6 Benefits of Doing Nothing (thank me later)
I’m lying in bed with headphones on, staring at the ceiling and listening to some good f*cking music. This is my new muse…doing nothing. I used to do it more…but forgot about it. Rekindling a lost art.
This is my new routine and it’s not a bad habit——au contraire, friend. It’s a positive in my life because, it turns out, doing absolutely nothing can be a really good thing.
It makes me creative, happier, chill and even more productive. Rather than trying to force something out of me, I take a beat and let my mind wander. Fresh ideas, new connections and sparks of motivation usually pop up.
(not always, but often)
So this is a post sharing some of the benefits of doing nothing.
Here’s to not doing toxic productivity and hustle culture.
1. You Get Present
Doing nothing (but with the intention to do nothing) is present moment awareness.
It’s allowing yourself to sit calmly and let your mind wander. To notice the room or the space you’re in and embrace the fact that you are alive and human. And everything is just as it is.
Ride the waves around you——mental surfing.
Appreciating the present is also part of living an aesthetic lifestyle, which is built around an appreciation for beauty and your personal style and taste.
Doing nothing is the new aesthetic. And it’s grounded in the present.
Explore more:
➤ Stop Caring So Much
2. Gives Your Brain A Break
Our poor brains. I’m not sure they were ready for modern life, which is a constant drip of comparison, stimulation and cheap dopamine. You just need to swipe up and show your face. Then, choose the most colorful app universe you want to get lost in.
And if you’re not sure what to think about or do, ask ChatGPT.
But why not unplug? What happened to the art of doing nothing? Wandering in the woods, looking at the stars, listening to music on a train with no destination. Doing any of that without picking up the phone to post about it or check if you have any new hearts.
I'm not perfect. But I’m trying to do better by having more balance.
I’m not saying swear off digital life 100%. But stepping away to give your brain a break sounds nice.
3. Boosts Creativity
This was a surprise. Even though I read about it and sort of knew about it.
When you give your mind calmness and the freedom to explore, think and do nothing, novel ideas come up. Some might call it downloads.
When you do nothing, you’re getting out of the way (your thinking brain, at least) and not trying to force anything. And most of the time, when I do this, I get breakthroughs——small and large.
I get more ideas when I don’t try to force more ideas. Giving your brain and body the space to stretch leads to ideas entering your field. Ideas come to you rather than you trying to go to them.
When I do nothing, properly, I’m more creative. I get more ideas but I also feel more rested and ready to tinker on some real creative projects.
Explore more:
➤ How to Be an Ideas Person
➤ How to Live A Creative Life
➤ How to Be More Creative
4. A Calmer Mind + Body
Staying chill is one of my core values. And doing nothing supports me here.
Getting into this habit of doing nothing is like a regular reset for my otherwise fried nervous system.
Consciously stepping away from the bombardment of ads, algorithms and content reminds me of myself. I can hear my breath and monitor my thoughts. With enough practice (i.e. turning nothing into a habit), I can relax my body and state of mind.
Doing nothing is nice, it’s like a spa treatment for the modern body-mind.
Explore more:
➤ Self Care for Creatives
➤ Habits for Lasting Happiness
5. It’s Self Reflection
When was the last time you really sat with yourself? Getting to know yourself isn’t always easy, but it’s cathartic (and beneficial).
The world is full of distractions and guides telling you how you should be, act or think. So it takes time to fully understand who you are truly. Doing nothing and letting your mind wander is self reflection.
This can lead to self awareness.
Which supports clarity in your life, work or creative projects (online or otherwise).
Doing nothing is really more like self exploration. So put away the screens and get to know yourself. Talk to yourself. Learn about yourself. Practice self love and acceptance.
Start by doing nothing.
Explore more:
➤ How to Look Within
6. Doing Nothing Is Kinda Productive
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing. This is part of my philosophy behind vibe productivity.
I have too many passions. And I’m constantly juggling multiple projects.
But in a surprising plot twist, doing more didn’t help me get any more done. Doing less did.
Doing nothing helps me with clarity on what to focus on, prioritize and do next. It also reenergizes me and is a way to reflect on what I’ve been doing lately (and why).
Surprisingly, doing nothing is making me more productive. Hah, go figure.
So how does one start doing nothing?
I say, explore the things you find relaxing——anything that helps the brain chill (and not think, analyze or try to problem-solve). For me, it’s lying in bed while listening to music or walking around and taking trains in Tokyo with no destination, goal or purpose in mind.
Do anything that unplugs you from the digital realm and re-grounds you in the physical energetic space we actually exist in. At least, that’s what works for me.
Alright then, later ✌️
Want More? Nice. Here’s More.
