Cultivating Calm: The Art of Reducing Mental Stimulation

In the modern age, our cognitive resources are under constant siege. We live in a world that thrives on keeping our attention fragmented, often leading to a state of chronic agitation. In a recent episode of the Before Breakfast podcast, host Laura explores strategies derived from Chris Bailey’s book, How to Calm Your Mind, focusing on a simple yet transformative practice: "turning down the volume" of our daily lives.

The Trap of Hyper-Stimulation

Many of us inadvertently create a "hypercharged frame of mind" by engaging in constant multitasking. Whether it is watching a Zoom meeting while simultaneously checking emails, or scrolling through social media while a TV show plays in the background, these habits keep our brains in a state of high arousal. Bailey explains that our brains receive a "dopamine hit" from novelty and rapid changes. This is akin to a child interacting with two screens at once; while it may seem harmless, it prevents us from achieving a state of focus. When our "mind is racing," productivity plummets, and anxiety rises.

The Antidote: A Stimulation Fast

To combat this, Bailey suggests going on a "stimulation fast." This does not mean removing all activity, but rather consciously substituting "less stimulating activities for more stimulating ones."

Laura provides several practical applications for this shift:

• Consuming News: Instead of reading news online—where pop-up ads and clickbait links vie for your attention—opt for a physical newspaper. You remain informed, but you eliminate the digital noise designed to pull you in multiple directions.
• Email Management: Constant connectivity is a major source of agitation. By designating specific times for email check-ins, you maintain the ability to provide a "rapid response" without allowing the inbox to dictate your mental state throughout the day.
• Social Interaction: While online chats have their place, they are often "inherently less hyped up" and more fragmented than real-life conversations. Prioritizing face-to-face interactions helps ground us.
• Mindful Consumption: Even tasks like shopping can be optimized. Online window shopping is a high-stimulation trap. Bailey suggests only going online to shop when you have a specific goal, thus avoiding the urge to browse aimlessly.

The Pitfall of Artificial Speed

One significant point raised is the cultural obsession with efficiency, often manifesting as listening to podcasts at 2x speed. Laura argues that if you do not have time to listen at the speed the creator intended, you perhaps do not have time for that content at all. "Yanking it up to 2x speed" merely contributes to the feeling of being "hyped up" and anxious, rather than actually increasing our capacity to absorb information.

Embracing Boredom as a Path to Productivity

Transitioning to a less stimulating lifestyle can initially feel uncomfortable. You might find yourself wondering, "Shouldn't I be multitasking? Shouldn't I get more done?" Laura clarifies that while multitasking feels more productive, we are rarely doing anything "of consequence."

By engaging in tasks sequentially—reading the paper, then checking email, then working on a project—we move away from the frantic energy that breeds anxiety. As Chris Bailey notes, the trade-off for this shift is a profound sense of calm. The initial feeling of boredom is a small price to pay for a mind that is clear, focused, and significantly less anxious. Ultimately, by turning down the volume on the noise of modern life, we make the most of our time and preserve our mental well-being.