When I was a teen, I loved the concept of productivity. I wasn’t aware of this term per se but had somehow found my way to a routine that kept me busy. There was never a day when I could say that ‘I don’t feel like doing anything.’
Of course, once I uncovered the idea of wellness, I was naturally drawn toward other fulfilling aspects of life.
Self-care became a soothing and necessary part of my routine, my mental health became a top priority, and I was a person more in tune with her inner self than I’d ever been before.
These days, you’d find me working at my laptop during the daylight, and catering to my well-being after the sunset. It’s a healthy balance of productivity and wholeness, something I am proud to have cultivated.
But if I said I am living the perfect life, it’d be a big lie. I have phases when nothing makes sense, and there is this overwhelming need to stay put and not move at all.
My past self would cringe at me even admitting this out loud, but here is an honest and bold declaration.
Today I Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything
And you know what? It’s not the end of the world.
I have my whole life to be a superwoman and get things done. But if my present demands that I do nothing, I owe it to myself to do just that.
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If you’ve been in a similar blue mood lately, then I’d love to share some of my smartest ways of dealing with this lazy-hazy phase.
Keep reading to discover the 13 things you can do when you don’t feel like doing anything.
What To Do When You Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything
1. Take A Mental Break
The workaholic in you might balk at this idea, but taking a mental break is a wise choice for your health. Your life is much more than a series of tasks and long work hours.
It’s okay to let go for a few hours (or days, even) to let yourself rest and reset. Consider it to be your hibernation mode.
This means putting your work on pause, turning your phone off, silencing your exasperating thoughts, and doing whatever the heck you want to do (even if that includes doing nothing at all.)
For better understanding, check out these 11 signs of mental exhaustion and learn how to deal with mental burnout.
2. Pamper Yourself
When nothing seems to hold your interest, it’s a good idea to turn all your energies inward. Since you’re in no mood to entertain any external obligations, you are free to pamper yourself to your heart’s content.
Put on a face mask to nourish your skin, or buy a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Buy something from your wishlist, compliment yourself by looking in the mirror, and make space for self-love.
The goal here is to make yourself feel lavish and exquisite, something that will naturally boost your mood and lift your spirits.
3. Take A Shower And Relax
Did you know that a warm shower can improve your mental health? It’s a wonder formula for dealing with stress, sadness, and anxiety. And my friend, it might be just the thing you need to regain interest in your routine.
Use a shower to hit the refresh button on your day. Make the water warm, use a scented body wash to soothe your nerves, and open yourself to the healing tendencies of the water.
Once you step outside, leave all your worries behind, and indulge in a post-shower routine to make you feel good.
4. Do Some Soul Searching
Do you know what’s the first thing I do when I don’t feel like doing anything? I lie on my back while staring at the ceiling, and indulge in a few daydreams.
This is my way of doing some much-needed soul-searching, something you can’t do when you’re in the throes of a busy routine.
So, in a way, this might be the most productive use of your unintrigued self. And kid you not, you’d be surprised at the revelations of your inner callings.
Related: 21 Ways To Lift Your Mood
5. Watch Something
As I said already, my productive side is in the background at the moment, and I just want to stretch like a cat and stay in bed all day long.
But honestly, I’d rather make use of this time and do something to engage my brain. And yes, watching a show or a movie absolutely counts. Pick something from your favorite genre or jump onto an unexplored fandom.
I usually latch onto a well-known show, but this time I decided to binge something different. I picked an anime called Attack On Titan, and my lazy brain is loving gorging up the suspense.
6. Organize Your Wardrobe
If nothing around you seems appealing, how about organizing your wardrobe? It’s a simple chore that won’t take much of your energy, but would be great to bust any pent-up stress you might be holding onto.
Re-fold your clothes in neat bundles, arrange them nicely and get rid of the things you don’t use anymore.
By the time you’re done, you’d have made good use of your time and also successfully cleaned one messy corner of your room.
Recommended Post: 35 Little Things That Can Make You Happy
7. Be Kind To Yourself
It can be easy to berate yourself in moments of confusion, but doing so never helps. In fact, it sabotages your chances of getting your life back on track.
Don’t punish yourself for a lack of productivity. As we discussed before, it is not the sole purpose of your life. Negative self-talk is not allowed. Period.
Celebrate every little victory, but also pat yourself on the back for your efforts whenever you fall, especially on the days when your inner child is not in the mood to do anything.
Basically, learn how to be kind to yourself in every situation. It’s a skill that will take you far in life.
8. Journal
Journaling should be a part of your daily routine. It helps you sort through your unspoken thoughts and visualize them. It’s also a popular activity for organizing and planning your goals in advance.
According to a 2006 study, people who journal regularly are successful in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. I can attest to this fact myself.
If journaling is your go-to mechanism for dealing with negativity, and boredom, and sharing your positive thoughts, you’ll never find yourself at a loss for things to do.
9. Let Go of The Future
It’s pointless to worry about your future when all you want to do is lie still. Fixating yourself on your tomorrow only adds to your anxiety, delaying your process of recovering from a low point.
So, bring your focus to the now. Take this opportunity to teach yourself the value of living in the present.
Read The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It is a wonderful guide to spiritual enlightenment for people who are looking to grow and nurture their souls.
10. Go On A Solo Date
A self-empowering woman doesn’t need a man to make her happy. And believe it or not, you are that woman. I turn to the concept of self-dating in my low-energy forms, and it works like charm every single time.
When you don’t feel like doing anything, plan a solo date and then just go for it. This is your opportunity to know yourself better.
Head outside for a breezy walk in your best outfit, or curl up with a book and a cup of coffee. Take a lavishing bath with soft music, or cook yourself a nice evening meal.
For more inspiration, check out my unique list of solo date ideas.
11. Check Up On Your Emotions
What was the last time when you sat with your emotions? Your feelings are, after all, an integral part of your well-being and deserve a chunk of your time.
Sometimes, when you lack the motivation to do anything, it’s because your emotions are not in alignment with your wellness. There might be some self-realizations waiting to unravel or some strong emotions that need to be let out.
It’s important to be mindful of such inner activities. Master the art of emotional self-care to be in tune with your brain’s needs. You’ll get stuck less often and also be happier in life.
12. Plug-In Some Music
Say what you might, there is never a wrong time for music. It’s a magical thing that can transform your brain’s energy and lift you up like nothing else.
Plug in your favorite music playlist, sprawl on the bed, and close your eyes.
Let yourself get lost in the songs that you have a deep connection to. Recall the nostalgia associated with this music, and engage all your being with the melodies playing in your ears.
If there is nothing in particular that you feel like listening to, try this relaxing music and take a healing nap.
13. Be Still
If you don’t know what to do, just be still. I picked up this trick about a year back, and have held it close to my heart ever since. It has helped in countless moments of self-doubt and restlessness.
Whenever you’re struggling to be interested in your routine, first learn how to be calm; it will be your saving grace.
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Secondly, let go of your affinity for staying busy. There is nothing special about being in a constant rush. A wise person knows the beauty of slow living and embraces it wholeheartedly.
It’s Okay If You Don’t Feel Like Doing Anything
There are days when you accomplish all your goals and feel like a boss. Your energy is high, your spirits stay spiked, and your mind is in a brilliant zone. The world is an oyster in moments like these.
But dear reader, we are humans and are made up of infinite feelings and emotions. There doesn’t need to be a reason for you to feel low. You are entitled to rest and do nothing but breathe.
So do just that. Hold on to your true self, be quiet, and allow yourself to breathe fully. It’s just as important as being up on your feet and running.
Enjoyed the post? Tell me about your favorite tip from this article, and I’ll write back to you as soon as possible. 🙂
Stephanie says
A great list of tips in this article. I think I will try the ‘solo date’ today!
Akansha says
Oh, you’ll love a solo date. I make sure to try something by myself at least twice a week and it does wonders for my mental health.
Katherine says
This is a fab post. We all go through stages of not wanting to do anything, but somethings doing “something” can help us relax and reset!
Akansha says
So true, Katherine. The important thing is to listen to our heart and just give it what it wants.
Amanda says
Love this article, it took me many years to give myself permission to do nothing on days when I didn’t feel like doing anything. There was so much guilt about just sitting around. Now I enjoy taking a day to do nothing when I need to and I feel so much better without any guilt.
Akansha says
Thank you for your comment, Amanda. I know doing things for or by yourself can be guilt-inducing. I was struggling with something similar a few years back. But glad to know we both figured out the importance of self-care. All of us deserve only the best treatment from ourselves.:)
anatureescape says
This post was definitly speaking to me today! It is hard to sit still, these are great tips!
Akansha says
Hey, there. I am happy to know you liked the tips. Keep visiting, it’s always great to hear from you.
Brandi Finchum says
Yes!!! I love all of these ideas and I have done most of them at some point in my life. Thanks for writing this post. It will definitely help someone in need!
Akansha says
Thank you, Brandi. So happy to know you could relate.
Julie Shahin says
A grey reminder that life isn’t a race! Thanks for sharing your helpful insights.
Julie Shahin says
That should be “great” not grey. LOL
Akansha says
Haha, that’s alright. And yes, life is never a race. It’s a lot of other real and beautiful things, but never that. Thank you for commenting, Julie.
Isabella says
The idea of letting go of the future really stuck with me. Thanks for sharing. I’ll simply add this point to my routine and try to relax more.
Akansha says
Hi, Isabella. Proud to know that you’re ready to be free of your future worries. We all have things we need to work on, but recognizing our old patterns is crucial before summing up the will to break them. I wish you loads of success and happiness in your endeavours.
Michelle says
Oooohh!! I super love the idea of organizing your clothes! I ALWAYS have drawers to refold but never do. Totally going to keep this in mind for next time I need a little push of something to do but unsure of what to actually do!
Akansha says
I find that super relatable, Michelle. There have been countless occasions when I’m just lying in bed wondering what to do. Somehow horseriding or signing up for a karate class seem like brilliant ideas, all while my disorganized cupboard is staring me right in the face, lol. But I’ve started using this tactic more often and it really helps. Hope you feel the same.