Perhaps the most beneficial use of those fleeting moments we often overlook is simply doing nothing.

We all experience those brief intervals: waiting at a red light, standing for the next train, or reheating a forgotten meal. Surely, there’s something productive we could accomplish in those seconds, right?

Experts suggest otherwise, and their insights might surprise you.

“Just break the cycle of busyness, disrupt it, and take a moment to pause,” says Brigid Schulte, who discusses “time confetti” in “Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time.” “Simply pause. Do nothing. Take a walk.”

You might think you lack time for such pauses, but consider this: the next time you’re waiting for someone, why not take a moment for yourself?

Allowing yourself to take a break amid your daily rhythm may prove challenging. Schulte, a seasoned journalist and director of the Better Life Lab, highlights that we’re part of an “overwhelming, overdoing society.” To flow with this moment means resisting the tide of constant busyness. She encourages giving yourself grace as you explore a different path.

Doing Nothing (or what initially may seem like nothing)

“If we’re restless and end up mindlessly flipping through our phones or playing video games, our minds don’t get the chance to rest and rejuvenate,” states Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, MCC, and CEO of Clear Impact Consulting Group. “We remain in ‘task mode,’ viewing others more as objects than as human beings. We can manage more tasks but at the cost of our creativity.”

“When we dedicate a few minutes to quiet reflection, a brief moment of gratitude, or simply enjoy the calmness of doing nothing, we’re better equipped to be more compassionate individuals, effective leaders, and engaged workers, with clearer minds and open hearts.”

Is Your To-Do List Reflecting Your True Priorities?

“Once you've established a moment where you can just breathe and be, begin evaluating what truly matters to you,” Schulte advises. “You can't accomplish 700 tasks in a single day, but you can tackle one or two.”

She often finds herself caught in a “clearing the decks” mindset, where she thinks, “I can finish all these minor tasks, and then I’ll focus on the big ones.” While she acknowledges that crossing off small tasks gives a dopamine boost, it can lead to a day filled with little accomplishments that don’t bring us closer to what genuinely matters.

Schulte emphasizes that you’ll never have a completely cleared list. “There will never be a perfect moment to start on the big goals,” she asserts. “Just take that first step.”

Reflect

When evaluating your “time confetti,” Rothaizer suggests considering if your activities promote happiness, calmness, and fulfillment, or if they detract from these feelings. He asks: “Do they encourage us to treat others with respect and kindness, or the opposite? Do they help our minds stay clear and focused, or do they cloud our thoughts? Are our hearts open or closed?”

He notes that many people fail to reflect on how their recent actions influence their current state.

As you start to implement these practices, think about the larger picture. In a wealthy society, Schulte hopes we can all look around and find ways to support one another.

“Together, we can create a better society,” she expresses, emphasizing that achieving this requires time and awareness to realize that we have the power to effect change, both individually and collectively.