The Importance of Doing Nothing

Are you constantly busy? Between work, kids, family, working out, more work, too little sleep and much too much electronic media, do you ever take time to be still?

In this article, we look at the importance of doing nothing. While it’s good to get things done and checked off your list, your brain is suffering from overload. Are you so effective that you don’t give yourself time to be still?

Experts agree that in our overly connected world where work is literally a swipe away 24/7, we need time to decompress.

Yet, many of us find that doing nothing is one of the most difficult tasks on our to-do lists. Today, it’s more important than ever, and here’s why.

We Have Too Much to Do

On study says that American workers are stressed out, overworked and totally exhausted. In fact, it’s become a national epidemic and at the same time, a status symbol.

With Americans working more hours than any other citizen in any other developed nation of the world, we’re literally working ourselves to death. Most of us are so busy we don’t even use our vacation time.

It’s become so important to work longer hours and answer our emails and texts immediately that many people no longer have time to do absolutely nothing.

In our overly scheduled days with a constant Internet connection, taking time to be still and do nothing may be the most important thing you do today.

Downtime boosts your mental health, gives your brain time to rewind, fills up your energy stores and enhances your creativity. Sitting still may be incredibly difficult, but it’s also very important.

Now let’s look at the benefits of doing nothing.

It Increases Your Mindfulness

When you do nothing, you are aware of everything. For example, sit in a cozy chair in your backyard. At first, you’ll notice the flowers, the wildlife and probably the bugs.

After a few minutes, you’ll notice your thoughts, how you feel, and your emotions. If you take 10 minutes each day to do nothing, you’ll find that you can practice mindfulness even when you’re busy.

It Grounds You

When you’re busy, you’re constantly focused on each task and what you need to do to get to the next one. That’s a whole lot of doing, and not a lot of thinking about the present.

By sitting still, you can think about the here and now and enjoy the moment.

It Relieves Stress

Life is stressful, and one of the best ways to relieve stress (besides exercise and a nice hot tub soak) is being still.

Give yourself the freedom of a few minutes each day to be still and rest your brain. You’ll free your mind from stress which in turn keeps your mind and body healthy.

Final Thoughts

Taking time for yourself and doing nothing may be difficult at first. You’ll find a plethora of distractions trying to pull you away. Whenever you feel yourself being pulled away from your be-still time, breathe.

Take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Notice your breathing, and you’ll soon find your stress level slowing down and leaving your body. Ignore the distractions and take time to do nothing.

You’ll soon find yourself enjoying things you’d forgotten you loved. Perhaps it’s taking a stroll through the park, playing with your dog, enjoying a good read, sitting in your backyard with a glass of lemonade or on the porch with a glass of tea. Even a soak in a warm bath or the hot tub is a great place to do nothing, relax and recharge for the next day.

Here’s to doing nothing for just a little bit each day…

Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash