Just Do ... Nothing

Nike says Just Do It. I say just do … NOTHING.

Who says we have to do something all the time? Why do we have to be busy all the time? Can’t we just sit and do NOTHING sometime?

It’s common knowledge that running around all the time gives stress. Stress causes anxiety, headaches, worry, nervousness, agitation, palpitations, panic attacks, gastritis, ulcers, reflux and numerous other bad effects.

The Italians know how to do nothing, in fact they have a saying for it “Il Dolce Far Niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing). In Denmark they have Niksen, a lifestyle concept of doing nothing.

Have you ever tried doing nothing but relaxing? I don’t mean going to Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation or other classes where supposedly they teach you to relax. Those classes are useful, but give only temporary relief. To get there it’s stressful…traffic, time etc. and getting back home is another hardy adventure. Better do those exercises in the calmness of you home, not only to avoid travel stress, but  also because it’s cheaper.

Doing relaxation techniques though is “doing something”. I want you to try doing NOTHING. So just sit, look out the window, or lie down on the couch and relax.

I know people who feel guilty if they sit down doing nothing. They feel useless unless they do something. But remember there is no need to climb Mt. Everest every day in order to feel useful.