Before I began working remotely six years ago, I was constantly in a state of hustle. Running from meeting to meeting, multitasking like a pro, squeezing productivity out of every minute.

I thought this was the key to success. I mean, it’s what we’re always told, right? “Work hard, play later.”

But when I started my remote work journey, I found myself in front of my laptop, in my home office, with no physical boundaries or fixed schedule. Suddenly, the traditional 9-to-5 workday concept seemed obsolete.

At first, it was liberating — no commute, no formal attire, no need to pack lunch. But soon, the lines between work and personal life blurred. Without the physical separation of office and home, I found myself working at all hours.

To manage this chaos, I turned to scheduling tools and productivity hacks. But nothing worked until I stumbled upon a radical idea: scheduling “do nothing” time on my calendar.

I’ll admit; it sounded counter-intuitive at first. Why would an already overworked person intentionally block out time to do nothing?

But trust me; this little experiment turned out to be surprisingly transformative. It challenged the long-standing belief that being busy equates to being productive.

Now, as a seasoned remote worker and a staunch advocate for work-life balance, I swear by this practice. Over the years, scheduling “do nothing” time has become my secret weapon for maintaining sanity in an always-connected world.

In this article, I’ll share how this unconventional strategy helped me regain control over my work-life balance, increased my productivity and even improved my overall well-being. And who knows? Maybe it could be your secret weapon too.

Embracing the “do nothing” strategy

The first time I allocated “do nothing” time on my calendar, it felt strange. I had blocked off an hour in my afternoon — a prime working slot. It was a bold move, considering my overflowing inbox and mounting tasks.

Despite the initial discomfort, I stuck to the plan.

When the hour arrived, I stepped away from my laptop. I didn’t check my emails, didn’t plan for the next task, didn’t even think about work. Instead, I sat on my porch, sipped a cup of coffee, and simply let my mind wander.

It was just an hour, but it felt like a mini-vacation in the midst of a regular workday. And the effect was astounding. I returned to my desk refreshed and reenergized, ready to tackle the rest of the day with renewed vigor.

Over time, this practice became a part of my routine. I started scheduling “do nothing” time every day — sometimes in the morning to start my day calmly, sometimes in the afternoon as a mental breather.

Although it seemed counter-productive initially, this strategy has become crucial in maintaining my mental well-being and enhancing productivity. It’s hard to believe that something as simple as doing nothing could have such a profound impact.

But why does this approach work? And why does it contradict most of what we’re taught about productivity? 

Challenging the belief of constant hustle

From a young age, we’re taught to equate busyness with success. The notion of “if you’re not busy, you’re not being productive” is deeply ingrained in our minds. We live in a world that glorifies hustle and celebrates burnout as a badge of honor.

This belief was my reality for the longest time.

I thought that by filling every minute of my day with work-related tasks, I was being productive. This mindset led to long work hours, late-night emails, and a constant state of stress. But was I truly productive? Or just busy?

When I started scheduling “do nothing” time, it felt like going against the grain. While the world around me hustled relentlessly, I was taking time off in the middle of the day to do nothing — a practice that seemed counterproductive on the surface.

However, what I discovered was quite surprising. These pockets of tranquility didn’t reduce my productivity; they enhanced it. They provided space for my mind to rest, rejuvenate, and return to work with more focus and energy.

This experience challenged my long-held belief about productivity and busyness. It made me realize that doing nothing can sometimes be more productive than doing something.

Integrating “do nothing” time into your routine

Adopting this practice isn’t difficult, but it does require a conscious effort. For me, it started with consciously blocking out an hour on my calendar each day. This was my “do nothing” time — no work, no errands, no chores.

The key is to treat this time as non-negotiable. Just as you wouldn’t cancel an important meeting on a whim, don’t cancel your “do nothing” time. It’s a commitment to yourself and your mental well-being.

During this time, I’d suggest doing something that helps you relax and unwind. For me, it was sitting on my porch with a cup of coffee. For you, it could be reading a book, taking a walk, or simply daydreaming.

Remember, the goal isn’t to be productive during this time. It’s to give your mind the space it needs to rest and rejuvenate.

If the thought of doing nothing for an hour seems daunting, start small. Even 15 minutes can make a difference. Gradually increase this time as you get more comfortable with the practice.

Incorporating “do nothing” time into your routine could feel counter-intuitive initially. But trust me; once you experience the benefits firsthand, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

It’s not about being less busy; it’s about being more mindful of where your time and energy go.

Taking a step back to move forward

In my quest to enhance productivity, I realized that most of what I believed about being productive was shaped by societal expectations and cultural programming. We’re conditioned to equate busyness with success, and anything less is seen as unproductive.

• Recognize your current struggles: My struggle was the inability to separate work from personal life, leading to constant stress and burnout.
• Face reality: Blind positivity won’t solve your problems. I had to face the reality of my situation and admit that my current approach wasn’t working.
• Understand societal conditioning: The belief that being busy equals being productive is a societal myth. Breaking free from this conditioning was crucial for me.
• Seek self-empowerment: Instead of complying with societal expectations, I sought self-empowerment by scheduling “do nothing” time into my routine.
• Align with your true nature: The practice of doing nothing aligned with my need for mental rest and rejuvenation, which ultimately enhanced my productivity.

Taking responsibility for my situation, even when it wasn’t entirely my fault, was a turning point. It shifted my mindset and empowered me to make changes that improved not only my work-life balance but also my overall well-being.

Incorporating “do nothing” time into my routine wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. It wasn’t about being less busy; it was about being more mindful of where my time and energy were going.

The key is to question societal myths and expectations that limit your potential. Embrace the journey of self-exploration to reshape your reality. Remember, real productivity isn’t about being constantly busy; it’s about aligning your actions with your goals and values.

As I found out, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing at all.