Why you may feel like doing nothing  

June 10, 2025

I set aside time today to write my weekly blog as I have been doing for a long time. And I didn’t feel like writing anything. I wasn’t feeling the energy, I didn’t feel any inspiration. No topic that I examined seemed to fit.

After a bit of frustration, I decided to sit outside in the garden, put my feet in the grass, and read a book just for the fun of it.

And I realized maybe this is my message for you this week: for us to allow ourselves time to rest, to listen to our bodies and know when it’s time to pivot, when it’s time to change course.

And rather than push through and do what is on our calendar, to listen to our body and give it what it needs so that we can rest up and be refreshed for the next day. So that we can keep doing what needs doing in the long run without depleting ourselves.

Reasons why you may feel like doing nothing

It’s quite unusual for me to feel like doing nothing so I took a moment to investigate as to why I might be feeling a little off. This is what came to mind:

1. I’m tired

That’s possible since last week was a very full week but not likely on Monday after a relaxing weekend.

2. I’m getting sick

I don’t think so but time will tell.

3. I need time to integrate

This seems the most likely reason as a speaking engagement last week opened up doors to all sorts of new possibilities. Whenever we go through change we need time to integrate.

What is integration?

To me integration is finding a new balance inside yourself with changes that have been going on. It’s a way to process and merge the new with the old. Basically it feels like taking time for things to fall into place—a process that’s going on beneath the surface and it tends to go faster when you give yourself space to be and surrender to what your body needs.

Integration often feels like a waste of energy and time because nothing seems to be happening. But carving time out to integrate change is important and a crucial element of change we can’t ignore. Or not without paying the price.

When I force myself to continue because I have a deadline or a long to-do list it’s never very effective, and everything takes much longer than needed.

After I take time for integration, I am so much more creative and productive. It’s as if my system then has the energy and focus again to move forward. It’s no longer hitting the brakes in an effort to get my attention.

How can you take time for integration?

By pausing long enough to wonder what you feel like doing—rather than proceeding with your scheduled tasks. Give yourself permission to follow your instincts and do exactly that which speaks to you. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, taking a nap, baking a cake, staring at the sky, etc.

When you realize you are not getting much done, or don’t feel like working at all: pause for a moment. Ask yourself whether you perhaps need time to integrate something. You don’t even need to know exactly what that is.

Taking time for integration will save you time, energy and headaches. You can read more about integration here. By the way, taking time to slow down when you’re tired or on the verge of becoming sick is equally important of course.

Reason 4

And maybe, just maybe, you’re simply feeling lazy. And there’s nothing wrong with that from time to time. 🙂 We can’t always be productive. In fact, there are some risks to always feeling the urge to be useful and do things.

Whenever you feel like doing nothing I recommend you take a moment to pause and wonder why that may be. Sure it could be that you’re stalling or resisting the doing of something. But if that is rare for you, I’d recommend simply giving yourself a few hours off.

Science also supports the importance of rest:

“Even in our brain’s resting state—when we are not directly focused on a task—it’s still active, engaging its “default network” to plug away at problems, examine and toss out possible answers, and look for new information. We may not be able to control these processes completely; but by learning to rest better, we can support them.”

Chances are you’ll feel rested and rejuvenated and will get things done much faster after taking a well-deserved break. Like I did, getting this blog finished after all 😉

What is your body trying to tell you today? Give yourself permission to listen. And if you’re curious (or perhaps worried) about your energy balance you can take my free Burnout Scan^TM here.

Need support navigating your life? Iris van Ooyen is your guide to hope when life feels uncertain. In the moments when you feel lost and don’t know where to turn, Iris offers clarity, support, and a path forward. She’s the author of Radiant: How to Have All the Energy You Need to Live a Life You Love. Contact Iris to help you navigate life’s pivotal crossroads with confidence and purpose.