“Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.” Lao Tzu’s timeless wisdom cuts through the chaos of modern life, challenging the very essence of how we spend our time. How often do we claim to be swamped, yet find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of unproductive activities? The truth is, many of us are masters of the art of “busy doing nothing,” filling our hours with mindless TV marathons, endless internet scrolling, or smartphone games that devour our time without offering real nourishment.
Nicole Liloia knows this all too well. She, like many of us, has fallen into the trap of false busyness. There were days when she’d tell herself she deserved a break, only to fill that supposed downtime with distractions that left her feeling more drained than refreshed. She’d juggle reading, watching TV, and texting simultaneously, a frenzied attempt to multitask that ultimately led to burnout. Her focus waned, her work suffered, and she found herself trapped in a cycle of exhaustion, all because she couldn’t bring herself to truly do nothing.
Our obsession with appearing busy is a curious paradox. We convince ourselves that we’re entitled to downtime, yet we’re reluctant to embrace it fully. We fear that true rest makes us look lazy or unproductive, so we fill our time with activities that give the illusion of busyness. We want others to see us as constantly on the go, just like them, even if it means sacrificing our own well – being.
Liloia’s turning point came when she left a stressful job and embarked on a solo journey through South America. Far from the familiar trappings of her daily life, with no work to bury herself in and no devices to distract her, she was forced to confront her thoughts and feelings head – on. At first, the experience was terrifying. Alone with her emotions, she felt anxious as sadness, anger, and worry bubbled to the surface. But as she allowed herself to feel these emotions without distraction, she began to release them, and in the process, she found true rest and rejuvenation. She also discovered that without distractions, she could fully embrace positive emotions like excitement, happiness, and joy with a newfound intensity.
The good news is, you don’t have to travel to a far – off land to experience the benefits of doing nothing. In our daily lives, there are countless opportunities to embrace stillness, yet we often overlook them. We rush through a walk in the park, checking our phones instead of noticing the beauty of the changing leaves. We meet with friends not to enjoy each other’s company, but to compete over who’s more overwhelmed. We go to the beach with our families, only to get frustrated when our kids want to play, distracted by a book we feel obligated to read.
These so – called “nothing” activities that we use to fill our time are actually barriers, preventing us from forming deep connections with others and with ourselves. They contribute to our feelings of fatigue and unease, leaving us constantly chasing after a sense of calm that seems just out of reach.
So, here’s a challenge: give yourself permission to truly do nothing. Whether it’s sitting on a park bench, taking a nap, enjoying a cup of coffee while people – watching, having a conversation focused on happy memories, lying in the backyard to watch the clouds, or getting lost in a light – hearted book, choose an activity that allows you to be present in the moment. And most importantly, leave your phone behind or turn it off.
The first few attempts at doing nothing may feel uncomfortable. It’s natural to feel restless or anxious, especially if you’re used to constant stimulation. To make it easier, treat this time as an important appointment with yourself. Schedule it in your calendar, just like you would a haircut or a workout. Before you begin, set the intention that you’re going to embrace stillness and that it’s okay to do so.
The rewards of letting go of the need to be busy are numerous. You’ll experience a newfound sense of relaxation, with stress and tension melting away. Your focus will improve, allowing you to be more productive when you do engage in work or other activities. You’ll form deeper, more meaningful connections with the people around you, and you’ll develop a greater appreciation for the simple joys in life.
In a world that constantly demands our attention and time, taking a step back to do nothing is a radical act of self – care. It’s a chance to reconnect with ourselves, to recharge our batteries, and to experience the world in a more profound way. So, isn’t it time you gave yourself the gift of doing nothing?
