Why staring out the window is good for mental health and productivity

This is the chair I sit in and stare off into space. I put on some ambient chill music, sit back and let my mind shift down a gear and meander slowly, taking the scenic route through my imagination. I could be ‘out’ for 5 minutes or thirty minutes.

I get an instinctual urge to do this. It comes from somewhere in my bones, deep within my very being.

I spend a lot of time in my head thinking about stuff. I’m writing commercials, running my business, writing books, doing book promotion, emailing, planning, organising, strategising and of course there’s a fair bit of worrying thrown in as well.

I know if I ignore the urge to slow down and stop, I can get burnt out, anxious and broken. It’s happened before, and it wasn’t pretty. I’ve learnt to listen to my inner guidance.

I have my chill space, I use it regularly and don’t feel guilty. I’m of no use to anyone when I’m stressed and strung out. After my daydreaming time, I’m refreshed, enthused and inspired to do something. Ideas seem to come effortlessly.

The daydreaming or resting period is the first part of what I call the ‘creative cycle’. A natural rhythm that we have inside us and if we follow it, we’re healthier, happier and more creative human beings.

But I know most people will put up any obstacle they can about why they can’t sit and just stare out the window.

‘I’m too busy, I don’t have the luxury like you have, I don’t deserve to treat myself to any ‘space’, I’d get too bored, what a waste of time when I could be posting my opinions of Facebook.’

Making time and space for yourself isn’t selfish, it makes logical sense. Your brain needs space to unload, unpack and wander around like a child in a field of daisies. It can’t be in thinking mode all the time. Our western view that we must be busy to make progress is a pariah on our soul. So stop it.

Sit down and stare out the window. You’ll feel much better for it and be more productive.