When we were kids doing nothing was okay. Well not always, because we were introduced to chores early on. Parents were not able to drive us to one organized activity after the other, so we were expected to entertain ourselves. If we complained or whined about feeling bored, they would threaten to find “something” unpleasant for us to do. Needless to say we went outside, or to our rooms and did something, or nothing at all,
Doing nothing is too often equated with self-indulgence or laziness. Not true. We all need “time outs.” When your brain gets used to doing too much, you begin to think being anxious is normal.
When you stop focusing on “doing things”, the brain has a chance to go into default mode, and guess what? Creativity kicks in and problem solving occurs. Wow!
Busy people fear wasting time. God forbid if someone catches you sitting back with your eyes closed when you are supposed to be working. Strict supervisors often forget that the brain is always working.
It is not easy to slow down, to stop, and to do nothing. Instead of feeling guilty, you should be giving yourself permission to do nothing. Stop looking at your phones and other monitors. You don’t need technology regulating every aspect of your life.
When you spend your life moving fast, you come to believe that it is essential to your survival. Think about it: working, parenting, socializing, volunteering, maintaining your home or whatever. No wonder you are in a perpetual state of anxiety.
At what age or level of security does anxiety fade? It seems there is always something to be anxious about. What will happen if that drive starts to fade? Will you feel lazy, confused and dogged by your old hardworking habits? Can you get over asking yourself if you were productive today?
What will happen if you don’t rush off anywhere? The world is not going to end tomorrow if you allow yourself to take a nap, read a book, pet your dog or watch a favorite movie. Take a break. Do nothing and let your brain recalibrate. Reconnect with yourself.
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