Undeniably, ‘time’ is life’s most expensive commodity and in an era where productivity and efficiency are highly prized, the idea of "wasting time" might be looked upon as disdain and counterintuitive. It is enquiring the ‘compulsion’ to fill every spare moment with productive tasks and the cultural narrative that equates busyness with worth. 

The art of wasting time requires us to reframe our understanding of idleness, recognizing that downtime is not inherently wasteful. The shift in this perspective will allow us to see unstructured time as an opportunity for growth and rejuvenation.

Contrary to the belief in the philosophy that with lack of purpose everything we are doing is just a waste of time… it is affirming that finding and fulfilling our goal and vision requires us to be more relaxed and chilled, and not inessentially frown and stress over it all the time. 

We must also check if our busyness isn’t an addiction, just because we cannot handle boredom doesn’t mean we have to keep doing all sorts of antics to keep ourselves occupied. We sometimes are even ready to do anything and everything to ‘kill’ time. This is not about killing time, but to deliberately put the moments of boredom to use.

The art of wasting time clearly doesn’t mean harming ourselves by over drinking or chain smoking, or sticking around a group of gossip mongers in the ‘Fear of Missing Out’. It doesn’t mean giving into boredom or forcing ourselves into something that we don’t want to do. It is not about engaging in an activity but in inactivity, or futile activity.

Isn’t it true that much we do during our life is so that finally we can relax and be happy. Moreover, the modern technological advancements are intended to make our life easy and relaxed. But in an ever-expanding universe there is always so much to do. So, if rest and relaxation is not deliberately brought in to the present moment it will always be beyond. 

In the digital age, wasting time has taken on new dimensions. Social media, video games, and streaming services offer endless avenues for distraction, consume our time disproportionately, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled. Setting boundaries, such as limiting screen time or choosing content that inspires and educates, can help us make the most of our digital leisure.

From simple activities like gazing out of a window, doodling, or taking a leisurely walk with no set destination, to spending time meditating in the woods, beaches, or mountains or a place in proximity to the nature can anchor us in the here and now. Momentarily disappearing entirely from the world outside, simply escaping in to our inner world leaves us with the experience of deep relief and relaxation. Have we ever been so quiet and still that we can feel our heart beat or subtle movements? 

These moments act as mental respites, allowing us to disconnect from the relentless pursuit of productivity and reconnect with our inner selves.

We can even become childlike engaging in play purely for its own sake, free from concerns about productivity or outcomes. Playing a musical instrument to participating in a sport, to indulging in a hobby. These activities will surely provide an escape from the rigors of daily life, offering joy and freedom that are essential for our overall well-being. 

We fear that we will lose our motivation if we are relaxed and laid back, however we are not aware there is different kind of energy and inspiration that emerges from relaxed state, kind of impulse that creates magnificent work of art, moments of compassion and rare genius. It gives us clarity by allowing the mind sufficient time to process information it has gathered.

Allowing ourselves the freedom to "waste" time can stimulate our brains in unique ways. Daydreaming, for example, activates the default mode network (DMN) in our brain, a system linked to creativity and problem-solving. These periods of apparent inactivity allow our minds to wander freely, making connections and generating ideas that structured, purposeful time might have stifled.

Historical narratives illustrate this point poignantly: Isaac Newton's contemplation under an apple tree led to the formulation of his gravitational theory, or when Archimedes entered his bath tub, created the theory of buoyancy, a law of physics fundamental to fluid mechanics. 

Even though hard work and efforts are inevitable, but direction and clarity are prime. So, if you are stuck for you next deadline, do give yourself some time to waste, for “The soul has all the answers the challenge is to silence the mind!”

MFN Trainer and Head of 

Operations of Daksha: rishabh.shah@daksha.net