In the past week in the UK, there has been a +200% rise in people searching for ‘brain rot test’, according to Google Trends, a way to find out if they are suffering from a severe “state of mental fogginess and cognitive decline that results from excessive screen engagement” (as defined by the Newport Institute).
It is unsurprising, as brain rot has become the go-to term for feeling digitally burnt out. In no other industry is this more apparent than digital marketing, which can drain professional performance and creativity at the best of times.
What are the signs of brain rot in digital marketing? There are many, but to name a few:
- Feeling overwhelmed from keeping up to date with a constant stream of news
- Increased anxiety, stress, and emotional exhaustion due to doom-scrolling
- Creative burnout, which causes a lack of new ideas and repetitive work
- Reduced attention span thanks to the short-form video explosion
TikTok, in particular, is increasingly used in digital marketing strategies, but it has been named the number one most addictive social media platform. Is it any wonder that digital marketers are hooked on its algorithm, feeling pressured to keep up with trends and viral content?
If this sounds familiar, fear not. Digital agency Bubblegumsearch.com has delivered seven light-hearted suggestions to keep brain rot at bay and find new ways to generate productivity and creativity back into your working life.
1. Dance at your desk
Turn your desk into a disco to boost your mood. Play energetic music and have a dance break. This can reset your mind and inspire creativity. Create a playlist that reflects your mood and lets your emotions out. Why not add a 360-degree disco light to your desk space to create the ideal dance space?
Silent disco yoga is something else to try. Put on your favourite tunes with headphones and practice some standing yoga moves. Use stretch to keep you energised. A standing desk could be a fantastic addition to your workspace to support you physically and give more variation to your moves!
2. Meditate (and eat mindfully)
It’s beneficial to combine physical activity with meditation and mindfulness. Take short, mindful breaks throughout the day and step away from your screen every 90 minutes. Other practices perfect for digital workers include deep breathing, guided visualisation, a 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, and mindful eating at lunch. Paying attention to your food’s flavours, textures, and smells during your break can give you an instant mental reset.
3. Connect with nature
It’s as simple as taking outdoor breaks or turning your desk into a mini jungle. Embrace the wildness of nature with a desk terrarium or tiny bonsai forest. Natural elements can help reduce stress and boost creativity, making them great for brainstorming or strategising sessions. Taking short walks or caring for desk plants (Snake Plant, Pothos, or ZZ Plant are particularly desk-friendly) can be an easy way to take a break, refresh your mind, and increase productivity.
4. Play with your senses
To create an environment that promotes focus and creativity and reduces stress, consider adding sensory elements such as aromatherapy with scents that transport you or tactile objects like stress balls, kinetic sand, or silicone pop-it toys in playful shapes. These sensory experiences, especially hands-on play, are therapeutic and can also help reduce our screen time.
5. Do the Pomodoro
Use the Pomodoro Technique for time management. This means working for 25 minutes straight, then taking a quick break. Marketers can use this time to be creative, like brainstorming unconventional campaign ideas or sketching out graphics you’ve only imagined in your mind. These short bursts of creativity help balance your work and give you fresh perspectives.
6. Challenge your mind
Consider taking strategic breaks with brainteasers and puzzles to improve your problem-solving skills. Engaging in mental exercises can strengthen neural pathways, leading to innovative solutions and insights you may have yet to consider. Just as using the Pomodoro technique for creative breaks, strategic breaks with brainteasers and puzzles can enhance cognitive ability. Why not try Kakuro (similar to a crossword but with numbers) or create your riddles to share with co-workers?
7. Think backwards – and upside down!
Try promoting creative thinking by doing activities like writing in reverse or reading upside down. These tasks challenge the mind and can help stimulate our brain pathways. It’s a good way for digital marketers to refresh their minds, especially if they feel stuck in a rut.
“Running a creative digital agency involves a lot of screen time, so I am always mindful of the risk of mental fatigue among our team. I strive to promote and encourage healthy working habits to build an environment that combats brain rot.”
Matt Cayless, Founder of Bubblegumsearch.com