The Art of Doing Nothing: Why Lazy Days are Important

Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash

By Sasha Main

Is the news getting you down? Well, you’re not alone.

According to the BBC in 2024, almost 40% of people, sometimes or often actively avoid the news.

From conflicts to politics, everywhere you look it just seems to get more depressing.

So, what can you do to take care of yourself through all of this? Why not try having a good old fashioned lazy day.

So welcome to the art of doing nothing. A practice that has been cherished across different cultures for centuries but is often dismissed in today’s fast-paced society.

Here’s why you should embrace it and how to master the skill of being delightfully unproductive:

Why doing nothing is actually good for you

It can improve your health

Experts believe that taking one lazy day a week is good for your mental and physical health and can make you more productive overall. Even putting your feet up has known health benefits. Simply raising your legs can improve circulation and reduce any muscle tension. Not to mention that rest boosts your body’s immune system as well.

It sparks creativity

Have you ever noticed how your best ideas come to you while you’re daydreaming or in the shower? That’s because when you give your mind the space to wonder, it makes unexpected connections and generates fresh ideas.

It reduces stress

The constant busyness of our everyday lives can often lead to burnout, so it goes without saying that taking a guilt-free day just for yourself can relieve the pressure a little and overall improve your mental health.

It helps you appreciate the present

Because we’re always rushing through life, rushing to get to work, school, university, we often miss the opportunity to appreciate the little joys. When was the last time you took the time to appreciate the sound of birds chirping, the feeling of the sun on your skin or the first sip of your morning coffee?

How to master the art of doing nothing?

Sometimes knowing where to start is the hardest part. So, here’s 5 tips for how to truly embrace your lazy day:  

Ditch the guilt

The very first step is to let go of the guilty feeling that comes along with being unproductive. Reframe way that you see rest, as it’s productive in its own way.

Schedule nothing

Block out some time in your schedule for absolutely nothing. No chores, no plans, no scrolling – just uninterrupted free time to exist.

Resist the urge to fill the silence

Try sitting in a quiet spot without scrolling on social media, listening to music or turning on the TV. Enjoy the silence and let your mind wander.

Take inspiration from other culture

·       Dolce far niente (Italy) - the sweetness of doing nothing.

·       Niksen (The Netherlands) - The Dutch practice of doing nothing to relieve stress.

·       Wu Wei (China) - The Taoist principle of effortless action, or letting things happen naturally.

Find your prefect “doing nothing” activity

So technically doing nothing can include doing something, just as long as effortless. This could include:

·       Staring out the window

·       Watching the clouds

·       Laying down and listening to music

·       Having a cuddle or playing with your pet

Final thoughts: Give yourself permission to just be

Embracing the art of doing nothing isn’t about being lazy, it’s about finding a balance in a world obsessed with productivity.

Not only can it prevent burnout from the constant onslaught of bad news we receive daily, but it can also improve your overall health. So go ahead, put your feet up and just enjoy doing nothing.

Your mind, body and soul will all thank you.