Peaceful. Calm. Relaxed. Remember what those felt like? In the age of productivity, we’ve learned to maximize our time and make every minute count. With TiVo, we’ve even discovered a new way to make recreational television watching an activity to be checked off the to-do list. (Got groceries? Check. Cleaned the shower? Check. Cleared out last week’s episode of Prison Break? Check.)

In the march towards efficiency, we’ve made some very serious sacrifices. Think about it: when was the last time you were completely unproductive? I’ll give you a minute to think back that far… It’s time to reclaim our free time by practicing the Lost Art of Doing Nothing.

I’ll give you fair warning: the first time you try these techniques, you may feel strange, and even slightly uncomfortable. However, with time, please rest assured that it will become easier and even quite pleasurable.

  1. Remove any productivity enhancers from your immediate vicinity. This includes computers, PDAs, to-do lists, phones, and any books that are not written by Judith Krantz or feature a monster or Fabio on the cover (Was that redundant?).

  2. Cleanse the area of productivity enablers. Bosses, children, certain spouses, and family members are often enablers of the productive lifestyle. If you’re to truly embrace doing nothing, you’ll need to be free from any disapproving stares (at least until they start joining you).

  3. Select a position that will provide optimum comfort. The most common position is laying lengthwise on a couch or divan, though recliners are another popular locale. You may also choose to lay directly on the floor and stare at the ceiling for maximum nothingness. You may also choose to utilize auditory data to enhance the nothingness experience. Seventies rock and early ‘90s pop are officially recommended.

  4. Commence doing nothing.

Add Value by Accomplishing Nothing

Okay, this all turned out a bit more facetious and satirical than I originally intended, but I believe in it nonetheless. It’s okay to do nothing every once in a while. Not every post in your reader has to be read, just like not every minute of the day has to be spent accomplishing something.

Give your mind and body a break. Whether you choose to simply listen to music, to snooze, or to just stare at the walls, you’re creating balance in an otherwise busy life. Take a few moments each day, or some big moments when you can make time, to practice the Lost Art of Doing Nothing.

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