Hi
When everyone else is racing to tick off their to-do lists, squeezing more into their day, chasing big goals or trying to conquer the latest productivity hack, you might feel the pressure to keep up.
But here’s the truth, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is … nothing.
Yes, that’s right. Do nothing.
We live in a world that glorifies and rewards busyness and high achievement. But not everyone thrives in the fast lane and that’s okay. Productivity isn’t the same for everyone. While others are burning the candle at both ends or cramming a five-day workweek into four days, it’s okay not to compete or compare yourself with
them. It's better to understand your needs, go at your own pace, and find what works for you.
Why Doing Nothing is Productive
Our culture often equates rest with laziness, but rest is an essential part of productivity and success. It’s like a battery, you can’t keep going at full power and expect to perform at your best if you never stop to recharge.
Taking a pause, whether it’s for a few minutes, hours or a whole day, gives your mind and body the chance to recharge and reset.
- Use time limits (Pomodoro) for focused work time and
breaks.
- Take time out between tasks to stretch, go for a walk, reset.
- Set start and end times to your day to allow time to recharge.
As Winnie the Pooh so wisely
said, sometimes it’s just about sitting and thinking—or just sitting.
I’ve worked with many people who live with invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses, or experience regular energy dips. For them, keeping up with a 90-mile-an-hour pace is neither realistic nor healthy. They often only have a few
productive hours a day. If it’s a struggle to even get out of bed some days, pushing harder isn’t the solution. Rest is.
And don’t forget the times when you’re physically unwell, cold and flu season, anyone? When you’ve been knocked down by illness, what your body needs most is recovery time. Trying to soldier
on or doing too much when you’re still under the weather, often does more harm than good. Rest gives you time to recover and bounce back quicker.
The Right Question
So, when you feel run down, overwhelmed, or unwell, start by asking yourself this simple question:
“What’s the right thing for me to do right now?”
Sometimes, the answer might be to tackle a small, manageable task. Other times, it’s to curl up under a blanket with a cup of tea and just rest.
This isn’t about making excuses or “opting out.” It’s about listening to your body and doing what it needs. It’s an act of self-care and self-awareness.
Come Back Stronger
Taking time out doesn’t mean you’re failing. In fact, it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your long-term success. Step back when you need to, allow your mind and body to recover, so you can return stronger, sharper and ready to tackle what matters and give your best.
When I work with clients, many feel relieved and grateful when I tell them it’s okay to take a break. Together, we reprioritise tasks and create a plan that matches their energy levels, finding practical ways for them to move forward without feeling stressed or burning out.
Because the reality is this: pushing through when you’re running on fumes is a fast track to stress and burnout. Recognising when you need to pause is a strength, not a weakness.
Spot the Signs
If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or unwell, take a moment to reflect and pay attention. Are you running on autopilot or pushing through when you need to rest? Ignoring the signals won’t make them go away, it only makes it harder to recover
in the long run.
Recognising the signs and giving yourself permission to rest before things spiral out of control is key to managing your time and energy effectively.
Tip: Check in with yourself each morning when you wake up - where are my energy levels today? Then plan your day accordingly.
It's Not a Competition
You don’t have to live up to someone else’s definition of success or try to match their pace. Not everyone is wired the same way, and that’s a good thing. Some people thrive on speed, while others work better with a slower, steadier rhythm.
It’s not about comparing yourself to others. Recognise your own needs and act accordingly. Rest when you need it, push forward when you can and respect your limits.
