WHEN was the last time you sat back and did nothing? A little mindless indulgence, a daydream or two can help make you a little bit happier.
Block out your morning schedule. Sit on your couch. Put your feet up. Gaze into the ceiling and let your mind wander. Do nothing.
When on vacation, resist the urge to pack your days with wall-to-wall itineraries. Checking those must-see sites is indeed an experience, but so will hanging out idly by the beach, watching the waves.
Go to a café, order your favorite drink. Resist the urge to hook up to wi-fi. Take in the scenery, people-watch. Enjoy the sensuality of doing nothing.
“What a waste of time!,” one may think. I think otherwise. After all, you’re spending time with yourself, aren’t you? Making time for yourself is hardly wasted time. By doing nothing, you connect with yourself quietly, meaningfully.
Do you find it hard to do nothing? Perhaps you are feeling too restless? Take baby steps. Here are some doing-nothing ideas. If you have:
1 minute: Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Focus on your breathing and let your stress melt away with each exhale.
10 minutes: Take a slow-motion bath. Rushing off to work allows us no time for smooth carefree movements in the shower or tub, so use these 10 minutes for some slow-motion shampooing and body pampering.
30 minutes: Go for a coffee break. Sip your drink and enjoy its sweetness, its bitterness. Gaze absent-mindedly into your cup or at the scenery. If you have a garden at home, take a chair and sit back with a glass of lemonade. Take in the fresh air and good sun, just be quiet.
1 hour: Take a walk. Walk aimlessly. See where your feet take you. If you’d rather not walk, grab a light comedy film and pop it in your DVD. Throw in some popcorn for some absent-minded but enjoyable chewing.
1 day: Do not plan anything. See where your day takes you. If you find yourself staying home painting your nails or listening to music all day, well and good.
During any of these moments, do not think of anything else! Indulge in the nothing-ness of the moment. You’ll feel lighter, calmer, more connected with yourself. And doesn’t that make you happier? There IS happiness in doing nothing at all.
February 19th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I have spent the last couple of weeks hunting down things to do at work…with a total of just about three hours in the last 14 days that I have actually done something work-related.
I wish there was indeed happiness in doing nothing.
But then its subjective.
February 19th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
this must be for guys who are always rushing. Always have time to smell the roses otherwise you would not be able to enjoy things that are truly free.
Relax.
February 19th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
One can go to Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife in order to enjoy some quiet moments. My friend and I just hanged out last Sunday from 5 in the afternoon until 7 pm which is the closing time of the park. It was wonderful! The weather and the view (lake) were perfect combined with a very cool breeze amidst the bamboo trees…
A getaway within the city!
February 19th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
i’m discovering that now! grabe the past years! sobra na pala akong stressed out! kaya ako masungit. at the start of this year, i’ve learned to give myself more time, kaya i enjoy more! it’s a wonderful minute or day, whichever time you try it. go ahead try it!
February 19th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
love this toni. it reminded me that there is joy in doing nothing. even if you are swamped with things to do, the one minute break will be a welcome break.