9 benefits of doing nothing that people rarely talk about

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | March 27, 2024, 6:02 pm

In a world that glorifies busyness and productivity, the notion of doing nothing is often dismissed as wasteful or lazy. However, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of benefits that remain largely unexplored.

From fostering creativity and enhancing mental clarity to promoting mindfulness and reducing stress, the art of doing nothing holds immense potential for personal growth and well-being.

Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, these advantages are often overshadowed and undervalued. In this article, we peel back the layers to uncover 9 hidden benefits of embracing idleness that are seldom discussed. 

1) Enhances creativity

Have you ever noticed that some of your best ideas come when you’re doing absolutely nothing?

It’s not a coincidence.

When our minds are at rest, they’re free to wander and make connections that might not otherwise be apparent when we’re busy. This state of mind, often referred to as “the default mode network,” is where creativity flourishes.

Doing nothing allows us to step back, let our minds wander, and tap into this realm of creativity. It’s during these quiet moments that the brain gets to work on solving problems, producing creative ideas, and making important connections.

2) Improves mental health

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed by the demands of everyday life.

There was a time when I thought the only way to deal with this was to keep pushing through, to keep doing more. But all this did was lead me to burnout.

Then I discovered the power of doing nothing.

Taking time out for myself, to simply be, made a world of difference to my mental health. I started setting aside a few minutes each day to do nothing – no work, no chores, no social media – just me, my thoughts and the quiet.

I found that this simple act of doing nothing had an incredibly calming effect. It allowed me to disconnect from the world and reconnect with myself. It helped me gain a better perspective on my worries and stressors and significantly reduced my anxiety levels.

3) Boosts productivity

It might sound counterintuitive, but doing nothing can actually make you more productive.

When you’re constantly on the go, your brain is always at work, and just like any muscle in your body, it needs time to rest and recuperate.

Research has shown that taking regular breaks where you do absolutely nothing can help to refresh the mind and renew focus, making you more effective and efficient when you return to your tasks.

4) Improves physical health

Doing nothing is not only good for your mental well-being but also your physical health.

When we’re constantly on the go, our bodies are in a constant state of stress. This can lead to a range of health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system.

By contrast, when we take the time to do nothing, our bodies get the chance to rest, recover and repair. This can help reduce the risk of stress-related health issues, boost our immune system and even improve our sleep.

5) Fosters self-awareness

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirl of activities and lose sight of ourselves.

Taking time out to do nothing provides a valuable opportunity for self-reflection. It allows us to tune into our thoughts and feelings, to understand our desires, fears, and dreams better.

When we’re not distracted by tasks and to-dos, we can listen to our inner voice more clearly. This increased self-awareness can guide us in making more authentic decisions and enable us to lead more fulfilling lives.

6) Deepens relationships

In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves multitasking, even when we’re with the people we care about. We’re physically present but mentally elsewhere, checking our phones or thinking about the next thing on our to-do list.

But what if we chose to do nothing during these moments?

By consciously deciding to put everything aside and just be present with the person we’re with, we’re able to give them our full attention. This can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations and connections.

Imagine sitting with a loved one, without the distraction of phones or tasks, simply enjoying each other’s company. These moments of doing nothing can enrich our relationships in ways that doing something never could.

7) Encourages mindfulness

A few years back, I found myself constantly rushing from one task to another. My mind was always occupied with thoughts of what I had to do next. I was living in the future, not the present.

Then, I stumbled upon the concept of mindfulness – the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. And one of the best ways to cultivate mindfulness, I discovered, was by doing nothing.

Taking time out to just sit and observe my thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment was a game-changer. It brought a sense of calm and peace that I had never experienced before.

More importantly, it taught me to appreciate the present moment. I learned to enjoy my coffee rather than gulping it down in a rush, to savor the beauty of a sunset rather than merely glancing at it.

If you often find yourself feeling stressed or anxious about the future or past, I encourage you to try doing nothing. Just sit quietly for a few minutes each day, focusing on your breath or surroundings. It might help you become more mindful and appreciative of the present moment.

8) Promotes better decision making

Ever had to make a tough decision and found your mind spinning in circles, unable to land on an answer?

In such situations, doing nothing can be incredibly beneficial.

When we take a step back from the problem and allow ourselves to relax, our minds get a chance to step out of the chaos. We give ourselves the space to think clearly, objectively, and creatively.

Doing nothing can provide us with fresh perspectives and insights, helping us make more informed and better decisions. It’s during these quiet moments of non-doing that the solution often reveals itself.

9) Nurtures self-love

In a society that often equates worth with productivity, doing nothing can feel uncomfortable. But it’s precisely in these moments of ‘non-doing’ that we can cultivate self-love.

When we allow ourselves to do nothing, we’re sending a powerful message: that we’re important and deserve time to just be. It’s a beautiful act of self-care, a way of respecting our own needs and boundaries.

Doing nothing gives us the opportunity to slow down, appreciate our own company, and nurture a loving relationship with ourselves. And remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.

Embrace the power of stillness

The benefits we’ve explored – from enhancing creativity to nurturing self-love – are but a glimpse into the transformative power of doing nothing.

In a world that’s always pushing us to do more, achieve more, it’s essential to remember that rest is not idleness. And to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

And in this seemingly simple act of non-doing, you might just discover something profound about yourself and the world around you.