Just Do Nothing! Why Doing Nothing Is Good for You (and How to Do It)

Be honest, are you also that 'done'? Your to-do list is endless, your inbox is overflowing, and you've already gotten coffee three times without finishing it. Sound familiar? Then this article is for you. Because doing absolutely nothing isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. And yes, that's okay.

When's the last time you truly did nothing? Not checking your phone, not folding laundry while watching Netflix, not finishing something "quickly." Just... nothing. If you're having to think right now, you're not alone. We've collectively forgotten how to do nothing.

And that's a shame. Because it's precisely in those moments of silence that so much happens. Your mind rests, your creativity is unleashed, and you? You get some breathing room in that constant stream of musts, wants, and cans.

Why We're So Bad at Doing Nothing

Somewhere along the way, we've come to see "doing nothing" as lazy. As a waste of time. As something you should only do when everything is done (spoiler alert: it never is). We'd rather scroll through social media than stare out the window. We fill every minute, as if silence is scary.

But here's the thing: your brain needs that downtime. Just like your muscles need rest after a workout, your mind needs a break from all that input. Scientists call this the "default mode network," the state your brain goes into when you're doing nothing. And it's precisely in that state that your brain processes information, makes connections, and comes up with the best ideas.

Those AHA moments in the shower? No coincidence, then.

Doing nothing is not the same as doing nothing

Just to be clear: doing nothing doesn't mean lounging on the couch all day with a bag of chips (although that's okay sometimes). It's about consciously setting aside a goal. Not chasing productivity. Not multitasking.

The difference with lazing around? Lazing around often feels like you "should" be doing something else. Consciously doing nothing is a choice. You give yourself permission to just be without performing. That might sound vague, but it's actually very practical: you prevent yourself from feeling completely drained one day.

This is how you approach it (because yes, you can even learn to do nothing)

Okay, you're convinced. But how do you do that? Here are a few ideas that really work, without requiring you to set aside an entire day.

• Take a bath without your phone. Seriously, put that thing in another room. Let the water get nice and warm, throw in a bath bomb, and stare at the ceiling for half an hour. It feels strange at first, but you get used to it.
• Drink your coffee or tea mindfully. Not while emailing, not while scrolling through Instagram. Just sit, drink, and savor it. Sounds simple, and it is. And yet we almost never do it.
• Go outside with no destination. No podcast, no music, no goal. Just walk and see what you encounter. The neighbor washing their car, that one tree starting to bloom, the cat on the wall. All free entertainment.
• Take a power nap. Twenty minutes, no longer. Set a timer, close your eyes, and let your mind wander. If the timer doesn't wake you up, you probably needed that sleep.
• Stare out the window. Yes, really. No book, no phone, no plan. Just watch what's happening outside. Clouds drifting by, people walking by, birds fighting over a piece of bread. Your brain loves it.

Also nice this...

But I don't have time for nothing!

I hear that one often. And I get it, really. Between work, kids, housework, and social obligations, there doesn't seem to be a minute left. But here's a thought: when you don't have time to just do nothing, you probably need it most.

Start small. Five minutes in the morning before everyone wakes up. Or ten minutes in the car before you go inside. It doesn't have to be an hour. Even a few minutes of mindful silence can make a difference.

And you know what also helps? Stop feeling guilty. Rest isn't a reward for hard work—it's a prerequisite for functioning at all. You don't have to earn it.

Even nothing is actually a lot

Maybe "doing nothing" isn't even the right term. Because in that apparent emptiness, all sorts of things happen. Your batteries recharge. Your stress subsides. Your mind becomes emptier and therefore clearer.

So the next time you find yourself completely exhausted, your mind racing, and you don't know where to begin, stop for a moment. Literally. Sit down, breathe, and do absolutely nothing for a moment. It's not lazy. It's not a waste of time. It's exactly what you need.

Ready to slow down?

Take this free Make it Slow challenge from Happlify . This will teach you to hit pause and get your mind out of gear.