A welcome antidote to our toxic hustle culture of burnout.Arianna Huffington
This book is so important and could truly save lives.Elizabeth Gilbert
A clarion call to work smarter [and] accomplish more by doing less.Adam Grant
We work feverishly to make ourselves happy. So why are we so miserable?
Despite our constant search for new ways to optimize our bodies and minds for peak performance, human beings are working more instead of less, living harder not smarter, and becoming more lonely and anxious. We strive for the absolute best in every aspect of our lives, ignoring what we do well naturally and reaching for a bar that keeps rising higher and higher. Why do we measure our time in terms of efficiency instead of meaning? Why cant we just take a break?
In Do Nothing, award-winning journalist Celeste Headlee illuminates a new path ahead, seeking to institute a global shift in our thinking so we can stop sabotaging our well-being, put work aside, and start living instead of doing. As it turns out, were searching for external solutions to an internal problem. We wont find what were searching for in punishing diets, productivity apps, or the latest self-improvement schemes. Yet all is not lostwe just need to learn how to take time for ourselves, without agenda or profit, and redefine what is truly worthwhile.
Pulling together threads from history, neuroscience, social science, and even paleontology, Headlee examines long-held assumptions about time use, idleness, hard work, and even our ultimate goals. Her research reveals that the habits we cling to are doing us harm; they developed recently in human history, which means they are habits that can, and must, be broken. Its time to reverse the trend thats making us all sadder, sicker, and less productive, and return to a way of life that allows us to thrive.
Dive into a revolutionary exploration of work, life, and well-being with Celeste Headlee's *Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving*. This reprint edition, published by Harmony in 2021, offers a powerful antidote to the relentless pressure of modern life, urging readers to reconsider their relationship with productivity and redefine what truly matters. In a world obsessed with optimization and peak performance, *Do Nothing* challenges the prevailing narrative that equates busyness with worth. Headlee, an award-winning journalist and host, meticulously dismantles the deeply ingrained belief that constant activity is the key to happiness and success. Instead, she argues that our relentless pursuit of more is actually making us more anxious, lonely, and ultimately, less productive. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of insights from history, neuroscience, social science, and even paleontology, Headlee unveils the relatively recent origins of our workaholic tendencies. She exposes how societal pressures, fueled by industrialization and a culture of consumerism, have conditioned us to measure our value by our output. Through compelling research and engaging anecdotes, *Do Nothing* reveals that these modern habits are not only detrimental to our well-being but also unsustainable in the long run. Headlee doesn't simply criticize the status quo; she offers a practical and inspiring path forward. She encourages readers to reclaim their time, embrace idleness, and rediscover the simple joys of being present. *Do Nothing* is not about laziness or shirking responsibility; it's about strategically prioritizing rest, reflection, and meaningful connections. It's about recognizing that true productivity stems from a balanced life, where work is not the sole determinant of self-worth. Throughout the book, Headlee challenges readers to question their assumptions about time management, efficiency, and success. She explores the detrimental effects of multitasking, the importance of boredom, and the power of disconnecting from technology. She offers actionable strategies for breaking free from the cycle of overwork and cultivating a more fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle. *Do Nothing* has resonated deeply with readers seeking a more balanced and meaningful existence. Lauded by prominent figures like Arianna Huffington, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Adam Grant, this book has sparked a global conversation about the importance of slowing down, prioritizing well-being, and redefining success on our own terms. It's a clarion call to reclaim our lives from the tyranny of the to-do list and rediscover the inherent value of simply being. This paperback edition contains 288 thought-provoking pages. Weighing in at approximately 227 grams, it's a perfectly portable guide to reclaiming your life, one mindful moment at a time. Authored by Celeste Headlee, ISBN-13: 9781984824752 and ISBN-10: 1984824759. Categorized under Ethics, this book is more than just a read; it's an investment in a healthier, happier you. Discover the transformative power of doing nothing and unlock a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.