Calming the “Sparrow Brain”

You’re not going to like this suggestion, but I’m going to say it anyway. Try switching off your mobile and disconnecting your computer for 24 hours. “Impossible!” I hear you say, but I assure you that it is possible and it’s probably the best thing I’ve done all week.

It all started with what I call having a “sparrow brain”. This is when your mind flutters from one thing to the next, incapable of concentrating on one specific task. It’s like the sparrows that are making nests under the eaves of my neighbours’ roof, they never sit still, always flapping and darting around from one tree to the next, their beaks full of twigs, nervously surveying the landscape with their beady eyes.

My “sparrow brain” was especially dominant last Sunday and I’d had enough. Nothing could calm it. I fluttered about, looking through the window at the children now allowed out in the street. At the same time I was checking my whatsapp groups to see the general consensus of how the new lifting of restrictions was going. I sat down to watch the TV, started to read my book, switched on my computer to look at Facebook, tended to my geraniums, did a Zoom call, swept the floor, disinfected the door handles and made myself at least three cups of tea. I checked my mobile again. I sat down, stood up, walked around. It was getting mad. That was only the first couple of hours.

Stop! I switched my mobile off and put my laptop in the drawer. Done! Deep breath!

I would have a day of simple pleasures. A day dedicated to myself, without the input of others.

So, what are my recommendations for this “sparrow brain-free” challenge?

Firstly drag your coziest armchair out into your garden or terrace and, with a nice big cup of tea, dip into one of your “comfort novels”. “Comfort novels” are those which you may have read in the past and that have given you a feel-good vibe. No violence, no sadness, no trauma, just love and warmth. They are not high-brow or intellectual or particularly well-written. They are simply what you would call a good “yarn” (think Rosamund Pilcher, Maeve Binchy-type books). They are the sort of novel that you might not recommend for a book club (at least not mine!). You might even find you’ve been able to read 50 pages in one go.

Then prepare the lunch with your offspring/spouse/partner/housemate. Indulge in a bit of chatter and laughs whilst chopping the vegetables. A bit of crazy dancing whilst listening to Alexa is very therapeutic. If you have a teenager you could even try to learn a tik-tok dance. Why not push the boat out and make a delicious dessert? You can always burn off the calories the next day when doing your online aerobics class.

In the afternoon, take some time to browse some of what I call “show-off books”. These are those big impressive tomes that you have on your shelves and never look at (think art and cookery). Don’t just look at the glossy photos, take the time to learn about Van Gogh and Manet. Browse delicious recipes by Jamie Oliver, Mary Berry and Yotam Ottolenghi. Even though you might not have all the exotic ingredients you can always improvise. Art fused with cookery. All wonderfully inspiring.

End the day magnificently with a warm bubble bath, some meditation and a delicious dinner with a glass of wine or two.

So, my conclusion, going tech-free is SO worth it. You should really try it. A full twenty-four hours off the radar. Resist the urge to feel guilty and self-indulgent. You can contact nobody and nobody can contact you. You’ll soon realise that your “sparrow brain” has finally flown and your mind is stilled, for a few hours at least.