The year is drawing to a close, to-do lists are ramping up, ‘self-care’ has been erased from the vocabulary, and we’ve reached that time-warp part of year where we all have full social calendars yet none of us are seeing each other – can someone explain this one to me? Then, when asked to write an article on productivity, I shuddered. As a mum, being productive isn’t a choice, it is a social demand. So, to give your overloaded brain a break, here are five unproductive activities to help you re-engage with your inner child and fill your joy cup.
1. A device-free outing
In a recent outing to the supermarket, instead of the usual Freddo I buy myself (as a pat on the back for adulting), I chose an artisanal yoghurt in a cute little glass pot. After consuming this delectable treat (in my car, in my garage with a spoon I found on the floor) I admired the chicness of the pot and imagined it sitting on my desk full of flowers. I decided to go for a device-free walk and pick tiny flowers for my tiny vase – just for the fun of it. The playfulness of it, the fact I didn’t then Gram about it later, felt liberating.
2. Break the Rules
To be clear, I’m suggesting you break the rules, not the law. Think about a rule in your house. For us, it is around screen time and ice-cream. From sunrise to sunset, I am explaining to my toddler why we can’t have both in excess. When you’ve thought of the rule – break it and break it hard. For me, it’s watching two movies in a row, during the day, while eating a tub of ice-cream. Did I feel guilty? Yes. Did I love the hell out of the experience? Erm, yes.
3. Go shopping, with no intention to buy
Our digital lives mean we’re no longer tactile. Remember shopping in-store, picking up the fruit to inspect it for bruises or run your hand across the fabric of a coat? This exercise is all about touch. Visit your local village and browse through the shops. Touch anything that draws your fancy. Pay attention to the texture, the temperature and how it feels against your skin. But don’t buy – that would be too productive. Just enjoy the sensation of being in the world.
4. Listen to music
Of course, I listen to music, but always while doing something productive. I never just sit and listen anymore. For this activity, I suggest finding some grass to lie in, have snacks close by as you’re going to be there for a while, preferably a whole album- remember those? Bonus points if you have noise-cancelling headphones so you can immerse yourself in the music.
5. Ride a bike to nowhere
As a kid, I used to go for bike rides with my friends, just for the fun of it. It wasn’t about exercise; it was about freedom and adventure. Pick a route that takes you past neighbourhoods and streets you haven’t visited in a while. Be nosey, check out people’s gardens, look in their windows, smile and wave at the people on the street. Be present to your surroundings.
There you have it, five unproductive ways to do what seems like absolutely nothing but may just be the most enjoyable part of your day. Also, did you notice a theme? Mostly this is about getting away from your device, the tool that has turned us into endlessly productive machines. Also note, these are all free activities – unless you buy the artisanal yoghurt and ice-cream, but that is a worthy purchase.
Candace is an award-winning screenwriter and copywriter who works with CEO’s and industry leaders to elevate their social profiles. Find out more on Instagram @candacelittlewriter and visit candacelittlewriter.com