The Importance of Doing NOTHING

Every December, I’m tempted to work through the holidays so I can hit January first totally “caught up”. It sounds productive, doesn’t it? Except I know better. I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t give myself a real break, it doesn’t set me up for success — it sets me up to limp into the New Year more burned out than inspired.

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably looking forward to the holidays as a chance to recover from the rollercoaster that was 2024 (‘rollercoaster’ being the understatement of the year, I know). But after months of juggling scripts, pitches, and deadlines, it can be hard for a lot of screenwriters to mentally step off the hamster wheel when the holidays arrive. Sure, you might be physically on the couch, binging your favorite movie, hot cocoa in hand — but if you’re mind’s busy cycling through the list of exec’s you need to contact come January, or you’re feeling guilty for not currently cranking out 10 pages a day — all that downtime isn’t really doing its job.

That’s why I force myself to take the last two and a half weeks of December off… completely. No cheating. And I mean no cheating. (Two and a half weeks might sound like a big commitment, but it takes that long) If I take that time to truly turn off my work brain and rest, I feel genuinely ready to hit the ground running with enthusiasm and focus come January.

My version of downtime is about indulging in activities that have nothing to do with work — and everything to do with joy. I read British mystery novels, mostly fail at cooking (but enjoy the attempt), and binge bad reality shows with my daughter. There are jigsaw puzzles, heated games of Hearts, long walks (I always say I’m “hiking” but I’m really just walking in nature), and an annual New Year’s Eve viewing of Young Frankenstein (it still holds up). Oh, and I sleep in. A lot.

All of this time spent recharging might sound like a luxury, but — trust me on this one — it’s a must. Your creativity, mental health and resilience depend on it. Even a single day away from your laptop can help you feel more refreshed, inspired, and ready to tackle whatever 2025 throws your way.

So, as we head into this precious, industry-wide hibernation period, I encourage you to take a real step back and give yourself the gift of doing absolutely nothing (at least for a few days).

Here are a few suggestions for doing-nothing-important activities to help you truly disconnect and unwind:

Unplug (seriously!)

Step away from the screens — all of them. Put your phone, laptop, and tablet in another room. No checking emails, no mindless scrolling. Whether it’s for an hour or an entire day, a “digital detox” can work wonders for your mental clarity. It might sound daunting, but everyone’s holiday posts will still be on Instagram tomorrow, and those work emails? They can wait.  Let yourself take a moment to reconnect with family, friends, or even just yourself.

Binge without the guilt

We all have that comfort show or movie they we’ve seen a million times — the one that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. Whether it’s a favorite TV series like, Parks and Rec or a holiday classic like Elf, or Young Frankenstein, indulge in something that requires zero brain power. This isn't about analyzing the three-act structure or critiquing character arcs — it’s about pure (guilt free) enjoyment.

Rediscover a non-writing hobby

Remember that thing you used to do for fun as a kid? Maybe it was doodling, strumming a guitar, or baking weird holiday cookies. Whatever non-writing hobby used to bring you joy — or maybe there’s something new you’ve been wanting to try — now’s a great time to dive in. No need to get it “right”, no deadlines, just a little time spent creating just for the fun of it.

Get outside

Take a walk, go for a hike, or just sit in the sun. There’s something about being outdoors that clears your head in ways binge-watching can’t. Science even backs it up: sunlight boosts your serotonin, which helps you feel better about, well, everything. Plus, spending time in nature reduces stress and stimulates creativity. So, who knows? Maybe your next great script idea will pop into your head on a quiet morning walk.

Catch up on sleep

I know it sounds basic, but when’s the last time you actually prioritized sleep? Let yourself wake up without an alarm, sleep in, and if a nap is calling your name — take it. Your body and brain deserve the rest after a challenging year. So go ahead, give into those extra Z's (even if it’s just one morning of sleeping in).You’ll be amazed at how recharged you feel.

Plan a ‘No Plans’ day

Pick a day with no obligations and then schedule nothing. No plans, no chores, no to-do lists. Just let the day unfold however you want. Lounge in your PJs, read a great book, take a spontaneous drive — there is no wrong choice. It’s about letting go of the pressure to do and just allowing yourself to be. Trust me, this kind of unscheduled day is more rejuvenating than you might think.

Cook or bake something

Cooking can be a great creative outlet that doesn’t involve staring at a screen. So try out that recipe you’ve been meaning to make but haven’t had the time for, or maybe bake something nostalgic from your childhood. There’s something therapeutic about chopping veggies or kneading dough, and at the end of it, you get a tasty reward. And if it doesn’t turn out? Who cares! Order your favorite takeout and be proud you tried.

Have a game night

Dust off the board games or fire up a fun group video game with friends or family. It’s a great way to not take life too seriously for a moment, and maybe even channel some of that pent-up ‘2024 screenwriter frustration’ into a friendly rivalry. 

Write just for fun

If you really can’t resist the urge to write, give yourself permission to do it with zero expectations. Whether it’s a journal entry, a short story that’s been rattling around in your head, or even holiday cards for friends and family — let yourself write without worrying about perfection. It’s a great way to stay connected to writing while still giving yourself a break.

Wishing you all a relaxing holiday and a successful, inspired 2025!

How do you relax and unwind over the holidays? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!

For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:

For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch

To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.

For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.

And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).