Boost Creativity, Simplify Tasks, and Sharpen Your Mind
Exploring nature therapy for creativity, the AED framework for productivity, and glucose management for optimal brain performance.
1) Taking nature breaks for enhanced creativity
Take nature breaks.
It's sometimes referred to as "nature therapy" or "green breaks," and it's grounded in the idea of biophilia—the innate connection humans have to nature.
When you step outside and immerse yourself in a natural setting, something magical happens.
Your mind clears, stress levels drop, and creativity flows.
It's a practice that doesn't require much—just a commitment to step away from the desk and into the fresh air.
If you haven't watched my recent video, I speak on the concept of non-time, also known as insight time. A time block you can put into your schedule to separate yourself from creating and managing.
In this sacred space, you enable the default mode network in the brain to allow problems, questions, and life events to process in the back of your mind. Walking in nature is the perfect place to cultivate this creative function of the brain to promote eureka and insightful moments.
For me, these moments have been transformative—whether connecting with nature on long walks or a step outside in town.
It's not just about the break itself but what happens afterward.
The ideas that emerge, the problems that suddenly seem solvable, and the renewed energy to tackle the tasks at hand once you get back to work.
If you're looking to boost your productivity and creative genius, give nature breaks a try.
It might change your life.
2) AED (Automate, Eliminate, Delegate)
Another game-changing insight I revisited this week comes from Tim Ferriss' 4-Hour Workweek.
It's the AED process: Automate, Eliminate, Delegate.
The principle is simple yet powerful—never automate something you can eliminate, and never delegate something you can automate or streamline.
Implementing AED in your work can drastically reduce your hours while increasing efficiency.
For instance, using tools like Zapier or Make to create automations to streamline and eliminate work.
I've been delving into a lot of research with no-code automation with AI using tools like make.com to see what I can reduce off my workload and it is truly incredible what is possible nowadays.
Some interesting examples I've found online include:
- Using AI + make.com to create automated email responses
- Using AI + make.com to generate 100s of content ideas
- Using AI + make.com to automate your entire content posting
The possibility is endless and very fascinating. I suggest searching on YouTube for various tutorials which may automate tasks you repeatedly do.
The key takeaway here is to critically evaluate your workload.
Identify tasks that can be eliminated altogether.
Next, automate repetitive processes.
Finally, delegate what remains.
This approach has helped me cut down on busywork and focus on what truly matters, making my workday more productive and less stressful.
3) Managing glucose for better brain performance
One area at the forefront of my mind I've been contemplating on a lot is how can I maximize my brain's cognitive function with diet (a goal of mine this year).
This week, I delved into the impact of glucose on brain performance and mental health.
Keeping glucose levels steady is crucial—not just for physical health but for cognitive function and mood as well.
Sudden spikes in glucose can lead to brain fog, reduced learning capacity, and even mood swings.
Especially with foods that are high in sugar or consuming lots of refined carbohydrates.
One effective strategy is to avoid starting your day with a glucose spike. I keep my morning meals very light to maintain mental acuity. On top, the majority of my critical tasks are completed in a fasted state with a razor sharp brain.
For mornings, begin with fiber-rich foods like vegetables, which help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Moving after meals can also help manage glucose levels. I suggest taking a short walk, even if it is down the street and back.
What struck me the most was the broader implications of glucose management.
It's not just about diet; it's about setting up your brain for success.
By keeping glucose levels steady, you enhance your mood, improve memory, and reduce the risk of mental health issues.
It's a small change with significant benefits.
See you in the next one.