Early Birds vs. Slow Risers
In my experience, there are two kinds of vacationers: those who awake at sunrise and jump into the day — and those who ease into it slowly. I’m the latter.
Before you travel with someone, especially for the first time, you may want to check in on this subject. This conversation has made many of my trips more enjoyable, as we each let the other greet the day in our own way.
What If the Real Luxury Is Less?
Consider this: what if the real luxury now is to do less? Now that’s my kind of vacation!
A few years ago, I visited Bentonville, Arkansas to see the Crystal Bridges Museum and enjoy the beauty of Northwest Arkansas. Since it was June — and hot — I reserved the midday for napping and reading. Truth be told, it was the biggest block of my day. And the best.
Yes, the museum is wonderful, and the Walton family has done an outstanding job with the collection and grounds. But that quiet time? Priceless.
Do More or Do Less?
Maybe you’re the type who likes to jump into the day. Friends often say, I hate to waste time and money doing nothing on vacation; let’s make the most of it. I get it!
We’re conditioned to equate productivity with worth. But haven’t we earned a little loafing by now? If you need proof, research shows “unproductive” time nourishes creativity, soul, and well-being. I’d even argue loafing isn’t unproductive at all — it’s valuable.
So, isn’t there a happy medium? Time with no rigid structure, yet still deeply fulfilling?
Simple Ways to Loaf Without Guilt
Think about it: do you have hobbies or moments when you lose track of time? Or feel so peaceful that you never want it to end?
Here are a few of my small, “unproductive” joys:
- Sitting in the backyard at dusk, watching for stars — hoping for a breeze that feels like God’s gentle hug.
- Taking an afternoon nap. As a child, I hated them. Now I relish the rebellious thrill of asking, “Should I be doing this?”
- Watching nature: squirrels play, bees bounce from bloom to bloom or leaves dancing in the wind — a quiet symphony that soothes my soul.
What soothes your soul? What are your “guilty pleasures”? Or better yet — what might you choose to do without guilt, just to see how it feels? If it’s not pleasant, move down the list until you find something that lifts you up.
Try It This Summer
Hopefully by now, you get the hang of this whole unproductive thing. To take it a step further, here’s an easy Journal Prompt if you’re game:
What would ‘doing nothing’ look like for me today?
What part of me could use more kindness through rest?
I encourage you to give yourself permission to be “unproductive”— not as laziness, but as self-care and an honoring of who you are.
So, here’s to naps, porch swings, and a little less hustle.
Originally published in FYI 50+, Summer 2025 issue.
Mini Challenge
Pick a day this month to cancel one unnecessary thing on your calendar. Use that hour for pure loafing — no guilt allowed!
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