How to Do Nothing

For those of us who are non-stop workaholics, doing nothing can actually be pretty difficult! If you're like the Energizer bunny in that you keep going, and going, and going, here's how to stop once in a while and just do nothing.

Steps

Plan ahead. Whether it's an hour, a day, or a week of doing nothing, cancel all of your appointments for that block of time.
Let people know that you'll be unavailable. Whether you choose to tell them that you're actually setting aside some time to do nothing, or you just give them the vague explanation "I'm going to be busy" (busy doing nothing!), tell them not to call, visit, or interrupt.
Find a quiet, private place where you feel unpressured to do anything. This might be your bedroom, the garage, the car, or a local park. Find that place and go there.
Set your watch or an alarm to go off when your "nothing" time is over, so that you don't have to constantly look at the clock and count the minutes. Turn off your cell phone, and maybe even all other phones within your reach.
Sit quietly by yourself. Stare off into the distance and let your mind wander. Avoid the temptation to turn on the TV, listen to music, write a note to yourself, get a bite to eat, or whatever. The only thing you should do is go to the bathroom if needed.
Learn how to meditate and clear your mind. That way, not only will your body be doing nothing, but so will your mind. Since your brain is constantly working, learning how to give it a break can provide a major sense of peace and regeneration.

Tips

Setting aside some free time to do nothing once in a while can actually be healthy for your mind, body, and emotional life, especially if you find that you're really wearing yourself thin. How often you do nothing is up to you, but it should be a rejuvenating experience overall.
Once you get good at doing nothing, you can use this time and energy to think of things, instead. Like planning. This would not be doing "nothing," but thinking while shutting out the world. Focusing on one thing this way will help you to concentrate better than having your mind zoom over a million thoughts a minute.

Warnings

At first you may feel nervous, jittery, and restless. Try to relax and understand that doing nothing does not mean that you're being unproductive or irresponsible. Ultimately, setting time aside to recharge your batteries will make you more productive, creative, and more able to concentrate in the long run, and that's very good for work, school, or other.