When was the last time you did nothing? I don’t mean checking your emails or scrolling through social media, I mean genuinely sitting quietly to appreciate the quiet around you and focus on your own life. Learning the art of doing nothing can help you with removing stress and ultimately becoming more productive.

The Art of Doing Nothing

It Doesn’t Need to Take Ages

The idea of doing nothing can feel weird if you’re not used to it. It takes practice but if you focus on short stints of time you’ll find it’s easier and takes less thinking about.

Find somewhere in your home that is quiet, turn off all distractions like your TV, phone and laptop and get comfortable. It’s up to you whether you sit or lie down, although don’t forget, the intention isn’t to fall asleep so down get into bed and do it if you’re too tired or it’s late at night.

As I child, if we were told to sit cross-legged with our eyes closed, I was always the one peeking through squinted eyes to see if everyone else was doing as they were told. 

Try to “do nothing” at a time when you are least likely to be disturbed. Generally other people are our biggest distractions.

After five to ten minutes, you can get up, go off and do whatever you want.

You should really try to do this every day, so that you get into a routine and feels less and less awkward.

Focus on Your Breathing

You’ve been practicing doing nothing, escaping distractions and sitting comfortably with your eyes closed, now you need to concentrate on your breathing. However, this is not about meditation. I don’t meditate, it’s all about woo for me. There’s no chanting or listening to whale song, just being quiet and calm.

Take a slow, deep breathe through your nose

Allow your diaphragm to expand

Hold it for a couple of seconds

Slowly exhale through your mouth, emptying your lungs

Repeat a few times 

You should feel reenergised after you’ve done this, if you feel dizzy or it causes you to hyperventilate you may want to speak to your doctor for more advice.

I don’t always find this an easy exercise. Due to my spinal curvature I have limited lung capacity so cannot hold as much air as a lot of people. I also suffer from sinus problems so inhaling through my nose can be a challenge. I still do this a couple of times a week, repeating the process four or five times.

The key is to just concentrate on your breathing, doing it as slowly as possible, not allowing it to be uncomfortable and for it to be relaxing.

Make Sure it is Relaxing

The point of learning the art of doing nothing is to discover how to completely relax and reduce tension and stress.

I injured my neck about five months ago and as a result have suffered with a lot of radiating tension in my head, back and right shoulder. Trying to relax is incredibly difficult when you’re in pain, but it is important to be as comfortable as possible.

I use a heated neck pack which helps a lot.

Another method for relaxing, avoiding distractions and being able to do nothing for an extended period of time is to have a hot bath.

I love a hot bath. Add a nice smelling bath bomb or a cup of bath salts, add bubbles, making your bath smell as nice as possible will immediately help you relax and having the water as hot as you can manage will relieve any aches and pains you may have. Depending on the type of bath you have, you might also want to buy a bath pillow so that you can lean back comfortably.

Get those soft towels, comfy pyjamas and a fluffy dressing gown ready so that you can turn it into a proper well-deserved pampering session.

Using a bath as part of the art of doing nothing only works if you know you won’t be disturbed. It’s best done if you’re alone in the house. Otherwise put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.

Enjoy a Hot Drink

Generally I find hot drinks much more relaxing than cold ones. You should also avoid alcohol. Just make yourself something delicious: tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Now head to your quiet space, get comfortable and enjoy that drink.

Remember, this is about doing nothing and clearing your mind so you should really avoid grabbing a book or magazine and just take the time to enjoy those few minutes.

Get into Nature

Once you’e got used to being quiet, clearing your mind, improving your breathing and enjoying some alone time, you can now take yourself outside.

If you have a quiet and secluded garden, then just step outside, otherwise head to a park, a beach, a river, the woods. It doesn’t really matter where you go as long as you can find some space to sit and be by yourself.

You should be aiming for somewhere away from the noises of traffic and city life, away from children’s parks and any building work that may be taking place.

Once you’ve started learning the art of doing nothing you’ll become more at ease with being by yourself, you’ll become more in tune with your surroundings, you’ll learn to shut out distractions and disturbances and you’ll be more focused on keeping your mind clear.

Have you learned the art of doing nothing?

Let me know in the comments.