18 - The Power of Idling: Finding Peace in Everyday Moments

Last week I had the pleasure of listening to a talk by Tom Hodgkinson, the British writer, co-founder and editor of The Idler magazine. His philosophy, in his published books and articles, is of a relaxed approach to life, enjoying it as it comes.

I will admit, I was sceptical to start. I have always been driven towards something, a fitness goal, career goal, personal development, or generally balancing my time between all the things I want to achieve. Did I really want to listen to someone talk for an hour about being idle which to me was synonymous with being lazy? Well, turns out I am glad I did. 

The concept of idling does often bear a negative connotation. However, Tom redefines idleness as an art form and a pathway to a more balanced and fulfilling life, referencing the stoics such as Diogenes and Socretes who were experts at this alternative way of living. Tom spoke of simple ways to incorporate idleness into our daily lives, such as doing nothing whilst the kettle boils, or just simply having a lay in. 

Key themes of idling:

1. Reclaim Your Mornings: Mornings should be a time of gentle awakening, free from the rush of modern routines. Allowing ourselves to linger in bed, daydream, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
2. The Joy of Doing Nothing: One of the central themes is finding joy in simply being rather than constantly doing. Allowing ourselves the freedom to do nothing can lead to greater creativity, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
3. Embrace Leisurely Pursuits: Engaging in activities purely for pleasure is important. Whether it’s reading, gardening, or taking a leisurely stroll, these pursuits provide a necessary counterbalance to our work-oriented lifestyles. 
4. Disconnect to Reconnect: In a world hyper-connected by technology, we need to unplug regularly. Spending time away from screens allows us to reconnect with nature, our thoughts, and the people around us.
5. Celebrate the Siesta: The afternoon nap, or siesta, is praised as a rejuvenating practice. Various cultures still incorporate napping into their daily schedule, demonstrating its benefits for mental acuity and overall health.

In my mind I would love to be more idle, but there is simply too much to do and I also have bills to pay. I also have a strategy to work hard now, so I don’t have to later. I am very passionate about my job in aviation, not only is what I do pretty amazing, but the better I perform the better the company does and the more I am remunerated. This then allows me to achieve my financial goals sooner. I also get excited about building my own coaching business to help as many people as I can to find their purpose and create their dream life too. I put so much time and effort into these area's of my life, whilst also being a mother and partner, that idling is not something that I have much time for right now. 

There are some profound benefits of idleness, as you can imagine with a lifestyle that values leisure and reflection over the relentless pursuit of productivity. Tom seems to champion the idea that idleness is not about laziness but about reclaiming our time and using it to develop our creativity, relationships, and self-awareness.

I couldn't agree more. I only got to understand exactly what it is that I want in my life through pausing, slowing down and listening to my inner thoughts. I spent months journalling about what success looks like to me, what I want out of my life, and just as importantly what I don’t want. 

Download my free journalling resource, 50 questions to ask yourself HERE.

I am also a huge advocate of getting enough sleep, I go to bed early and like to rise early to make the most of my most productive time. It is so important for your mental and physical well being. So whilst I agree with Tom that getting enough sleep is important, I am not an advocate of huge lay in's. Power naps however, are a must if you aren't feeling great! If I had a bad night sleep or a late night due to an event, then I would 100% make the time for a 20 minute power nap.     

So, in reflection there are times when I am intentionally idle. But does being intentional defeat the purpose of "idling"? One for future debate with Tom perhaps.

As I shared, I have a plan. If I work hard now, I can be more idle later. So I choose to be less idle, and I try to be as efficient with my time as possible. I actually enjoy this too, engaging in varied activities and responsibilities not only keeps my mind sharp but also brings a huge sense of accomplishment. 

Having a specific goal to aim for (financial independence), keeps me motivated to keep moving forward and making the most of every opportunity. It is exciting and rewarding, and I don’t get the same level of satisfaction from being still too often. 

Life is not solely about achieving milestones and ticking off to-do lists. The key concepts of idling resonate deeply, encouraging a shift in mindset towards valuing our time as our most precious resource. Embracing idleness has the potential to enrich our lives, foster our creativity, and deepen our connections with others.

Perhaps I won’t embrace idleness in it’s full capacity just yet, but there are a few things that we can all incorporate in our lives:

1. Schedule Downtime: Just as you would schedule meetings or tasks, set aside time in your calendar for idleness. This could be a few minutes of quiet reflection, an afternoon nap, or an evening spent with a good book.
2. Simplify Your Mornings: Create a morning routine that allows for a slow start. Avoid checking emails or social media first thing, and instead, savour your breakfast or take some time to meditate.
3. Find Your Leisure Activities: Identify activities that bring you joy without the pressure of productivity. Make these a regular part of your life to balance out the demands of work.
4. Practise Mindful Unplugging: Designate specific times to turn off your devices and focus on the present moment. Use this time to engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you.

By embracing idleness, we can unlock greater creativity, improve our mental health, and build deeper relationships. But there is also something to be said for driving for productivity, continuous improvement which can provide a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Ultimately, the choice between idleness and busyness is deeply personal. It’s about finding a balance that works best for you, finding peace in everyday moments. So, whether you’re a champion of idleness or a devotee of busyness, recognising the value in both can lead to a richer life. My one piece of advice, listen to your mind and body, and it will tell you what it needs. 

Check out Tom's latest book 'Idle Thoughts' for 40 short squibs on how to live.

Always with love, 

Elsa x