Look, I’m gonna say something controversial
We’re all completley obsessed with being productive. It’s like we’ve forgotten how to just… exist. I’m talking about the art of doing nothing, and why we Singaporeans need to chill out more often.
My wake-up call
It was about three months ago, over coffee at the place on 313@Somerset. My friend Marcus—let’s call him Marcus because he’d kill me if I used his real name—said something that stuck with me. “You know, Sarah, we’re always running around like headless chickens. When was the last time you just sat and did nothing?”
I was gonna say something smart, but then I realized… I couldn’t remember. Which… yeah. Fair enough.
We’re all about hustle culture
Singapore is a city that never sleeps. And neither do we. We’re always on the go, always chasing the next promotion, the next big thing. I mean, have you seen the lines at Starbucks at 7am? It’s like a marathon just to get your caffeine fix.
But here’s the thing: it’s not sustainable. We’re not machines. We need to rest, to recharge. And by rest, I don’t mean scrolling through Instagram in bed. I mean actual, real, honest-to-goodness downtime.
The science of doing nothing
I did some reading—yes, even us lifestyle writers do research sometimes—and it turns out there’s actual science behind this. According to a study by the University of Illinois, taking breaks can actually make you more productive. Who knew?
And it’s not just about productivity. Doing nothing can also help reduce stress, improve creativity, and even make you a better person. I mean, I’m not sure but I think we could all use a bit more of that.
But how?
So how do we, as a society, start to embrace the art of doing nothing? It’s not easy, especially in a place like Singapore. But here are some tips that have worked for me.
First, schedule it in. Yes, really. Put “do nothing” in your calendar. It might feel weird at first, but trust me, it works. I started doing this last Tuesday and already I feel less… frazzled.
Second, find a quiet spot. This could be a park, a library, even your own home. Somewhere you can sit, relax, and not feel guilty about it. I’ve found that the rooftop garden at my condo is perfect for this. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset.
Third, turn off your phone. I know, I know. It’s hard. But try it. You’ll be surprised at how much more you can relax when you’re not constantly checking your emails or scrolling through social media.
And finally, don’t feel guilty. This is probably the hardest part for me. But remember, doing nothing is not a waste of time. It’s an investment in your mental health. So go ahead, be lazy. Your body (and your mind) will thank you for it.
A tangent about naps
Speaking of doing nothing, let’s talk about naps. I used to think naps were for the lazy or for kids. But then I met this woman, let’s call her Dave, at a conference in Austin. She told me about the benefits of napping, and I was hooked. I mean, who doesn’t want to be more alert, more creative, and less stressed? Sign me up.
So now I nap. Not every day, but when I can. And you know what? It’s amazing. I feel more rested, more energized, and more ready to take on the world. So if you’re not napping, you’re missing out.
But what about all the things that need doing?
I hear you. There’s always something that needs doing. The laundry, the dishes, the 214 emails in your inbox. But here’s the thing: it’ll all still be there after you’ve had a bit of downtime. And you’ll be in a much better frame of mind to deal with it.
Plus, have you ever noticed how much more productive you are after a good break? It’s like your brain has had a chance to reset, to recharge. And then, when you’re ready, you can tackle that to-do list with renewed vigor.
So go ahead, be lazy
In conclusion—I mean, not in conclusion because I don’t do those—just remember that it’s okay to do nothing. In fact, it’s more than okay. It’s necessary. So go ahead, be lazy. Your body (and your mind) will thank you for it.
And if you’re looking for some inspiration, check out this önerilen makaleler okuma listesi. It’s a great place to start.
About the Author
Sarah Lim is a lifestyle writer who’s been living the Singapore dream for the past 20 years. She’s written for pretty much every major publication in the city-state, and she’s not afraid to share her opinions. When she’s not writing, she can be found napping, reading, or exploring the city’s many food spots. She’s a firm believer in the power of doing nothing, and she’s not afraid to tell you all about it.
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