Slow Down: How Doing Nothing Makes Us Better Humans

by Constance Kassor, Connie Kassor

The world is full of strategies and “hacks” for squeezing the most productivity out of every minute of our lives. But what if this constant push to fit more tasks into each day is, in fact, counterproductive? What if our desperate attempts at multitasking and maximizing our schedules are doing us more harm than good?

In the nine lectures of Slow How Doing Nothing Makes Us Better Humans, Constance Kassor, of Lawrence University in Wisconsin, shows you how to do what so many of us desperately Take a step back, reassess your priorities, and take some time for yourself. Each lecture focuses on an area in which you can learn how to form better habits, striking a balance between what needs to be done and what you need to thrive. These areas include getting better sleep, cultivating relationships, engaging in creative tasks, incorporating mindfulness into your everyday routine, and much more.

Too often, we sacrifice our health, our well-being, and our happiness to meet unrealistic goals. The purpose of this course is not to increase productivity or rebuild a hectic schedule from the ground up. Rather, it is to help you slow down—even if it’s only for a moment—and be present in your life and aware of your own needs. As you will discover, when you can intentionally make space to do a little bit less, you can do work that is more meaningful, have relationships that are more fulfilling, and have a body and mind that are both healthier overall.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

Audible Audio

Published June 5, 2025

Reviews

[Aliasgar Moosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the messaging, and I agree sometimes we have to take time for ourselves.

[Montanna Gall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love psych based lectures in audio book form 🤌🏻
I knew a lot of the ideas and concepts already but still this was a concise refresher and different perspective

[Denise B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful reminders.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas in this lecture. This isn't a book, these are a handful of lectures from a college campus when they offered a class to do nothing. Interesting to listen to as it's very applicable to today's culture of do more and do it faster.

[Cassi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Nothing new here, but all solid advice. It's the kind of thing that makes you roll your eyes and say not these topics again, but you know you actually have a lot of work to do to get better at the basics and you know it's harder than it sounds. Discusses things like getting enough sleep, getting exercise, being mindful, prioritizing relationships, making time for play and creativity, putting your phone down, etc.

[Richard Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

You already know everything that is recommended here - get plenty of quality sleep, exercise, meditate, go for walks, have strong social relationships, be mindful, indulge in play, cultivate creativity and don't be afraid to be bored. But it feels good to have an expert tell you that you are on the right track, and it's always good to reinforce the things that you already know to learn them better and because all of us, no matter how saintly we may be, fall short of the ideal from time to time in every category and could do with a reminder. So I was glad I read it and felt I got something out of it, even though I didn't learn anything new.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great perspective on doing nothing. Despite its title, it's not about staring off into space but rather how we can do things to rest our mind and explore other ways of using our time. I didn't agree with all of it, but the author gives you permission to like some of the things and not others. I never felt "lectured" or made to feel as if I were doing anything "wrong". My favorite parts were "Forest Bathing" (and I'm NOT a nature person) and Creativity. It confirmed my thoughts that creativity is innate, forgotten/squelched, but CAN be learned. Loved this book.

[Beatrice Lindström · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to remind you of everything you already know. But sometimes it's good to get that little reminder of the good things: meditate, go for walks, get quality sleep and be in the moment with yourself and with others, and do nothing(be bored) and which impact these different things have on your health. Even though I didn't get any new knowledge: I still felt that I got something from listening to this book. Doable exercises of how to do nothing and slowing down to be more healthy and aware of yourself and your surroundings.

[Coushatta LaRue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short lecture on trying to focus on doing nothing and less electronics. I found that some of the suggestions are typical, but I do like the way that it was laid out differently. Also, there's a few ideas in here that I would like to try more of. It's suggestion of first bathing is definitely spot on. Being out in nature makes me more happy than anything in this world. I think this is a good quick read or listen.

[Hunter Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost seems like "tree hugger" or "open your third eye" at times but Constance is definitely aware of these things. I also kind of relate to her students' feedback because I either already do the thing or not at all with no in between which further shows our distracted individuality. My favorite lesson was probably the curiosity one.

[Charlene Hios · Rating 3 out of 5]

a quick read however a bit too new age for me . . . yes, important we all slow down and that we stop filling our days with so much . . . especially parents who do this to their children . . . everyone needs to slow down and take in the very beauty of their surroundings

[Shorombo Mooij · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book on principles for a happy life. Reminded me of the book Ikigaj, Own your day own your life, and the Health Mind Platter.

It describes how to live your life in a more holistic way to be happier.

[Nick Rulof · Rating 5 out of 5]

The activities in this book are so creatively engaging!

[Bhupesh Doda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

[Dan Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abridged version:

Practice mindfulness.

You're welcome.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing particularly new or groundbreaking but helpful reminders

[Laurie AH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this listen - good reminders and science summaries

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of great ideas.. I am ready to start!!!!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

At my age I am naturally slowing down. This book made me feel really good about that.

[Destiny Fava · Rating 3 out of 5]

short audiobook. good reminder. nothing ground breaking.

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Nice little reminder to slow down and breathe a little bit and try your best not to stress on what you can’t control etc. some nice tips throughout but not much more than that. Still good!

[Shannon Stoddard · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting and informative

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good message for today's world.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing groundbreaking, but a good summary of the importance of things like healthy sleep patterns, time away from screens, taking dep breathes, getting outside, taking walks, etc.

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tips and reminders!

[MaryAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world of fast-paced living, high ambition, evolving technology and constant motion, sometimes we forget how important it is to slow down. This audiobook is based on the "Doing Nothing" course at Lawrence University, and the author invites us to remember, no matter how much we have or want to accomplish, we always have the power take a moment to slow down. And when we do, we are better people, better humans, for doing so. Slowing down allows us to be more creative and find a deeper sense of fulfillment in our lives. Grounded in research and proven through application, it’s a quick listen, and one I highly recommend, especially for those in high pressure jobs who are looking for ideas of taking control of their time.