Building Contentment in a Busy World

However, doing less can also exist in the moments when we aren’t doing anything.

If we make the conscious effort to eliminate things from our schedule and create a day where the intention is to rest, we also have to pay attention to our mindset during those times of rest. If we are doing “nothing” and internalize judgments about doing nothing, then the nothingness is no longer restful.

Doing less helps because it is the antidote for what we already do but doesn’t seem to work.

If we are doing something enjoyable but our mind is fixed on the following day’s stressful meeting or presentation, then that enjoyable thing is no longer enjoyable. We must be mindful of the present and actively edit our internal dialogue so that it promotes the benefits of restfulness.

Research shows that mindfulness, rest, sleep, and engaging in hobbies improve our mood and, in turn, our quality of life. It is easy to be caught up in the chaos of life. 

Success doesn’t only mean the number of followers gained or the number of dollars earned. Success as a writer — or whatever profession you are pursuing — also must include the quality of your work and the inspiration gained from the topic.

Doing less helps because it starts to give our minds and bodies permission to exist, to relax, to take a breath. Making space in our lives to unplug and rejuvenate. Doing less gives room in your life to do things that inspire you and make you feel at peace.

The average person spends between 7–9 hours on screens every day. Also, the average person only completes about 40% of the tasks on their to-do list. We are operating in this space of nothing and everything. We consume all this content and yet complete little on our list.

We are filling our days in ways that leave us feeling perpetually behind. We always have things that must be done, and we never have the time to do those things. Doing less forces us to pause and gain perspective. It attends to the emotional centres of our lived experience neglected by to-do lists and screen time.

Think about how this foolish-sounding idea might help reduce your stress levels and force you into a state of mindfulness. Notice how the simplest of shifts could — if you open your mind to it — have the most significant impact on your overall wellbeing.

• Schedule your hobbies
• Go to bed a half hour earlier
• Turn off your music in your car and just drive
• Take your lunch break by yourself
• Go outside
• Set a reminder to breathe