The Art of Doing Nothing
Why Rest is Productive
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you." — Anne Lamott
Hey there,
It’s Sunday.
The one day of the week when you might finally feel like you can slow down, but do you actually let yourself?
If you’re anything like most people, even your “rest” days aren’t truly restful.
Maybe you’re catching up on errands, planning the week ahead, or scrolling endlessly on your phone.
Even when you relax, a voice whispers, "You should be productive."
But here’s the truth: rest is productive.
And not just in a “self-care is important” kind of way.
Science backs it up; intentional rest improves focus, creativity, and well-being.
The most successful people know this.
They don’t grind 24/7.
They take breaks, step back, and recharge.
So today, let’s talk about the lost art of doing nothing and why you should embrace it.
Why We Struggle to Truly Rest
We live in a culture that glorifies being busy. Hustle harder.
Sleep when you’re dead.
Productivity is king. Does that sound familiar?
Somewhere along the way, we started equating rest with laziness.
But the reality?
Rest fuels productivity.
Top performers and creative thinkers don’t just keep moving. They stop, think, and give their minds a chance to relax.
When you give yourself time to do nothing, you:
✅ Reduce stress and prevent burnout
✅ Improve mental clarity and creativity
✅ Strengthen your ability to focus.
✅ Feel more present and connected to yourself
But doing nothing doesn’t mean binge-watching Netflix while scrolling TikTok.
That’s still stimulation.
Real rest is about slowing down and being fully present.
How to Embrace the Art of Doing Nothing
Want to make real rest a habit?
Here’s how:
1. Schedule "nothing" time.
We plan meetings, workouts, and social events; why not plan intentional rest, too?
Try blocking out 30 minutes today to just BE.
No phone, no to-do list, no distractions.
Just sit, breathe, or stare out the window.
Let your mind wander.
2. Step Away from Screens
Scrolling isn’t rest; it’s noise.
Your brain is still processing information at full speed.
Instead, step outside, take a slow walk, or simply sit with a cup of coffee in silence.
Give your mind space to breathe.
3. Observe, don't rush.
Next time you wait, like in a coffee shop line or in traffic, try not to grab your phone.
Just observe the moment.
Notice the sounds, the people, and the world around you.
You don’t always have to fill the silence.
4. Reframe Rest as Productive
If guilt creeps in, remind yourself: rest makes you better at everything else.
It’s not wasted time.
It’s an investment in your energy, creativity, and well-being.
Give yourself permission to slow down.
Today, I challenge you to embrace the art of doing nothing, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
Let yourself slow down.
Breathe.
Be present.
Because sometimes, the most productive thing you can do… is nothing at all.
Wishing you a peaceful Sunday,
Hit comment and let me know.
I would love to hear.
Stay mindful,
Stay well,
~IR
My dog gave me the reminder to slow down this morning. He hopped into my lap, demanding belly rubs, and then fell asleep. My phone was in the pocket under him, and I was cheerfully nap trapped for about 45 minutes. No screens, just a dog, a book, and about 5 minutes later, a nap.
Before I saw this article I was sitting on the third floor porch of a cottage at Ocean Isle Beach drinking coffee and watching an angry ocean attack the shore with intent. 64 degrees with some rain and I have to say your absolutely right. Even though the weather is not perfect, its the best morning yet. I could wake up everyday to this 30 minutes of mindless thought. What a great way to start the day. Thanks for your article.