Time for doing nothing

I’m nearing the end of my summer break, which included a 4-day camping trip to the Peak District. And to be honest, the whole time I’ve been on holiday, I’ve found it difficult to truly switch off. In the high-pressure world of academia, there’s a pervasive belief that every moment should be dedicated to work. Conference presentations, publication deadlines, funding applications, and teaching responsibilities create a never-ending to-do list, where it’s possible to simply never have any downtime.

Always on in academia

This “always-on” mentality is fuelled by:

• The competitive nature of academia.
• The precarious job market.
• The belief that more hours equal more productivity.
• The ease of access to work through digital devices.

This environment fosters a culture where rest is seen as a luxury at best, and a sign of inadequacy at worst. But here’s an idea: you deserve rest, simply because you’re human, and your worth isn’t determined by your h-index or the number of papers you publish. By allowing yourself genuine downtime – without the need to justify it – you reclaim a part of your humanity that the academic grind often overshadows. This time allows you to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the world outside your field of study.

Practical strategies to help you do nothing

1. Implement a digital sunset: Set a specific time each day when you turn off all work-related digital devices. Considering installing any of a wide range of apps to help you block access to work-related apps after this time.
2. Schedule ‘blank’ time in your calendar: Block out at least two hours each week for unstructured time. Treat this time as seriously as you would a meeting with a colleague and use it for activities that are not goal-oriented: take a walk, sit in a park, or simply daydream.
3. Practice the ‘untouchable day’ technique: Designate one day per month as completely off-limits for work. Use this day for activities that rejuvenate you: hobbies, family time, or pure relaxation.
4. Adopt a ‘reactive task’ moratorium: Choose one day per week where you don’t respond to non-urgent emails or requests. Dedicate this time to proactive, meaningful work or personal activities that don’t involve reacting to others’ demands.

Taking time off isn’t about optimising your work performance. It’s about living a full, balanced life where your academic pursuits are just one part of who you are. It’s about giving yourself permission to exist beyond your professional identity. So the next time you feel the urge to squeeze in some work during your day off, remember: rest is not a reward for productivity. It’s a necessary part of being human, and you deserve it, regardless of what you’ve accomplished today.