Rest is Productive: The Science of Doing Nothing – Why Slowing Down Helps Your Brain Work Better (And Nature Does It Best)

There’s a certain irony in life: we often get so busy trying to ‘achieve’ that we forget the real secret to productivity lies in... doing nothing. If you’re like me, you’ve spent countless hours working yourself to the bone—whether it’s juggling endless to-do lists in your corporate job, studying until your brain feels like it might explode, or navigating the complexity of life’s personal challenges. You’d think that all that doing would result in some form of winning, right?

Well, I learned the hard way that doing all the time wasn’t getting me anywhere but burned out! That’s when I decided to leave my corporate job and become a full-time therapist.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t just drop everything and lie down on a beach with a cocktail (though that would’ve been nice). I still had plenty of work to do; admin, seeing clients, and building my practice…oh and I decided to write a little book at that time just for fun. But what I did have was space - space I hadn’t really had in years and years. And that was when something strange started happening.

At first, it felt odd. After years of running on adrenaline, I wasn’t sure how to fill the hours I now had. But, after a couple of weeks, I realised something that truly surprised me….the ad-hoc rests my body was forcing me to take were actually helping me be more productive. I knew this to be true, but I had never actually witnessed it first hand.

The way I worked before, productivity came from doing, checking off items from my to-do list to get tha mini-dopamine hit with each tick. But slowing down, taking a breath, and giving my brain time to just be…well, it turned out to be exactly what I needed to do my best work. Don’t get me wrong I still have a list (well 3 actually), but I don’t try to cram as much as possible in any more, knowing that with breaks, rest, exercise and being away from work sets me up for a very productive session next time. A kind of put down the stick and pick up the feather kind of mentality. I can hear you saying, “yes, but not all of us have that luxury”. But we all do. It doesn’t mean you get up, leave work and go for a quiet lie down at home, it’s about stop doing what you’re relentlessly doing, switching tasks and inserting proper non-tech breaks.

And let’s not forget, I didn’t start from a place of complete rest. I was juggling a busy life with my new career, managing my twins and schooling and all the complexities that come with adjusting to a new path. The pressure to keep going was still there, and honestly, even when I stepped into my new role, I needed and need to keep the pressure up to a certain extent to keep everything running effectively. But in between, I started noticing something unexpected, the moments of rest were becoming powerful tools to improve my focus and effectiveness and really helped me to focus on my client work and learning that I wanted to do to improve my knowledge in various areas,

Slowing Down: A Radical Act of Self-Care

As someone used to operating at a fast pace, the idea of slowing down wasn’t something I could just jump into. It felt strange, even a little uncomfortable and there were times where I felt that I wasn’t doing what I needed to. But the more I embraced small moments of rest, whether it was a five-minute break to sip a cup of tea or stepping outside for a brisk walk, the more I noticed that I was doing better work overall. Those breaks were like mini-reset buttons for my brain.

Turns out, there’s actual science behind this. When we rest, our brains aren’t just idle, they’re doing some of the most important work behind the scenes and this was backed up by my very useful dreams. Allowing my brain to rest, meant the night time was like a kind of therapy session, me waking up with answers and ideas. Not working until as late as possible and allowing myself to switch off at points, gave my neurons time to sort themselves out.

The Neuroscience of Rest

Here’s where it gets fascinating. Neuroscientists have been studying what happens in the brain when we’re not actively working. It’s when our brains enter what’s called the default mode network (DMN). In this state, our minds are busy consolidating memories, processing emotions, and making connections that help us understand the world around us. It’s like a deep cleaning session for the brain.

But here’s the kicker: if we’re constantly on the go, the brain doesn’t have the chance to enter the DMN. Instead of reflecting, sorting, and building connections, our minds stay in ‘doing mode’ without a chance to rest. The result? Brain fog, lack of creativity and reduced cognitive function and boy I know about that!

So, productivity doesn’t actually come from doing non-stop, it comes from balance. We need time to switch off, to let the brain do its behind-the-scenes work.

The Power of Nature: Resting with Purpose

One of the simplest and most powerful ways to slow down is to step outside and let nature do its thing. Nature isn’t just pretty to look at (though it’s very good at that). It’s a stress-busting powerhouse that calms our minds and helps us get back to a more balanced, clear-headed version of ourselves.

Research from the University of Chicago highlights how being in natural environments can significantly reduce stress, improve mood and even lower our blood pressure. When you step outside into nature, you’re not just slowing down, you’re actively shifting your brain into a state of restoration.

Imagine this: You’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, maybe work’s piling up or personal issues are getting in the way. Rather than retreating further into the whirlwind (as I did) why not take a stroll through a local park or along a wooded path? It’s more than just a leisurely walk, it’s giving your brain the chance to reset. I am an avid walker, but at my busiest times, ended up prioritising work over nature and this took its toll on my mental health; feeling exhausted and at times, pretty down.

When you step into nature, you’re not just relaxing; you’re actively re-engaging your brain’s DMN. Your body slows down, your thoughts slow down and nature fills in the gaps with its calming rhythm. That rustling of leaves, the sound of birds, the scent of earth and greenery - it’s a soul satisfier.

What’s the Big Deal for Therapists and Clients?

As a therapist, I see the benefits of slowing down both personally and professionally. For clients, the idea of taking breaks and allowing your brains to rest can seem counterintuitive at first. After all, we’ve been conditioned to believe that the more we do, the more we achieve and the better we look. But the truth is, the body and mind need balance and I encourage my clients to step away from the chaos, whether it’s through mindfulness, nature walks, or simply being rather than always striving. It helps that I am an ecotherapist, so I regularly get to walk outside with clients.

For therapists like me, it’s equally crucial. Our work can be mentally and emotionally draining, and without proper rest and recovery, burnout is inevitable. I have learned that taking time for myself, whether that’s through personal walks, reflecting in nature, or even just allowing myself a guilt-free lie down is not only necessary, it’s essential for my ability to show up fully for my clients.

Slowing Down Can Actually Be the Most Productive Thing You Do

In 2024, we’re still facing global stressors, from political uncertainty to the ongoing impact of climate change. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and feel like we have to keep going at full speed. But rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for our brains to process, recover, and adapt. And the good news? You don’t have to be a neuroscientist to take advantage of it.

So, what if we embraced the idea that rest is just as productive as work? Imagine the possibilities if we prioritised time for nature, creativity, and mindfulness as much as we do deadlines and to-do lists. Would we be more productive? More creative? More resilient?

I’d say yes. And I’m living proof of it.

Reference:

Bowler, D. E., Buyung-Ali, L. M., Knight, T. M., & Pullin, A. S. (2010). A systematic review of evidence for the added benefits to health of exposure to natural environments. BMC Public Health, 10, 456. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-10-456