Did You Know That Doing Nothing Can Improve Your Wellbeing?

We are lead to believe that our self worth completes us and that it can only be accomplished when we are busy, super productive and chasing our goals or ticking off the items from a multitude of daily ‘to-do’ lists.

In order to keep up appearances, we’re desperately trying to fill every minute of the day, most of the time with insignificant activities like scrolling through social media.

But, is it productive? Don’t you feel exhausted and close to burning out?

Doing nothing can be seen as lazy, but I’ll tell you a secret: it is actually way more productive to be unproductive whilst taking some time off to do… nothing.

Science backs up this claim: a study led by UCL and published by The Lancet back in 2015 has shown that working long hours is linked to a higher risk of stroke.

The relationship you have with yourself is the most complex, compelling one, and yet we often fail to prioritise it. Make sure it can be the most productive, complete one you have by not being afraid to switch off.

How?

Learn to unplug

Don’t be afraid to take time away from things that drain your energy. Actually, it is the moment of mental reset and nothingness that leads to being productive. Just like letting the pencil become blunt and then sharpening it again, you can take time to remove all the external links.

Unplug from any form of stimulus, clear your mind and recognise yourself again in the moment of absolute relaxation so when you get back to your activities, you’re more focused and chilled.

Let it go

Let go of having to do something.

Let go of having to be busy to feel productive.

Let go of having to prove yourself to others.

Let go of feeling exhausted all the time.

Ask yourself:

What habits are keeping me stuck?

What type of routine do I have that needs to go?

What needs to get changed so I can make space for new, more productive things to happen?

Who needs to go?

(Sadly, sometimes it’s a relationship that is draining you; pay close attention to people you surround yourself with and notice if you feel zapped of energy when you are with them.)

Set clear goals:

What is the most important change that I need to work on right now?

How am I going to evoke change?

What tools will I use to make it come about?

Remember this:

• No one can get to know your body and mind as well as you do.

• Your body is the highest counsel - listen to it.

• Working on yourself helps find peace and tranquillity in mind.

• Regular self-development practice should not be based on judgement or fear.

• Getting comfortable with yourself, trusting yourself can bring surprising results.

• Sleep or rest allow your body to log off to serve you more efficiently. Logging off your body is as important as logging off your mind.