Many clients I work with in therapy often share a common concern: they want to be more productive and disciplined. They feel the urge to do more and be more active. While striving for these goals can be a positive thing, it does make me wonder: Why do they feel the need to be energetic all the time? Shouldn’t there be a leeway to be lazy sometimes? Why do they feel as if sitting idle is something negative?

Guilt was a frequent emotion in these stories. As we go about our daily lives, we often measure ourselves against others. Whether it's through social media or simple conversations, we learn about our peers achieving a lot. The pressure intensifies when we observe those younger than us accomplishing more. This makes us feel: Am I falling short? Should I push myself even more? But in reality, this is an issue. The ongoing comparisons and the pressure of the ‘hustle’ culture we’ve imposed on ourselves are truly unfair.

I often advise my clients that the high standards we’ve set for ourselves can be pretty unfair. It’s important to recognise and value our journey—acknowledging how far we’ve come and the effort we’ve invested. Taking breaks and not constantly hustling is essential. Moreover, it is entirely okay not to be doing things at times. In fact, doing nothing during these breaks is highly encouraged. We should embrace being spontaneous and genuinely enjoy the moment for what it is.

Enough research has been conducted to display the benefits of staying idle. Not doing anything can boost our creativity, improve our focus and memory, and increase overall productivity. Although it might seem counterintuitive, it is true. The longstanding belief that more effort equals more rewards, shaped by the influence of capitalism, has guided our lives for a long time. This approach isn’t beneficial.

However, even after managing to overcome guilt, another troublesome feeling often takes root: boredom. Even when we allow ourselves time to take breaks, restlessness creeps in. We feel as if we’re squandering our time, leading us to reach for our ever-present modern tool: our cell phones. I’ve fallen into the same trap as well.

Despite my best efforts, resisting the urge to use my cell phone when I was idle or bored proved challenging. I’d find myself spending minutes and hours mindlessly scrolling, which negatively impacted my mental well-being, especially in the mornings. It would be very hard for me to feel fresh and energetic to start my day.

Interestingly, I discovered that the simple act of observing and being outside on my terrace, without any specific activity, was more rejuvenating than checking messages or emails. Engaging in this stillness provided me with the energy to carry that vitality throughout the rest of my day.

Boredom, surprisingly enough, can be beneficial. In my experience, it offered me a chance to recharge and become more observant. What we choose to do with the free time that we have matters. Knowing what to do and what not to do can make a huge difference. Remembering how we daydreamed as kids can be a valuable practice now. Letting our thoughts flow and daydreaming can be quite enriching. Meditation is another way to embrace idleness; although it’s not always easy to start, practice makes it more comfortable, and it becomes easier to navigate this state of nothingness.

We can start small. Allotting even a few minutes every day can be helpful to establish this habit. Find a quiet spot away from technology, then simply observe and let your thoughts wander. This exercise can be enjoyable on its own. Once those few minutes seem easy, we can start to increase the time and gradually it becomes a habit.

Also, considering we’re engaged in mentally stimulating tasks at work, opting for less stimulating tasks during our breaks helps our minds recharge. Instead of TV or books, a walk in nature, bird-watching, or gardening can foster this mental relaxation.

Ultimately, when we set aside time to genuinely do nothing and savour the moment, we find a balance between work and leisure. This prevents us from becoming work-focused to an extreme or being overly idle. It helps us release guilt and welcome boredom as a beneficial tool, not something harmful. Relearning the art of doing nothing is a lesson worth revisiting for all of us.