Who knew doing nothing could be so difficult. When we get into a set routine, it can sometimes be hard to let go and enjoy our free time. Watching a few episodes of your favourite series can turn into you trying to run through your to-do list for tomorrow.
Well, you’ll be happy to know that embracing the art of doing nothing is a great way to stimulate your creativity and add mindfulness to your life. It’s also the only way we can avoid burnout.
Here are a few pro tips on how you can add a splash of nothingness to your daily routine.
It’s okay to not always be productive
We’re living in a world that’s always on the go. Being productive 24/7 is worn as a badge of honour, but this level of thinking is exactly what leads to burnout. Slowing down and taking a moment to do absolutely nothing without expectation is both glorious and difficult. There’s always a need to check something off our “list,” and the internal guilt trip that follows is even harder. In those moments, take a minute to be kind to yourself and know that it’s okay to not always be on the go. After all, we cannot achieve great things when we are pouring from an empty cup.
Embrace the Float State
Many may be unfamiliar with this term, but it’s essentially a state in which you allow yourself to be still – both physically and mentally. Dolce far niente is an interesting Italian phrase that translates to sweet idleness or pleasantly doing nothing – doesn’t that sound fantastic? Embrace the sweet idleness because it’s during these times of sweet idleness that our best ideas often come to us without expectation and time to breathe.
Learn to understand when it’s time to push yourself
Having a realistic approach to your to-do list is probably the first step to learning to take a step back. Learn how many things you’re capable of doing in a day, and don’t feel too guilty if you cannot finish everything. A great way to prioritize your time is by learning when you’re at your most productive. Is it first thing in the morning after a cup of coffee? Or during the evening when the kids are in bed? Find what works best for you and run with it!
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