Finding solutions during quiet breaks
How often do we struggle to figure out a problem and then, after a quiet break, we return already knowing exactly what to do? We tend to view rest simply (9) ________ a period of inactivity, but it actually has profound implications for a lot of human tasks, including a positive effect on problem-solving. Research now suggests that (10) ________ only are we able to come up with answers to life issues while resting, but these answers are often better than the ones we might think of once the routines of our normal work take (11) ________. Rest aids concentration too, and it's believed that new information isn't processed and absorbed fully until we've had a useful mental break. So, if you're faced (12) ________ a difficult problem, set it aside, reflect (13) ________ it and return to it an hour later. But (14) ________ made a complex decision, you (15) ________ wish to revisit it after a second quiet break on the off-chance that (16) ________ could be a better solution waiting to be considered.