Wasting Time vs. Resting: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever sat on your bed, doing nothing, and thought, “Am I wasting time?” I have. Many times. I’ve stared at the ceiling and felt guilty about it. But here’s what I learned — there’s a big difference between wasting time and resting. And knowing this difference can change your life.

Let’s break it down, simply.

What Is Wasting Time?

Wasting time means doing something that doesn’t help you in any way.
 It’s when you know you should do your homework…
 …but instead, you spend two hours watching a cat video that you’ve seen ten times before.

Or when you scroll your phone without thinking — not because you enjoy it, but because you’re just… stuck.

Wasting time drains your energy. It often leaves you tired, bored, or even sad. You don’t learn anything, and you don’t feel better.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

What Is Resting?

Resting is when you take a break — on purpose.

It could be:

Lying down after school to close your eyes

Going for a slow walk.

Listening to music with your eyes shut.

Talking to a friend and laughing about silly things.

Resting helps your body and mind recover. After resting, you feel calm, fresh, and ready to go again.

Resting is not being lazy — it’s being smart.

The Big Difference

Here’s the key:

Wasting time feels like escaping.

Resting feels like recharging.

One makes you more tired.
 The other makes you feel better.

Wasting time is like eating five chocolates when you’re not hungry.
 Resting is like drinking water when you’re really thirsty.

Why the Confusion?

We live in a world that’s always running.
 Everyone wants to do more, learn more, earn more.
 So when we stop and do nothing, we feel guilty.

But here’s a little secret — doing nothing can be helpful… if it’s the right kind of “nothing.”

My Funny Little Test

Want to know if you’re resting or wasting time?
 Try this simple test I made up:

Ask yourself:

“If I do this for 20 more minutes, will I feel better or worse?

If the answer is better — you’re resting.
 If the answer is worse — you’re probably wasting time. (And maybe watching too many videos of dancing goats.)

Final Thoughts

We all waste time sometimes. That’s okay.
 But now that you know the difference, you can choose better.

So next time someone tells you, “Stop being lazy,”
 just smile and say, “I’m not lazy. I’m resting like a pro.”

Because even superheroes need naps.

Want me to write the next blog on “The Art of Staring at the Ceiling”? I promise, it’s more fun than it sounds.