I’d cleared the weeds from more than just the ground. My mind was clearer, my thoughts calmer and I was ready to make my decision. My body also appreciated the physical work-out.

But you don’t need to find outdoor tasks to get a similar opportunity to focus your mind. I’ve always found household chores an excellent way to engage my body while keeping my mind free. In fact, anything routine will do it.

Next time you have something you need to think about, when you need some time where you won’t be interrupted, try it: Find a routine task to occupy yourself, something that needs a small amount of attention but will also let you switch part of your mind onto another task.