Very interesting dichotomy! Definitely seems worth trying. I’m confused about the reading/screen time/video games distinction though. Why would reading seem appealing but being in front of a screen not? Watching TV is essentially identical to reading right? You’re taking in a preset story either way. Admittedly you can read faster than TV characters can talk, so maybe that makes it more rewarding?
Also, while playing more video games while recovering and fewer while resting makes sense (they’re an easy activity while low on energy, and thus will take up much of a recovery day, but less of a rest day), “just following my gut” can still lead to plenty of gaming. Does this mean that I should still play some on a rest day, just less? That I almost never have enough energy to rest instead of recover? That I’m too into gaming and this is skewing my gut such that a good rest day rule would be “follow your gut, except playing fewer/no games today”?
I think Kaj is right. But in general, video games / TV feel like they help me escape the present moment, avoid thinking about something or feeling my body, and keep me in my head. Video games also have that feeling of fake productivity which makes them feel like a compulsive “pretend work.” (Aka pica.)
I guess I also should have distinguished “reading for pleasure” and “productive reading.” I was advocating for the former and not so much the latter.
Once, I did a spontaneous picnic where I put a blanket outside somewhere nice and brought a basket of food and a book. And I just lounged outside, reading [Annihilation] and eating and looking at nature. If I imagine having TV instead, I feel like I lose the ability to choose where my attention goes freely. With a book, I can pause or daydream and take my time with it more easily.
But really it’s up to you what counts as Restful. I can imagine watching video interviews Restful for some reason. Or listening to podcasts. I’m less sure what Restful video games for me would be.
That make a fair bit of sense. And what are your thoughts on work days? I get my work for my job done, but advice on improving productivity on chores and future planning would be appreciated. Also good point on pica!
Overall, I’ve gotten large gains out of designing my life such that work feels like water flowing downhill rather than me trying to trudge uphill.
I use Policy-Based Intentions a fair amount, as a way to save willpower. I’m like a game designer trying to design the maze that my mouse is running in, if that makes sense. And I try to make it easy for the mouse to make the correct decisions depending on the situation.
Very interesting dichotomy! Definitely seems worth trying. I’m confused about the reading/screen time/video games distinction though. Why would reading seem appealing but being in front of a screen not? Watching TV is essentially identical to reading right? You’re taking in a preset story either way. Admittedly you can read faster than TV characters can talk, so maybe that makes it more rewarding?
Also, while playing more video games while recovering and fewer while resting makes sense (they’re an easy activity while low on energy, and thus will take up much of a recovery day, but less of a rest day), “just following my gut” can still lead to plenty of gaming. Does this mean that I should still play some on a rest day, just less? That I almost never have enough energy to rest instead of recover? That I’m too into gaming and this is skewing my gut such that a good rest day rule would be “follow your gut, except playing fewer/no games today”?
I think that “video games” is too broad of a category here; I think there are both games which feel Resty and games which feel more Recovery-y.
I think Kaj is right. But in general, video games / TV feel like they help me escape the present moment, avoid thinking about something or feeling my body, and keep me in my head. Video games also have that feeling of fake productivity which makes them feel like a compulsive “pretend work.” (Aka pica.)
I guess I also should have distinguished “reading for pleasure” and “productive reading.” I was advocating for the former and not so much the latter.
Once, I did a spontaneous picnic where I put a blanket outside somewhere nice and brought a basket of food and a book. And I just lounged outside, reading [Annihilation] and eating and looking at nature. If I imagine having TV instead, I feel like I lose the ability to choose where my attention goes freely. With a book, I can pause or daydream and take my time with it more easily.
But really it’s up to you what counts as Restful. I can imagine watching video interviews Restful for some reason. Or listening to podcasts. I’m less sure what Restful video games for me would be.
That make a fair bit of sense. And what are your thoughts on work days? I get my work for my job done, but advice on improving productivity on chores and future planning would be appreciated. Also good point on pica!
So some very general links (since ‘improving productivity on chores and future planning’ sounds like it could mean a lot of things):
Designing your life so that your attention is exactly where you want it to be naturally: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/HHjn3r8n7bJp6Q5HE/hammertime-day-4-design
Resting in motion: http://mindingourway.com/rest-in-motion/
Marie Kondo’s methods seem pretty good for getting chores done / actively wanting to do them (I felt motivated watching her Netflix special): https://www.livible.com/blog/ultimate-konmari-guide/
General post on productivity: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/P3zrurj5hHKFKDL3M/productivity-working-towards-a-summary-of-what-we-know
Implementing something like a Getting Things Done system: https://zenkit.com/en/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-getting-things-done/
Overall, I’ve gotten large gains out of designing my life such that work feels like water flowing downhill rather than me trying to trudge uphill.
I use Policy-Based Intentions a fair amount, as a way to save willpower. I’m like a game designer trying to design the maze that my mouse is running in, if that makes sense. And I try to make it easy for the mouse to make the correct decisions depending on the situation.