Have you tried doing nothing lately?

Maybe once you’ve completed that thing, or somewhere in the middle of it, or even before you get to starting it, maybe try doing nothing. No screens, no talking, no stimulation. Try a low-exertion, physical task that isn’t actively entertaining you or making you money. Not for long necessarily, but just long enough for your mind to drift off, long enough for you to have to snap back to reality at some point.

This will be difficult. This will be boring. It will feel like “wasted time.” Initially, at least. But, after a bit, you will find you’re definitely doing something – thinking. But not the hard-at-thought, numbers-crunching, making-sense-of-House-of-the-Dragon-plotlines kind of way. Give yourself the time and lack of distractions, and you’ll slip into the loose, free-flowing, unstructured sort of thinking. The kind that actually provides some great benefits to enhancing productivity, effectiveness, and creativity. Doing nothing is a complementary tactic to goal-setting, creative problem-solving, and self-reflection.

Do nothing by using the idea of “soft fascination,” where you engage in an activity that requires only your most basic brain resources and just enough of your attention so that the rest of your brain can wander untethered. This activates what neuroscientists call the “default network,” regions of your brain at work when you’re not particularly engaged. And they also say that the “mind wandering may evoke a unique mental state that may allow otherwise opposing networks to work in cooperation.” With soft fascination, you’re engaging multiple regions of your brain that tend to not normally work together.

I’ve found two conditions to be excellent for soft fascination. I can slip into it easily while reading. If I allow my mind to disengage, my eyes will continue to track across the page, forming sound of words in my head, but my brain is entirely elsewhere, often without my awareness. A walk on a familiar path tends to do the trick, too. Some walk where I can put the brain on autopilot – or default mode – and I don’t have to think consciously of what turns to make, nor do I have to exert myself too physically. I’m amazed at the things I’ve been able to work out on a walk or while “reading” – new ideas to old problems, creative solves, clarity.

We’re so busy, stimulated, and goal-focused most of the day. Even when we’re not working, we’re plugged in to a screen, talking with someone, finding stimulation in some way. I think we don’t stop for rest because it feels wasteful or boring, but this science shows value in doing nothing.

Next time you’re feeling guilty about a break, remember this. Let your body do it’s thing, put your brain in neutral, and let your mind go. You might be surprised by the good ideas and peace you discover.

Go get ‘em this week.