A Change Is as Good as a Rest: Why Switching Things Up Sparks Creativity and Well-being

✍️ By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Kitsilano | April 24, 2025

Kitsilano has tree-lined streets, community gardens and many city parks all within walking distance from residential homes. I try to walk daily in nature for my break from routine (or take time in my garden) I consciously walk a different route so my walks don't become routine either! After a few minutes I feel rejuvenated by letting my mind wander in nature.

“A change is as good as a rest” is a proverb that encourages people to break from routine, suggesting that doing something different can be as rejuvenating as taking a break. The phrase dates back to at least the mid-19th century, often attributed to British writers like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the 1915 “Household Hints” column in the Yorkshire Evening Post. Its message: when you’re tired or stuck, switching activities—rather than stopping altogether—can recharge your mind and spirit. https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings

Why is change as effective as rest?
Studies show that novelty and variety stimulate the brain’s reward system, boost dopamine, and improve mood. New experiences break mental monotony, help prevent burnout, and often lead to insights and creativity. Neuroscientist Dr. Adam Gazzaley found that “task switching” can enhance cognitive flexibility and restore mental energy ([Gazzaley & Rosen, The Distracted Mind]).

Comfort Cravings: Is Variety Really the Spice of Life?, Psychology Today, 2019

Weekends, holidays, and breaks matter.
Taking regular breaks—whether through holidays or simply changing your routine on weekends—lowers stress, improves health, and sharpens focus (Harvard Business Review). Research by Dr. Emma Seppälä at Stanford shows that downtime allows the mind to wander, fueling problem-solving and ingenuity (Scientific American).

Creativity thrives in downtime.
Letting your mind wander—sometimes called “default mode”—is when people often have their most original ideas. Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman and other psychologists note that insight and innovation often arise when we’re not forcing our focus.

In summary:
While rest is vital, so is change. Swapping routines or taking up new activities can leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and more creative than ever.

Karalee Greer - Publisher

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