Have you ever heard someone say, “I get my best ideas in the shower?” Can you

relate?

The reason why this is true in many cases is because taking a shower can be a great

way to enter into a diffused mode state where it allows your mind to wander and think

about different ideas without the distractions of everyday life. Many people report having their best ideas or breakthroughs while taking a shower because they are not actively trying to solve a problem, but rather letting their mind work subconsciously.

Focused mode and diffused mode are two different cognitive states that can help you

approach tasks in unique ways. The focused mode is characterized by intense

concentration, deep thinking, and deliberate problem-solving. This mode is useful when

you need to complete a task that requires attention to detail, such as writing a report or

solving a complex math problem. In contrast, the diffused mode is characterized by a

relaxed, unfocused state of mind that allows for free-flowing thoughts and ideas. This

mode is useful for creative tasks that require brainstorming, such as coming up with

new ideas for a project or finding solutions to problems. By understanding these two

modes, you can learn to use them together to approach tasks from multiple

perspectives and potentially find new and innovative solutions.

Making A Case for Diffuse Mode

The process of diffuse mode is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs in our brains

when we are faced with complex problems that require a deeper level of thinking. Unlike

the focused mode of thinking that we use when we are actively trying to solve a

problem, the diffuse mode is a more relaxed and passive state of mind that is often

characterized by daydreaming or mind-wandering.

While the focused mode of thinking is essential for completing tasks and accomplishing

goals, the diffuse mode is where we solve some of the most challenging problems.

When we enter the diffuse mode, our brains are able to make connections and

associations that we might not have been able to see before. This is because the

diffuse mode allows us to step back from the problem and see it from a different

perspective.

What’s crucial about the diffuse mode, writes Barbara Oakley in A Mind For Numbers, is

that the relaxation associated with it “can allow the brain to hook up and return valuable

insights.” The process of entering the diffuse mode is not always easy, however. It

requires us to take a step back from the problem and let our minds wander. This can be

difficult in a world that is constantly demanding our attention and pulling us in different

directions. But with practice and intentionality, we can learn to enter the diffuse mode

more easily and use it to solve complex problems.

How To Enter Diffuse Mode

One way to enter the diffuse mode is to take a break from the problem and engage in a

different activity. This could be anything from going for a walk to listening to music or

even taking a nap. By giving our brains a break from the problem, we allow ourselves to

enter the diffuse mode and let our minds make new connections.

Another way to enter the diffuse mode is to actively seek out new information and

experiences. This could involve reading books, watching documentaries, or exploring

new hobbies. By exposing ourselves to new ideas and experiences, we give our brains

more material to work with and increase the likelihood of making new connections.

It's important to note that the diffuse mode is not a magical solution that will instantly

solve all of our problems. It's simply a state of mind that allows us to approach problems

from a different perspective and make new connections. It still requires effort and

intentionality on our part to actively engage in the problem-solving process. The next

section discusses some examples of how both focus mode and diffuse mode can work

in tandem to get desired results.

Focus and Diffuse Modes Work Together

In order to achieve desired results, it is imperative that both focus mode and diffuse

mode work together. If your brain stays stuck in focus mode for too long you will

experience extreme creative “blocks” known as “The Einstellung Effect”, which

removes our ability to reset the parameters or premise of the problem and blocks

creativity. On the opposite side if we are stuck in diffuse mode, we will be unable to

process the details of a situation thus resulting in procrastination.

In the first example, let's say a business is trying to come up with a new marketing campaign. In focused mode, the team might spend hours brainstorming ideas and analyzing data to come up with the best plan. While this is certainly important work, it can also be helpful to enter the diffuse mode to come up with new, creative ideas.

To enter the diffuse mode, the team could take a break and engage in a different

activity, such as going for a walk or having a group discussion about unrelated topics.

They could also seek out new information and experiences by conducting market

research or looking at successful campaigns from other companies.

By entering the diffuse mode, the team may come up with unexpected and innovative

ideas that they may not have considered in the focused mode. They may also make

new connections between seemingly unrelated concepts that can inform their marketing-campaign.

Of course, the focused mode is still necessary to analyze the feasibility of ideas and

implement the final plan. But by using both modes, the team can approach the problem

from multiple angles and potentially come up with a more effective solution.

In the second example, let's say a team is trying to come up with a new team-building

activity in the focused mode. They might sit around a conference table and brainstorm

ideas for hours. While this is important work, it can also be helpful to enter the diffuse

mode to come up with new, funny ideas.

The team could take a break and engage in a different activity, such as playing a game

of charades or doing a group karaoke session. By entering the diffuse mode, the team

may come up with unexpected and entertaining ideas that they may not have

considered in the focused mode. They may also make new connections between

seemingly unrelated concepts that can inform their team-building activity.

Of course, the focused mode is still necessary to analyze the feasibility of ideas and

implement the final plan. But by using both modes, the team can approach the problem

from multiple angles and potentially come up with a more fun and engaging teambuilding activity.

In the third example, let's say you're feeling stressed out and need to take some time for

self-care. In the focused mode, you might try to address your stress by making a to-do

list of self-care activities, such as taking a bubble bath or practicing yoga. While this is

important, it can also be helpful to enter the diffuse mode to come up with new and

creative ways to care for yourself.

To enter the diffuse mode, you could take a break from your routine and engage in a

different activity, such as going for a hike in the middle of the day or trying out a new

hobby. By entering the diffuse mode, you may come up with sudden and innovative

ways to care for yourself that you may not have considered in the focused mode. You

may also make new connections between seemingly unrelated activities that can

enhance your self-care routine.

Of course, the focused mode is still necessary to implement your self-care routine and

stick to it. But by using both modes, you can approach your self-care from multiple

angles and potentially find new and effective ways to take care of yourself.

In conclusion, the process of diffuse mode is where we solve some of our most

challenging problems. By giving our brains a break from the problem and engaging in

different activities, we allow ourselves to enter the diffuse mode and make new

connections. Seeking out new information and experiences also helps us to expand our

knowledge and increase the likelihood of making new connections. It's important to

remember that the diffuse mode is not a guaranteed solution, but it is a valuable tool for

problem-solving. As the Self-care Surgeon, I always encourage my clients to seek out

ways to help them approach their well-being from a fresh perspective. If you would like

to explore new ways to develop a personalized self-care plan schedule a call here.

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