Are there any benefits of musing? In today’s hectic world of go go go. It seems as if everybody is in such a rush to do everything or be some place. If our body is constantly in a state of rush and stress then what is our mind like?
We seem to be in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed with basically all aspects of our life. Ok, for some people they have managed to figure some parts of their life out and that works for them. Maybe, if we look at other people we have no idea how organised their lives really are and if they only portray the image that they are on top of things but on the inside they are struggling like the rest of us.
Here I am on a journey of musing about the whole thing. It really does help me to keep an overview of things and step back for a few minutes.
Why is musing so important?
It allows one to take a pause and just reflect on things. Don’t jump to conclusions or assume things without considering how things really are. So what are the benefits of musing?
- Deepens your understanding
When you have a problem and don’t force an immediate solution you leave it in the back of your mind. Your brain continues to process this subconsciously. The phrase “sleep on it!” comes to mind. Instead of making the decision right now it allows you the chance to process it, get some distance from it. It allows you to see things from a different perspective.
- Boosts your creativity
Important inventions and creative ideas rarely come from spur of the moment decisions. Instead the person has been contemplating the concept for a long time. They are allowing themselves the space and time to ponder and build the concept or create the idea.
- Improves your decision making
By giving yourself the time to muse you are allowing your mind to wander and figure our multiple angles, weigh up the pros and cons of the decision and even possible outcomes. It reduces the risk of making snap decisions that are led by incomplete information or emotions.
- Reduces stress
I think we could all do with some reduction on the levels of stress we have. Using the time to contemplate also means you have the chance to stop and take a moment or two to calm yourself down. Focus on your breathing and calming the nervous system. This can lower anxiety levels.
- Strengthens memory and improves learning
Taking the deliberate pauses to contemplate reinforces neural pathways which are associated with the material you are processing. When you are relaxed you are able to process information easier and it is more effective than the rote repetition way of learning.
- Fosters empathy and self awareness
Reflective thinking on your own personal experiences, relationships and society in general invites you to step outside your own bubble. It allows you to see things from a different angle. This encourages and nurtures empathy and helps you to understand other people’s viewpoints while also seeing your own values more clearly.
- Encourages mindfulness
It is mentioned more often now and we are encouraged to practice mindfulness. While you are musing it is a form of meditation. You are focusing on one thing or situation and this removes the outside noise of interference. By practising this it improves concentration and helps regulate emotions.
They all sound so positive and beneficial. I know what you are thinking, if only more people practiced the fine art of musing the world may be a different place. People would not be so aggressive at the drop of a hat. However that may just be me pondering about something.
How to build a musing habit
It can sound so easy to do but how on earth should one start the fine art of musing? Here are some simple ideas to help you on the journey.
- Schedule mini breaks
Set aside 5-10 minutes to muse. It can be hard at first to do this. Try it out once a day and see how it goes. Building up to a few times a day. Allocate the time blocks eg after a meeting or before lunch. After an appointment with the doctor or first thing in the morning.
- Use prompts
This can help you get started. Have some basic questions ready such as
“What would happen if…..? “ or
“Why does this matter to me?”
These are just to get the ball rolling and start the process.
- Note down any ideas
Keep a notebook and pen ready to jot down any insights. Use a voice memo to record any ideas. Whichever way works for you.
- Tie in with a calming activity
A great way to build the habit of musing is to pair it with something that is peaceful for you such as a short walk or gentle exercises. Listening to your favourite music or enjoying a cup of tea or hot chocolate. It is all about creating a relaxing environment that is conducive to allow you to contemplate things.
The Benefits of Musing
By building up the musing habit you are giving yourself the time to stop and think. Ideas can ferment and insights can emerge. Keeping the musing time to a limit of course and not spending all day in that day dream. The pressure and stress of having to make an immediate decision is removed. In today’s stressful world of people demanding immediate attention and response it is a wonderful tool you have learned. The skill to use this simple habit to stop, pause and think deeply can become a very powerful tool and a competitive advantage.
Sales people can not win you over after their pitch. You will use the time to ponder over whether it is of benefit to you or only something they are desperately trying to push on you. They know you do not need it but by rushing you to make a decision now they want to trap you in to the belief that you need it.
Give yourself the time to muse about things. There are so many benefits of musing.
