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Well, January is finally at an end. It’s been quite a busy month, made busier by everyone’s mad dash to get a jumpstart on their 2025 resolutions. But life was life-in’ particularly hard this first month of the year. If you didn’t hit the ground running toward your goals in January, or if you started strong and somehow got off track, that’s okay. You’re not alone and you’re not necessarily falling behind in your goals just because you took a little breather. In fact, studies show that being a little unproductive once in a while can actually be good for you.
Is doing nothing good for you?
Rest is essential for our mental and physical well-being and putting productivity to the side to do nothing can actually help you reach your goals in the long run. If you’re looking for the motivation to do more with your life, it might be time to embrace doing less—at least for a little while.
Doing nothing increases productivity.
This may seem counterintuitive but it’s true! Research shows that taking periodic breaks while working on a tasks actually helps with concentration and idea generation. Meaning when you take a step back from the grind, you can actually come back stronger, more creative, and more prepared.
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Hustle culture and comparison demand that we grind non-stop toward our goals but in some cases, that could actually lead to burn out and end up pushing us further away from our dreams. Giving our brains and bodies time to recharge makes us better prepared for the daily tasks ahead.
Doing nothing can boost your mood.
Have you ever felt irrationally angry? On the verge of a complete and utter crashout… Then you took a nap. And when you woke up things didn’t seem that bleak? Well, when we prioritize rest, you can better regulate your emotions and keep irritability in check.
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Taking time away from busy work and individual tasks also allows you to shift your focus to other people and things beyond the stuff that seem urgent right now. We become kinder, more empathetic people when we stop striving for a minute and take the time to look up and pay attention to the world around us.
Doing nothing can ease anxiety.
For many people, the idea of spending any amount of time (let alone a whole day!) doing nothing feels daunting and panic inducing. There are a lot of things in life that are calling for our attention from family responsibilities, work tasks, political news, and just the daily hustle and bustle of life. Who has the time or the privilege to sit around and do nothing?! Relaxation guilt is a real thing. However, embracing that discomfort could be the cure to feelings of anxiety.
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Feelings of anxiety, unworthiness, fear of failure, grief, and stress can rise to the surface when you take time to quiet your mind and step away from responsibilities for a while. And this is a good thing. By intentionally making space to feel our feelings, we have a better chance of addressing these emotions and finding time for healing activities like meditation, prayer, journaling, or therapy.
Doing nothing can boost your immune system and brain health.
It’s important to build rest days into an exercise routine to give our muscles time to recover. Taking breaks from the pressures of productivity does the same for our brains. Detaching from constant stimulation and stress gives our minds time to heal and recuperate. Letting our minds occasionally wander can actually increase our creativity and our retention.
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Studies show that being on our smartphones for prolonged periods of time can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, disturbed sleep and issues with vision. And spending hours a day hunched over a desk hard at work increases our risk of heart disease, back pain, and even cancer. Taking even a few minutes a day to look up, stretch your body, and relax your mind can improve your brain and bodily function, helping you stay healthy and energized for the days ahead..
Doing nothing can take many forms.
For a lot of people, doing nothing is easier said than done. So much of our self-worth under capitalism has been tied to our productivity. But rest easy, you don’t have to go full sloth, bed rotting, staring at the clouds for hours on end right away. Even just five minutes spent in a self-imposed time out can go a long way toward boosting your mood and renewing your energy.
Adding structure to your me-time can make doing nothing feel less daunting. You can do this by simply putting down your phone for a set period of time, going for a walk, stretching or any task that isn’t strenuous on your brain or body. Or go full-out and book that vacation or use that PTO and get an extended period of peace of mind.
Pay attention to how you’re feeling. Like with most good things, moderation is key. Having a few moments or even days to yourself is a good refresh. But multiple days spent in isolation and sloth could be a sign of burnout or the onset of depression. You don’t have to actually do nothing to take advantage of necessary rest and relaxation. The key is to do activities you actually enjoy that rejuvenate you such as crafts, reading, or even watching a good movie. Try not to replace one draining task with another activity that leaves you feeling depleted.
So the next time you’re feeling like you just don’t wanna jump out of bed and start the off strong, don’t! Try starting your days off soft instead. Take it easy on yourself and take it easy during your day and you may be surprised how much easier it is to reach your goals.
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