The Secret to Giving Your Brain the Break it Needs

Alison Butler
Oct 14
3 min read

Updated: Oct 31

How to reset, relax and switch off, even when life feels non-stop.

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I recently got home from 10 work days “on the road”. There’s lots of work days where I just hang out behind my computer, writing blogs like this, but when I’m on, I’m ON.

In my world, being “on” looks like:- delivering training for 7-8 hour days

speaking at conferences or for workplaces (in person or online)
networking functions- sales pitches
talking, talking, talking and more talking!

I love it, and it’s also a lot (two things can be true at the same time).

Have you ever thought about what activities cause your brain to be really “on” vs. more relaxed?

How long can you be “on” without some kind of crash?

It’s not really about an on/off switch (although that’s the easiest way to think about it sometimes) but more how we give our brains rest, or a break.

Brain-off doesn’t mean doing nothing, it means doing activities that restore your brain’s capacity (low-stress and low-demand). Think of it like cross-training: your brain-on activities are like intense cardio; your brain-off days are restorative yoga or stretching.

Here are some ways I prioritize creating a better flow for my brain, especially after a period of being intensely “on”.

1. Recovery Days

I always add in several “buffer” days right after busy days or weeks (for me, this usually looks like days off with very little on the schedule), or if that’s not possible right away, days with light meetings and tasks that need less focus or “brain power”!

Prioritize your sleep, hydration and nutrition on these days. I know we all know that stuff but it can really help you recover faster. Even going to sleep 30 minutes earlier, or prioritizing a calming pre-sleep routine can make a difference.

2. Engage in Brain "Off" Activities

These are activities that let your mind rest without being passive or stressful:

Movement-based rest:

Walking, yoga or any activity that lets your body move but your mind wander. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love to walk and hike in nature and always try to prioritize that. It’s an amazing support for my brain!

Nature immersion:

Hiking, gardening, sitting in a park, or simply observing nature. Research shows time in natural environments lowers cortisol and restores cognitive function.

Creative expression:

Drawing, painting, cooking, or playing an instrument. It’s engaging but doesn’t require analytical thinking.

Mindless pleasure:

Reading light fiction, listening to music, watching a show, or even simple hobbies like puzzles or knitting.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

Is boundaries my favourite word? It might be!

When you’ve been in “on” mode it becomes extra important to have good tech boundaries. Spending less time online can help your brain and nervous system reset. Limit work emails, notifications, or social media. Use “off” hours or apps that block notifications to signal rest mode