The Secret is Out: When “Doing Nothing” Is Everything You Need.
One of the leaders in my organization recently shared the volume of travel and work they engaged in over a single month, and my immediate response was, “You need a day of doing nothing.” The reply back was something I think most of us would say: “I can’t just sit there and do nothing.” I know I’ve said this myself far too many times. For years, I proudly preached, “Doing nothing is a waste of time.” But things and priorities change.
Let’s dig deep into the “doing nothing” concept (and believe me when I say that writing this post is a cleanse and reminder to take my own advice).
Why People Dislike "Doing Nothing"
Cultural Pressure and Productivity Norms: Many societies emphasize productivity, equating busyness with success and self-worth. Hustle culture reinforces the idea that every moment should be optimized for work or self-improvement.
Discomfort with Stillness: Sitting quietly with our thoughts can be uncomfortable. This often stems from unprocessed emotions or the brain’s natural tendency to ruminate.
Neurological and Social Stimulation: Our brains crave stimulation, and in today’s hyper-connected world, the fear of missing out (FOMO) makes inactivity feel unsatisfying or unproductive.
The Importance of Pausing and "Doing Nothing"
Mental and Physical Restoration: Pausing activates the brain’s default mode network (DMN), a group of regions that become active when your mind is at rest. This helps with creativity, memory, and stress reduction, allowing space for daydreaming and self-reflection.
Enhanced Well-Being and Focus: Intentional idleness fosters mindfulness, happiness, and better cognitive performance while also reducing the risk of burnout.
Boosted Creativity and Problem-Solving: Moments of rest or mind-wandering often lead to creative breakthroughs and clearer decision-making.
Moderated "Nothingness"
Of course, everything is best in moderation, so engaging in “nothingness” should be done in a meaningful way. A study in 2013 demonstrated that excessive self-reflection during inactivity can sometimes worsen mood, but structured pauses (like mindfulness or meditation) are deeply beneficial. Another study in 2010 found that people are less happy when their minds wander, except during restful or creative idleness.
Pausing allows the mind to recharge, reducing stress and preventing the burnout that prolonged busyness can cause. Far from being a waste of time, doing nothing fosters self-reflection and mindfulness, helping us reconnect with our thoughts and emotions. Embracing these moments of stillness can lead to greater clarity, focus, and overall happiness.
Because, really, you are not just “doing nothing.” You are giving your mind and soul a moment to recharge. And sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all.
References:
Kross, E., Ayduk, Ö., & Mischel, W. (2013). When asking \u201cwhy\u201d does not hurt: Distinguishing rumination from reflective processing of negative emotions. Psychological Science, 24(4), 1030\u20131037. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612469200
Killingsworth, M. A., & Gilbert, D. T. (2010). A wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Science, 330(6006), 932. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1192439