It’s OK to Not Always Be Productive

I recently wrote this article about how to be aware of your free time.

It seems that all I have in mind is productivity. So I’m here to tell something in the opposite direction.

As well as we need to improve our productivity, to avoid and dodge all those distractions carrying us away from our goals, we also need to unplug our brains, from time to time. To recharge and come back stronger.

But don’t use it as an excuse for procrastinating!

Sometimes we just need to stop and take a step back from our objective. Think of something else, just to avoid burnout. It’s like working out:

Resting is part of the training.

So consider watching TV, playing video games, reading a novel, taking a walk somewhere, a light talk with a friend… anything that may act as a pause from your duties, your goal. Let your brain rest and work in the background, before turning it on again and going stronger.

But I know, you may not feel comfortable with total-idle time. Sometimes I am, some others I’m not. When I cannot help but be productive at all costs, I try to channel this energy into something useful, yet relaxing. It can be anything.

Some chores you’re procrastinating. Some gardening, or DIY.

There are times in which I feel I can’t even start doing what I must do. But still I feel guilty doing nothing at all. On those occasions I found myself putting some WD-40 on a squeaky hinge, or cooking something for later.

It seems like I just found how to be not productive by still being productive. Not proceeding on my objective, yet doing something useful that keeps endorphins flowing.