Best of “How To”: Waste Time

In this episode of "How to Keep Time," the hosts delve into the pressure society places on us to be constantly productive, making it challenging to embrace the idea of "wasting time." They introduce the term "chronophobia," which refers to the anxiety of time slipping away, and consider how our always-connected lives heighten our discomfort with idleness. The conversation features an interview with Oliver Burkeman, author of "4000 Weeks," who critiques the self-help industry's obsession with productivity. He encourages listeners to acknowledge our limited time, appreciate the present, and engage in "atelic activities," which are pursuits without specific goals. The discussion advocates for a mindset shift from future-oriented thinking to one that values presence and acceptance, even when it feels a bit uncomfortable.