It’s hard for me to sit still and chill. If I’m honest, I like being busy and spinning plates.
But even when I take a moment or two to myself, I tend to use the time to plan ahead for trips, shows, projects, etc. Why is that, I wonder? I enjoy doing nothing and tooling around the house like the next person, but for some reason, it also makes me feel guilty. Like I’m being tapped on the shoulder by my inner doer who keeps telling me there’s always something that can be done at work or improved on the home front.
But why? Maybe it’s the world we live in where we honor and lift up people who do too much. Or maybe it’s a mechanism of keeping up with the Joneses. Whatever the reason, I need to cut it out and take advantage of the opportunities to do nothing.
In some ways, that inner voice is right. There is always something that can be done, but the rewards and benefits of doing nothing should not be diminished.
Take Winter Storm Heather back in January for example. I was literally stuck at home and couldn’t really do anything. All productivity for the entire family came to a grinding halt. I have to say, I definitely took advantage, but in hindsight I could have done a whole lot less. Argh! Missed opportunity to be sure.
According to mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe, one path to happiness is 10 minutes, each day, to stop and enjoy the sensation of doing nothing. In his TED Radio Hour episode Slowing Down, Puddicombe asks what can we learn from slowing down — even procrastinating?
Good advice.
When was the last time you did nothing? What works for you? For me, while it’s difficult, the benefits of doing nothing are very rewarding. I always feel rested when I take five to 10 minutes to just sit still and be present. Sure, there are times where we need to be uber engaged and dialed in, but most times, we aren’t really missing out on anything.
Personally, I envy folks who have clearly set up boundaries with text messaging, social media, and even emails. I am proud of myself for the growth I’ve made in the email realm, because let’s be honest, if you answer an email after hours, at night, or on the weekend, you are setting yourself up for people to email you during those times. STOP IT! It’s served me well.
As for doing nothing, I’ll keep working at it. Here are some goals I’ve set for myself:
- Put the phone down or away. If it’s in the other room, I won’t be tempted to pick it up and scroll aimlessly or answer emails.
- Lay down and breathe. Listening to my breath will help me get in tune with my body.
- Look out the window. Remember feeling bored as a kid just staring out the window? Think about all the ideas and daydreams you had.
- Don’t be so hard on yourself. We all work hard every day so we could all use a break.
- Relax. You can do it!
Jeff Hulett is a freelance writer, musician, and PR consultant in Memphis. He lives in the Vollintine Evergreen neighborhood with his wife Annie, two girls Ella and Beatrice, and dog Chalupa.