In a fast-paced world, people are constantly overwhelmed and exhausted. Students are encouraged to stay busy and maximize every minute in a day. But when the topic of doing nothing comes up, it’s often shamed, being associated with the idea of being lazy. But what if taking time to do absolutely nothing has better benefits for health and well-being?

Improves decision-making

Taking time to do nothing isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity for brain function. When the brain is constantly being bombarded with lots of rich information and decisions, it becomes fatigued, leading to poorly thought-out or impulsive decisions. Taking intentional breaks to reset the brain allows the mind to process information subconsciously and leads to a clear mind and improved judgment. 

Neuroscientists have found that when not actively engaged in a task, the brain’s default mode activates in the moment, helping to process emotions, reflect on the past and plan for the future. When students are at rest, their brains subconsciously kicks in to do work, which is when information tends to be best understood. By stepping back and allowing mental breaks, rash decisions can be avoided – therefore proving that productivity isn’t always about constant action. 

Prioritizing self-care

When students’ minds are perpetually under pressure, they often forget to prioritize basic self-care. As a high schooler, it’s common for students to overload their brains with too much information, neglecting basic necessities such as eating, sleeping and even personal hygiene like brushing their teeth. 

However, neglecting these essentials only adds to stress and pressure built up. Taking breaks from stressful environments helps to not only prioritize oneself, but also to prioritize one’s well being and inner health. 

Increased creativity

Have you ever overexerted yourself on trying to think of something, only for the idea to come to you when you’re doing absolutely nothing? Sometimes, students can be the most productive when they least expect it. 

Evidence suggests that taking breaks throughout draining tasks can enhance the default mode of the brain, which is associated with memory, creativity and even problem solving. Think about it for a moment. Most good thoughts and ideas come from random activities, like “shower thoughts” and ideas after taking breaks or getting a good night of rest. 

The next time you are stressing yourself out over not being able to come up with something or struggling with memorization, walk away and take a break. Chances are you’ll be able to come up with the idea much faster than stressing over it. 

Improved productivity

Ironically, taking time to rest and do nothing can actually boost productivity by giving mental rest. Doing too much at once blocks full potential and can mentally lead to burn out. Taking a break to just relax helps the brain process information and recover from intense long periods of focus. 

Breaks can be from five minutes to ten minutes long for every hour of work you do.This break idea aligns with the Pomodoro Technique, which suggests working for twenty five minutes followed by a 5 minute break. Longer breaks, around fifteen to thirty minutes, can be beneficial after several hours of work. 

Ultimately, the length of a break can be as long as is needed, essentially until the brain feels refreshed and ready to tackle work again.

Activities to give your brain a break

If you don’t want to completely do nothing but are still desperate for a break, here are some low-stress activities to do while resting:

• Take a nap
• Take a bath
• Work out 
• Read a book
• Go on a walk 
• Listen to music 

Benefits on mental health

Overall, taking a break can severely improve your mental health. By creating the idea that less is more, doing less does not have to be a form of laziness but a mandatory step to reach mental well-being. A slower pace creates space for mental peace, including emotional stability and a healthier, more fulfilling life. Sometimes, the most effective approach is to just pause. 

In a world that never stops going, it is time to do nothing as an act of self-care to avoid burnout. This doesn’t mean that you should always procrastinate and forget about priorities, but rather emphasizes the importance of balance and refrain from overwhelming yourself.

So the next time you feel the urge to fill every minute with busy work, remember that doing nothing might be one of the most productive things that you can do for yourself. Embrace the art of doing nothing!