“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” - Anne Lamott
Last month, I was designing a workshop module on a topic that was new to me. I had all the thoughts and program flow ready in my mind. But as I began putting it down into a plan, I hit a wall. Not the “I need coffee” kind of wall but the heavy, brain-fog kind where ideas start looping in your head but go nowhere.
I had no idea what was happening. So I did something that I usually don't do. I shut my laptop, and took a nap.
It turns out, I needed that. When I came back to my desk, the plan that had felt impossible just… wrote itself.
That moment reminded me of something profound.
I often thought doing less is lazy and often berated myself, especially when I had created a list of things I want to get done. But I guess sometimes, the smartest way is to just take that break.
THIS break though isn't just about putting off things; it’s all about clearing your mind.
Neuroscience tells us that when our brains are constantly on, the prefrontal cortex- the part responsible for decision-making and creativity, gets fatigued.
When we pause, even briefly, we activate the Default Mode Network (DMN) which is the brain’s “background mode” that quietly sorts through thoughts, connects ideas, and sparks creativity. That’s why your best ideas often show up in the shower or during a quiet walk when your mind finally has the space to think freely.
Doing less allows us to :
Better decision-making because you’re not rushing through mental clutter
Stronger creativity as ideas surface naturally when your mind isn’t forced
Higher focus as fewer inputs mean deeper attention on what matters
Reduced stress because this mental white space calms the nervous system
In work, this could mean fewer meetings and more thinking time.
In life, it could mean pruning commitments so you can be fully present for the ones that matter.
When you give your brain space, it doesn’t idle. It regenerates.
THAT being said, doing less isn’t about walking away from ambition; it’s about walking toward clarity.
A few weeks ago, a client told me she cut her daily task list from 12 items to just 3 priorities. “I thought I’d achieve less,” she said. “Instead, I finally started making progress on what really mattered.”
So how you can start doing less to achieve more?
Here are some tips -
One Big Thing : Each morning, choose the one task that, if done, will make the day feel like a win.
Time Blocking for Rest : Schedule short “blank” periods in your day to let your brain reset.
Weekly Edit : Review commitments and ask: Does this truly align with my goals, or is it just filling space?
Daily downtime journaling : Try writing 5 mins each night: What gave me energy today? What drained it?
If you want to dig deeper into your personal productivity, here are some recommendations -
Books -
Essentialism by Greg McKeown - The disciplined pursuit of less
4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman - Making the most of your finite time
Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Pang - The science behind restorative breaks
Videos -
The Art of Slowing Down - 8 Inspirational Ideas by Aparna RK
The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer - Why we need moments of pause
My closing thoughts are these - slowing down isn’t about losing momentum, it’s about finding your rhythm. So take that break when you feel the need. It isn’t about laziness, it’s about creating space for clarity, energy, and purpose to return. Because sometimes, the pause is what powers the next leap.
Have a wonderful month!
Love and peace
Aparna
Love the tips.. something I can easily follow