What are we doing when we're doing nothing?
What are we doing when we're doing nothing?
On Saturday mornings, I tend to wake up early, brew a (too large) pot of coffee, and pet my dog, Henry, while scrolling social media on my phone. It’s easy for me to lose a lot of time to my phone—be it on social media or playing my latest word game obsession (currently Typeshift). Soon enough, it’s 11am and I’m feeling like a waste of space. Like I’ve lost *hours* to doing nothing and have failed to make the most of the day. How could I possibly be productive now?
I know I’m not alone in feeling like every last moment must be dedicated to moving some piece of work forward (or learning something new or doing something that is productive in some way, like laundry or walking my dog). At the same time, this isn’t a healthy way for me to approach my day nor my life.
These thoughts are especially prevalent right now because my institution is on break. Between now and January 23rd, my time is my own (for the most part). Yet, there’s so much to do! I need to make progress on several projects, including a revision. I need to submit a massive IRB application. I also need to revamp my course and build out my course sites ahead of the spring term. So, when I find myself “wasting time,” I get frustrated and question my commitment to my work and my ability to succeed in my chosen profession.
So, it’s time for me to take a step back and reevaluate what it means to “do nothing” or even “waste time.”
What are we doing when we’re doing nothing?
We’re resting. Sometimes we just need to step away from work (whatever it is that feels like work, scholarly and otherwise) and give ourselves the freedom to take a break. We are better humans, better partners, better friends, and better scholars when we rest. Don’t wait until institutional or holiday breaks to step away from your work — commit to building in breaks throughout your week (and help your friends do the same!).
We’re (re)connecting. We often push people aside in our quest to get that one last thing done. Yet, foregoing the opportunity to connect with others is detrimental to our own health and well-being (don’t take my word for it). I know I need to be more intentional about creating space for social connection and welcoming it when there’s opportunity to do so. Importantly, I need to connect with others without feeling like I’m doing so at a cost to my work. We are not machines and we shouldn’t strive to operate like one (and besides, even machines regularly need breaks!).
We’re welcoming new opportunities. I enjoy letting my mind wander and this is easier to do when I’m “doing nothing.” When scrolling social media, I’m reminded of past events or even learning about new events to check out. Relatedly, when “doing nothing,” we may be nurturing new interests! Early in the pandemic, I was into puzzles. Later, I got into embroidery, paint-by-number, and latch hook (in that order, I think). Did I ever excel at any of these things? No! And, once they became frustrating and/or boring, I admittedly quit. Yet, quitting these things was quite liberating. So often (too often, perhaps), I feel compelled to see things through and forget that sometimes my enjoyment should come first. More generally, knowing how and when to quit something is quite a useful skill to have. So, quit away (you know what I mean)!
We’re showing kindness to ourselves and others. “Doing nothing” can be an act of kindness, not only for ourselves, but for others. Yes, we need rest. Yes, we need to connect with others. Yes, we need to explore new (and old) opportunities. In addition to these things, we also need to carve out opportunities for kindness. Whether that’s treating ourselves to a special drink (I’ll take a latte!) or creating space for a friend to express their needs, stepping away from our work is one way we can put some more kindness out into the world (of course, we can be kind through our work, but that’s not what I’m talking about here).
We’re existing. Existing can be exhausting. Sometimes we just need to “do nothing” and appreciate that that’s all we can (and should) do. We don’t need to produce things to bring value to the world.
SOME EXTRA STUFF
Looking for last-minute gift ideas for the scholars in your lives? Check out my post on “gifts that keep on giving”!
Want to nail your behavioral science (e.g., psychology, education, sociology, marketing) PhD interviews? Join us for a free 3-hour workshop on January 17, 2023 covering all things interview prep! Attendees will hear from folks at different career stages committed to demystifying the hidden curriculum. Register at this link.
Looking for some writing accountability in 2023? Consider joining the #100DaysOfWriting community as we embark on our 10th Round! We welcome folks across all disciplines and career stages. Register at this link.
See you in 2023!
How to reach me: You are always welcome to email me (letstalkgradschool@gmail.com). You can also find me on Twitter @tweetsbymidge and Instagram @letstalkgradschool.
Want to support my #hiddencurriculum efforts? Consider “buying me a coffee” via Ko-fi. All funds will be put back into my Let’s Talk Grad School initiatives (i.e., weekend groups, buying/mailing books, etc.). Learn more about my efforts here.
Let’s give away some books: Readers located in the United States are eligible to enter the book giveaway to receive a copy of A Field Guide to Grad School by Dr. Jessica Calarco. To do so, complete this survey and note that you only have to complete it once to be entered in all subsequent giveaways! I do hope to expand the reach of the giveaway; however, at the moment, the shipping costs are too great to scale. If you’d like to talk about ways your institution could secure an electronic (or hard) copy, please let me know.
Until next time!
Margaret
Not an exhaustive list!