Doing Absolutely Nothing (and why you need more of it)

Lately, I’ve been trying to learn something new: how to do absolutely… nothing!

Sounds simple, right? But let me ask you - when was the last time you did… nothing? NOTHING AT ALL!

When was the last time you just let the day unfold at its own pace? No rushing, no multitasking, no planning, no adulting or even thinking about adulting - just you, fully present in the moment, enjoying some peace. Can you even remember?

For the longest time, my mind has been on autopilot - constantly planning, thinking, worrying, and ticking off the next thing on my never-ending adulting list. Honestly, it’s like my brain forgot where the “off” switch is. And every time I try to slow down, an invisible productivity police officer shows up in my head, sirens blaring: “Sir, you’re being unproductive! Step away from the couch!”

We live in a world that loves to glorify the hustle. Don’t get me wrong - I’m all for working hard and chasing dreams. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t giving myself the space to just be. To recharge. To reconnect with the little things that actually make me happy.

So, I’ve started to embrace the beauty of doing nothing. And let me tell you, it feels weird at first. My brain protests, my hands twitch to check emails, and I swear my to-do list starts whispering my name from across the room. But once I push past that discomfort, it’s pure magic.

Doing nothing means flipping through a book without caring if I ever finish it. Going for a walk or drive without a final destination. Lying on my back, staring at the ceiling while music plays in the background, thoughts drifting like clouds. Or my personal favorite - grabbing snacks and watching a movie in total silence, wrapped in a blanket like a human burrito.

These tiny, seemingly “unproductive” moments? They’re actually huge for mental health. They’re like little refresh buttons for your soul.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in overdrive, here’s my advice:

Try doing nothing. Slip into your comfiest clothes, put your phone on silent, and just let yourself exist. No guilt. No pressure. No expectations. It’ll feel weird at first, but trust me - it’s a gift you deserve to give yourself. This isn’t laziness; it’s recharging. It’s preparing yourself for what’s next.

Who knows? In the stillness, you might just find the clarity, peace, or joy you didn’t even realize you were missing.

Now, I challenge you: Can you spend 10 minutes today doing absolutely nothing? Let me know how it goes!

- with love. JiHun -