Recently I was ill for several days with a head cold and sinus issues. I get it about the same time every few years which I believe begins with allergies from pollen in the air. It annoys me, because I was out of commission for several days. I have a hard time not being able to do anything but rest. It’s not in my nature. I am always busy with projects and a multitude of important and unimportant jobs. But I have to say that recently I have given myself permission to rest. It may be to take a nap, or just to sit outside with no entertainment other than the world around me.
The Dutch have perfected the practice of doing nothing, or what they call “niksen”. Niksen means “to do nothing or deliberately do something with no purpose or goal of productivity.” I have written several blogs about mindfulness, but niksen is more about a short period of mindless relaxation. Over the past several years, I have followed studies about the Blue Zones, which are places in the world with the healthiest, longest-living populations.
In the blue zones, people downshift daily. They are not immune to stress, but they have routines that help them minimize and shed that stress. They do things like take daily naps, meet with friends and neighbors daily for social time, or just reflect on family and their lives. Also, many have a healthy work-life balance which is slower-paced and simple.
The Italians say, “Dolce Far Niente,” which translates as “the sweetness of doing nothing.” This was first brought to my attention when reading the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The Italians were explaining how the American’s idea of relaxing is working hard all week to lie around on the weekends, drinking and watching other people live their lives on television. They explain that Italians may wander home after a few hours of working to take a little nap, they may be inspired by a nearby cafe and sit down to have a glass of wine, or they may just go home to spend time with their family. The idea of doing nothing is an event in and of itself.
How to start the art of doing nothing?
Don’t overthink. Set a time to sit and stare out a window. Allow your mind to wander aimlessly and let yourself simply be. Being in nature can help you by just listening to the breeze or birds. I have multiple chimes in my yard that I listen to and enjoy just being.
Start small. Try 5-10 minutes at a time.
Shut off all distractions–TV, computer, and phones.
Breathe. Don’t change your breath but listen to it and pay attention to how it moves through the body.
Relax. Find a spot where you can be comfortable.
Why work on doing nothing?
Taking a break is not lazy. It is needed to recharge so you can be more creative and have a better life. Down time is so underrated today. Society has us rushing around to be more, get more, know more, and be totally absorbed. Most of human history, we had time to recharge our mental and physical needs. Do you remember when Sunday was a day of rest? Rest isn’t always about doing absolutely nothing. We need areas in our lives of deep play. We don’t always just turn off a switch to all interest in rest, but allow our attention to deepen, and be fully focused on enjoyment so that nothing can distract us. Winston Churchill himself regarded his midday naps as essential for maintaining his mental balance, renewing his energy, and reviving his spirits.
When we take a pause in our daily life and pay attention, we get an internal change and awareness. We notice the small things in life and details that may or may not be important. Think how different the quality of your life may be if you practice the art of doing nothing.
“Relax, recharge, reflect. Sometimes it’s OK to do nothing.”–Izey Victoria Odiose.
Robin Anne Griffiths–Founder of ReChargeMe Zone * Behavioral Change Specialist * Yoga Instructor * Meditation Facilitator * Personal Trainer * Author * Speaker * Helping people on a journey for change to live a fuller and healthier life.
