4 Ways to Quiet My Noisy Brain

Creating Calm

I spend a lot of time on complex problem-solving during my workday. I no longer have a commute to help me disengage. I need to refresh my brain in the evening but often find myself mentally picking over a work problem. Here are things that help me disconnect.

Knitting something simple

Repetition seems to be the key. Knitting a simple pattern that I can memorize clicks off the problem-solving and clicks on the positive feedback loop–I get to watching the piece I’m knitting grow as I work. Caveats: Nice yarn is expensive; also, we all have more scarves and hats than any sane person needs.

Cooking with music

This one’s pretty obvious–everybody needs dinner, right? Adding a playlist is the critical piece for me; otherwise, I’ll brood and cook. Bonus: Music sometimes attracts teenagers to help with the cooking.

Walking, also with music

When mental calm is my goal, fresh air with a soundtrack is really effective. Music is completely absorbing for me–I can’t really make it fade into the background. I frequently hear things I’ve never noticed, even in familiar songs. Bonus: Oxygen to the brain never hurts.

Laughter

Still the best medicine to get out of my own head. Classic movies are my go-to, since present-day comedies and standup have mostly left out the funny bits. Caveats: Streaming fees and rentals currently over budget.