Doing Nothing

 

When I was in second grade, I read a children’s book called “Let’s Do Nothing!” Reading the book made me think about the concept of how to do nothing. And, after a bit, I came to the conclusion that it is literally impossible; you are always in some place in some posture (for the characters in the book, it was sitting). Also experiencing contradictions: you cannot simultaneously not breathe and not hold breathe at the same time. I later learned from a Google Search that “doing nothing” refers to the act of existing with engaging in any purposeful activity, which by my definition would mean lying on the floor or sitting somewhere stilly for chunks of time, staring blankly at the ceiling, a wall, or my computer screen. 

I used to, in elementary and middle school, think that spacing out was bad. After all, why would it be good? It is not mandatory for functioning like eating and sleeping, thrilling like playing with friends, informative like exploring the endless field of knowledge waiting for me to explore, or rewarding like improving a skill. I believe that because time is limited, I need to use what I have to the fullest. Thus, I always had this mindset of “I should be doing something productive.”

But, during the pandemic, I found myself often doing the “nothing” that I condemned before, so much so that it remained a bad habit even after COVID diminished and life returned to somewhat normal again. Every time I snap from my blank stares, I would tell myself to go write, walk, draw, basically do anything that would not be too demanding. Even so, I usually couldn’t bring myself to physically follow through or nevertheless get up. Maybe, being stuck at home alone for so long has made me lazy.

Still, I found that spacing out was actually quite relaxing; it lets me forget about my negative emotions and stresses. That is, until I realize that I have untouched assignments that need to be finished soon, in which I then start panicking and get going. So, overall, I think “doing nothing” is not a waste of time, as long as it does not contribute much to procrastinating important matters at hand.



Currently my essay is a bit short. It would help to receiving suggestions regarding what else I could add.

Comments

  1. SarisaApril 2, 2025 at 11:57 AM

    I really like how you set this up! You talk through each age/stage after you read the book, from thinking that spacing out is impossible to enjoying it. I really like the full circle. I think you can add more stories. Maybe pick out a specific point to talk about and reflect on? For example, you can add something more about how you though spacing out was bad. Is there a specific moment you can reference? You can also talk more about spacing out and how your opinion on doing nothing has changed. Overall, you kept a great casual tone, and I really enjoyed reading what you wrote. Great job Kaylee!

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  2. Henry WangApril 2, 2025 at 11:59 AM

    Hi Kaylee,

    I agree, it does seem like we are always doing something, whether that be an action or the absence of it. Though Google's definition spans only "purposeful" activities, I feel that this is highly subject, as is "something productive". How are we to know that doing nothing might not be the most productive activity at the moment? Rest is just as important as everything else after all. I agree that spacing out feels quite relaxing. To not have any troubles on the mind, to sit and escape from life's distraught, despair, and distaste, and to relax our stressors might be something that I strive for in every waking minute.

    Overall, great thoughts! To help with the length, I'd suggest perhaps conducting a mini-study on yourself at home over the weekend or after school, just doing nothing for a few minutes, an hour, or even a few hours. It might bring revelations.

    - Henry

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