Conservative. Idaho. Software engineer. Historian. Trying to prevent Idiocracy from becoming a documentary.
Email complaints/requests about copyright infringement to clayton @ claytoncramer.com. Reminder: the last copyright troll that bothered me went bankrupt.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." -- Rom. 8:28
Do Any Of You Know a Way to Relax That Reduces Brain Use?
I am having a problem: I am wearing myself out from too much intellectual activity. Do you have any suggestions for things to do that use little or no brain function, and that are not boring?
I noticed this got no comments, so I'll take a crack at it. You need an activity to relax that demands little concentrated attention or analysis. So, what will be acceptable will depend entirely on your own interests, but perhaps some general guidelines will help. You want an activity that keeps your hands busy, and demands that you attend to what they're doing. That's the non-boring part. Further, the activity must engage your interest (for me it's reloading rifle cartridges). Next. your chosen activity should be rather repetitive; you want to attend to doing it right, NOT to "What comes next?". Note, we're describing a HOBBY here. If you enjoy music (even mildly) you should develop a largish playlist to listen to while doing this activity. This will pleasantly engage your mind without demanding much of it, and also help keep it from becoming boring. Audio Books also work. Lastly, I have found that it's important for the activity to PRODUCE something. You should be able to look at the fruits of your labor after you're done, and also look forward to meeting some goal. So, broadly speaking, crafts are what you're looking for. One that engages your interest. Not very specific, I know, but I hope this helps focus your thoughts on what you might do.
Making the rings is easy - just spin wire around a rod (steel rod, slot in the end, drill to spin). Cut them with a rotary or clippers. The question is if you want to weld them shut. If so, get a spot welder similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084L6PMTL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_RSHKHXA9WFZVAT1VEFGW
Back when biofeedback and Alpha brain waves were the thing to pursue because they were healthy and relaxing and Beta waves were to be avoided, someone did an experiment where a television could only be viewed if the viewers had Beta waves. The tv images did not stay on for an instant. People instantly switched to Alpha waves watching tv. Biofeedback disappeared shortly after this discovery. my vote is for making something you enjoy.
Do something which requires your entire focus...shooting, flying, mountain climbing. IT makes your brain not think on things in the abstract, but rather in the Here and now and in the Concrete.
If it weren't for activities like that, that keep me from thinking so much, my brain would have burned out by now.
Look in to mindful meditation.
ReplyDeleteOr see if you can get a job writing for the NY Times. Apparently that takes almost no brain function.
My wife says adult coloring books work
ReplyDeleteI noticed this got no comments, so I'll take a crack at it.
ReplyDeleteYou need an activity to relax that demands little concentrated attention or analysis. So, what will be acceptable will depend entirely on your own interests, but perhaps some general guidelines will help. You want an activity that keeps your hands busy, and demands that you attend to what they're doing. That's the non-boring part. Further, the activity must engage your interest (for me it's reloading rifle cartridges). Next. your chosen activity should be rather repetitive; you want to attend to doing it right, NOT to "What comes next?".
Note, we're describing a HOBBY here.
If you enjoy music (even mildly) you should develop a largish playlist to listen to while doing this activity. This will pleasantly engage your mind without demanding much of it, and also help keep it from becoming boring. Audio Books also work.
Lastly, I have found that it's important for the activity to PRODUCE something. You should be able to look at the fruits of your labor after you're done, and also look forward to meeting some goal.
So, broadly speaking, crafts are what you're looking for. One that engages your interest.
Not very specific, I know, but I hope this helps focus your thoughts on what you might do.
build plastic models or paint by numbers
ReplyDeleteMake chainmail armor. It is kind of like knitting, only with steel.
ReplyDeleteNot really ready to make my own rings. "Knit I, pearl II."
DeleteMaking the rings is easy - just spin wire around a rod (steel rod, slot in the end, drill to spin). Cut them with a rotary or clippers. The question is if you want to weld them shut. If so, get a spot welder similar to this one:
Deletehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B084L6PMTL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_RSHKHXA9WFZVAT1VEFGW
Fishing. Best thing I've ever found.
ReplyDeleteI had a traumatic experience with a fish when I was very young, so I only eat them in an unrecognizable state: fish sticks; fish & chips.
DeleteI was going to suggest fishing but my version of it is drinking beer and drowning worms as the fish safely swim by.
DeleteTelevision?
ReplyDeleteThat makes me feel lazy.
DeleteBack when biofeedback and Alpha brain waves were the thing to pursue because they were healthy and relaxing and Beta waves were to be avoided, someone did an experiment where a television could only be viewed if the viewers had Beta waves. The tv images did not stay on for an instant. People instantly switched to Alpha waves watching tv. Biofeedback disappeared shortly after this discovery. my vote is for making something you enjoy.
DeleteJigsaw puzzles? Try 500-750 piece puzzles. Occupies your brain but gives the dopamine hits as you make progress.
ReplyDeleteDo something which requires your entire focus...shooting, flying, mountain climbing. IT makes your brain not think on things in the abstract, but rather in the Here and now and in the Concrete.
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for activities like that, that keep me from thinking so much, my brain would have burned out by now.
Wood working with hand tools. Start by making wooden spoons.
ReplyDeleteBe a Democrat.
ReplyDelete