I’m a recovering ‘busy-aholic’
Look, I’ll admit it. I used to be one of those people. The ones who’d brag about their lack of sleep, their overflowing inbox, their 36-hour days. I was a card-carrying member of the ‘I’m-so-busy-I-can’t-even’ club. Then, about three months ago, I had a mini breakdown at a coffee shop on 5th. Let’s call him Marcus, but he was basically my therapist that day.
Marcus said, ‘You know, Sarah, it’s like you’re trying to outrun something.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, my committment to being a functional human?’ He just shook his head. Which… yeah. Fair enough.
Why we’re all so damn busy
So here’s the thing. We live in a culture that glorifies busyness. It’s like we’ve made a social sport out of being overworked and under-rested. And it’s completley bonkers. I mean, when did we collectively decide that being exhausted was a badge of honor?
I asked a colleague named Dave about this once. We were at a conference in Austin, and he told me, ‘It’s simple. We’re all trying to prove our worth.’ And I think he’s right. We’ve bought into this lie that our value is tied to our productivity. Which is, frankly, a load of crap.
The great unplugging experiment
So last Tuesday, I decided to do something radical. I did nothing. For a whole day. No work emails, no chores, no errands. Just me, my dog, and a stack of books I’d been meaning to read. And you know what? It was amazing.
I started the day with a leisurely breakfast—something I haven’t done in years. Then I took my dog for a long walk. We explored a park I’ve lived near for 5 years but had never actually visited. It was like discovering a hidden gem in my own neighborhood. I spent the afternoon reading, napping, and just generally being present. It was glorious.
But here’s the kicker. I felt guilty as hell. Like, physically ill with guilt. Who was I to take a day off? The world wasn’t gonna stop spinning just because I needed a break. But you know what? The world didn’t end. In fact, nothing bad happened at all. The sun rose and set, my dog was happy, and I felt more rested than I had in years.
The power of rest
Rest isn’t just about sleeping more or taking a vacation. It’s about giving your brain a break. It’s about allowing yourself the time and space to just be. And it’s something we’re all terrible at.
I read this study once—okay, fine, I skimmed it—but the gist was that people who take regular time to rest are more productive, creative, and generally happier. And yet, we still feel like we’re slacking off if we’re not constantly on the go.
So why is that? Why do we feel like we always need to be doing something? I think it’s because we’ve lost sight of the value of rest. We’ve bought into this idea that our worth is tied to our productivity, and it’s a lie we keep telling ourselves.
How to start doing nothing
If you’re like me and you’re used to being on the go all the time, the idea of doing nothing can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. Start small. Take a break during the day to just sit and breathe. Go for a walk without your phone. Spend an evening reading a book instead of scrolling through social media.
And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try a whole day off. No work, no chores, no errands. Just you and whatever brings you joy. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Oh, and if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next vacation, check out the best travel destinations 2026. Trust me, you’ll need something to look forward to after a day of doing nothing.
A tangent about travel
Speaking of travel, I used to be one of those people who thought vacations were a waste of time. Like, why would I spend money to go somewhere and do nothing? But then I went to Bali, and it changed everything. I spent a week doing nothing but eating, sleeping, and exploring. And it was one of the best weeks of my life.
But I’m getting off track. The point is, rest is important. And it’s something we should all be making more time for. So go ahead, take a break. You deserve it.
And if anyone gives you a hard time about it, just tell them Sarah sent you. They’ll understand.
About the Author: Sarah Johnson is a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience. She’s a self-proclaimed ‘recovering busy-aholic’ who’s on a mission to help others find the joy in doing nothing. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring new parks with her dog or curled up with a good book. She lives in Austin with her dog, a cat named Whiskers, and a collection of half-finished knitting projects.
