Somewhere along the way, we started treating rest like a reward. Something we earn only after the to-do list is finished, the dishes are put away, the inbox is cleared. But let’s be honest, how often does that actually happen?

I’ve been learning (slowly, stubbornly) that rest is not the opposite of productivity. It’s a part of it. And in the rhythm of cottagecore living, rest isn’t lazy, it’s sacred.

So today, I wanted to write about the art of doing nothing. Not scrolling. Not multitasking. Just being. Let’s talk about how to reclaim it, why we need it, and how to enjoy it without that heavy feeling of guilt.

First: What Is Doing Nothing?

Doing nothing isn’t really about doing nothing. It’s the quiet things. Sitting with your tea and watching the rain. Lying in the grass and letting your mind wander. Sitting in silence without trying to solve anything.

It’s giving yourself space. Letting your nervous system breathe. And for many of us, that’s harder than it sounds, especially when the world moves so fast and praises busyness like it’s a badge of honor.

Why We Struggle With Rest

If you feel uncomfortable when you’re not “doing,” you’re not alone. We’re taught to associate our value with our output. Rest feels unproductive, and unproductive feels wrong.

But our brains and bodies need quiet. Slowness is how we process, reflect, and heal. And when we ignore that, we burn out. We lose our creativity. We forget how to enjoy our lives.

You deserve rest, not just when you’re exhausted, but before that. Often. Guilt-free.

How to Practice the Art of Doing Nothing

Here are some ways I’ve been learning to rest with intention, not as a reward, but as a rhythm:

1. Schedule Rest Like You Schedule Work
Block off time, even just 15 minutes, where your only goal is to be. No phone, no plans. Just you and stillness.

2. Start With Gentle Transitions
Go sit by the window after lunch. Take a slow walk with no music. Let your day breathe instead of rushing from one task to the next.

3. Do One “Unproductive” Thing a Day
Bake bread just because. Doodle. Watch clouds. It doesn’t need to lead to anything. That’s the whole point.

4. Let the House Be Messy (Sometimes)
You are allowed to rest even if the laundry isn’t folded. This one’s hard for me, but I promise—it can wait.

5. Notice the Moments That Are Already Quiet
The first sip of tea. The sound of birds. The steam rising from the sink. These are micro-moments of rest. Let them matter.

A Soft Reminder

You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t need to prove you’re tired enough. Your worth is not measured in checkboxes. It’s okay to do less, to move slower, to have days where your biggest accomplishment is simply being kind to yourself.

That, to me, is the heart of cottagecore. A life lived gently. Fully. Present.

So here’s your permission slip: take a nap. Sit in the sun. Do nothing. And love yourself for it.

With love and tea,

Autumn

P.S. If you’ve been enjoying this post, I think you’ll love my new book, The Cottagecore Project — it’s a gentle guide to slow living, creativity, and building a life that feels like home. You can take a look at it here.