There’s a quiet kind of joy in sitting still. No to-do list, no multitasking, no tabs open—just time. For many of us, that kind of stillness feels nearly impossible to come by. We’re living in a culture that prizes productivity above all else. Rest? That’s for the weak—or at least, the weekend.
But what if doing nothing wasn’t a waste of time? What if, at times, it was actually the most productive thing you could do for your body and brain?
We’ve Confused Rest With Laziness
In a world of side hustles, smartwatches, and self-optimization, rest often feels like a luxury—or worse, a guilty pleasure. According to a 2021 study published in Nature Human Behaviour, people are more likely to devalue leisure activities when they view themselves through a productivity lens. Simply put: if your worth is tied to output, it’s hard to relax without feeling like you’re falling behind.
But humans aren’t designed to be “on” all the time. Chronic busyness can lead to burnout, anxiety, sleep disruption, and even physical health issues like high blood pressure or weakened immunity. Rest isn’t a weakness—it’s a biological requirement.
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The Restorative Power of Embracing Stillness
Doing nothing doesn’t mean you’re lazy—it means you’re creating space. Space for recovery. Space for processing. Space for being rather than doing.
Engaging in intentional rest activates the brain’s default mode network (DMN), a system associated with introspection, memory consolidation, and creativity. When we allow our minds to wander without external distractions, the DMN becomes active, facilitating self-referential thinking and problem-solving. This neural activity underscores the importance of rest in fostering mental clarity and innovative thinking.
It’s part of why so many people have breakthrough ideas in the shower or on a walk—it’s not a coincidence, it’s biology. When we give our brains a break from constant stimulation, we create space for insight, creativity, and emotional regulation.
In a world where attention is constantly pulled in every direction, rest becomes a quiet rebellion—a reclaiming of our mental bandwidth, one unscheduled moment at a time.
Global Traditions of Intentional Idleness
These traditions highlight a universal acknowledgment of rest as an integral component of a balanced and healthy life. They’re rooted in the belief that slowness can be a source of connection to ourselves, to each other, and to our environments. In each case, rest isn’t seen as something to be earned. It’s embedded in the rhythm of daily life, making room for joy, presence, and restoration without guilt.
What if, instead of seeing stillness as selfish, we recognized it as wise? These cultural models invite us to do just that—and to remember that doing less can often help us feel more.
In the Netherlands, there’s a concept called niksen, which literally means “doing nothing.” It’s the intentional act of idling without a goal—sitting, staring, daydreaming, just being. It’s not mindfulness or meditation, which have a structure and purpose. Niksen is delightfully unstructured.
And research suggests it’s good for us. According to a report in Time Magazine, experts believe niksen can help reduce stress and stave off burnout, especially when practiced regularly.
Similarly, other cultures celebrate the art of doing nothing:
- Italy’s ‘Dolce far Niente’: Translating to ‘the sweetness of doing nothing,’ this philosophy emphasizes savoring moments of idleness and finding joy in simple, unstructured time.
- Spain’s ‘Siesta’: A traditional afternoon rest or nap, recognizing the value of breaking up the day with restorative downtime.
- Sweden’s ‘Fika’: More than just a coffee break, it’s a moment to pause and connect with others, underscoring the importance of taking breaks.
These traditions highlight a universal acknowledgment of rest as an integral component of a balanced and healthy life.
Why We Struggle to Slow Down
Part of the challenge lies in how our society rewards speed and hustle. When you’re praised for your productivity, it’s easy to equate stillness with stagnation. Technology compounds this pressure: we’re always reachable, always scrolling, always comparing. Even “self-care” can start to feel like another task to optimize.
But underneath all of that is a simple truth: we need rest, not just sleep. We need unstructured time. Mental white space. Room to breathe.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest, identifies seven types of rest we all need—including mental, emotional, sensory, and creative rest. And here’s the kicker: none of them involve sleeping or, collapsing on the couch and binge-watching TV (though that’s fine, too—sometimes).
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What Doing Nothing Actually Looks Like
Doing nothing doesn’t mean sitting in a blank room in silence (unless that sounds great to you). It can look like:
- Watching clouds move from your porch
- Sitting with a cup of tea without also scrolling
- Lying on the floor and listening to your breath
- Going for a walk with no phone, no destination, no playlist
- Drawing or doodling with no plan, no purpose—just letting your hand move
- People-watching at a park bench, no podcast, no task—just observing
- Letting yourself lie in bed for five minutes after waking up, without reaching for your phone
- Taking the long way home, even if it’s slower—because slowing down sometimes is the point
It may feel strange at first. Even uncomfortable. But with practice, doing nothing starts to feel natural again. Restful. Replenishing. It’s in these unstructured moments—free of screens and pressure—that our nervous systems begin to reset, and our minds find the space to breathe.
What the Experts Say
Dr. Devon Price, author of Laziness Does Not Exist, argues that the constant pressure to be productive stems from cultural myths that equate rest with failure. In reality, he says, “most people are pushing themselves far past the point of health and sustainability.”
In a 2017 study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, researchers found that taking breaks, especially ones involving quiet reflection or mental detachment, was critical for reducing fatigue and improving work performance.
The American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” survey highlighted that over 80% of U.S. adults experienced emotions associated with prolonged stress, marking the highest stress levels since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The takeaway? More than ever, rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessary intervention.
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Reclaiming Rest in Your Own Life
So how do we push back against hustle culture and reclaim rest without guilt? Start small. Start soft. Start where you are.
- Block out time for rest like you would a meeting. Literally, schedule it—and honor it.
- Name the urge to be productive. When you feel guilty for relaxing, remind yourself: I’m resting so I can live, not just work.
- Unplug intentionally. Try 20 minutes each day with no phone, no input, no plan.
- Let rest be imperfect. You don’t have to meditate perfectly or find peace immediately. You just have to begin.
And most importantly, allow yourself to believe that rest is worthwhile even when it’s not efficient, optimized, or Instagram-worthy. Sometimes the most transformative thing you can do for your body, your spirit, and your creativity is to simply step away. To pause. To exist without expectation—even just for a few minutes. If it’s helpful, don’t think of rest not as checking out—but as tuning in.
Rest Is Resistance—and Joy
Rest is one of the most powerful forms of self-care and self-connection. And in a culture that’s constantly whispering “do more,” choosing to do less can feel radical. Healing, even.
It’s not about abandoning your goals or giving up on ambition—it’s about building a life that holds space for both purpose and pause. Productivity and peace.
So here’s your invitation: make time to do nothing. Let your mind wander. Let your body exhale. And trust that rest isn’t just something you deserve—it’s something you need.
Read More: 6 Tips For a New Year Mental Health Reset
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