Try staying for 2 weeks in an island doing nothing.
I did – and failed.
At first it was glorious.
Long days of reading, aimless walks and swimming pool afternoons.
After a particularly demanding work project, I had scheduled time to recover.
And that worked: my body, mind and soul were fully rested and restored.
And then what? My mind started coming up with ideas.
New projects, new plans, new possiblities.
After journaling them long enough, my mind wanted rest no more. It wanted action.
After 4 days I connected my smartphone.
After 5 days I plugged in my laptop.
On the 6th day, aided by the flurry of online information, my brain kicked in full gear.
I started implementing the new projects, connecting with people, even feeling the slight discomfort of mindlesness.
Then I realized: I -want- to work.
I want to get things done.
Even though I know they are purposeless, it will all come down to dust, success is shallow etc etc etc
Retreats are great for recovery and renewal, even self-retreats (DIY vs organized by a third party)
Like a wounded beaver hurt by a trap, you take it home, heal it, feed it and give plenty of rest.
Wonderful. However once it recovers… it wants to go build dams again!
You are not designed to do nothing.
The desire to escape may be because of overwork – which is not sustainable – or because of working on an area outside your natural strengths – which depletes your energy instead of elevating you.
Let go of the fantasy that one day you can let it all go.
You won’t want to.
If the fantasy keeps coming back… try staying for 2 weeks in an island doing nothing.
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