Learning How to Do Nothing
Doing nothing should be easy.
After all, what's easier than not doing anything? Well, if you've ever tried to really relax and do nothing, you know that it really isn't so simple.
After all, we are creatures of habit.
If we are used to being in constant motion, if we are used to constantly rushing from to-do item to to-do item, if we are accustomed to always thinking about work or worrying about something, than sitting down and doing nothing is going to be very, very difficult.
In fact, sitting down and attempting to be calm will probably just create some more space within you to fill with more worry and concern.
Being able to do nothing is a skill, a habit that can be developed as consciously as any other.
The best way to develop any habit is to start small.
You want to make a small, easily attainable goal that will none the less create a pattern interrupt and create a base from which you can work.
If you want to do nothing, resolve to simply lie down and relax for 15 minutes a day.
Whenever a thought or a tick to do something pops into your head, acknowledge it and let it pass by.
Some people argue you should forcibly block ideas, but I think that's too active and aggressive, and does nothing more than gives you another game to play when you should be relaxing.
Consider your thoughts as passing clouds, and let them go by without giving them much thought.
Focusing on your breathing for those 15 minutes is a great way to pass the time.
It gives you something simple to focus on while simultaneously making you more present within your body and your self.
Connecting with your breath is a great way to become aware of your body, and it generally leads you to relax and slow down your breathing, which has profound mental and physical relaxation benefits.
Relaxing is an important aspect of doing nothing.
Doing nothing is all about relaxing, about letting go of tension, or releasing concerns and the need to constantly flex and move your body.
There are a lot of ways to relax, from massage to meditation to chanting a mantra to controlling your breath.
Helping you decide how to relax is a personal thing that is beyond the scope of this article, but look into active relaxation techniques to practice as you aim for total release.
When you start to get good at this, when you start to learn how to relax and sink into the moment, you'll be ready to start trying to find these little relaxations within your daily life.
Entering into the flow of work you love can be very relaxing, and benefits greatly from being able to shut your mind off consciously.
Enjoying food is another time when you can really sink into the moment and be present.
Noticing all the different textures and tastes and smells and visuals associated with a meal can really take your attention and bring it into the moment.
Focusing on sinking into meals is one of my favorite ways of relaxing and doing nothing in the middle of the day.
Overall, doing nothing is about being present, about letting go of the mental chatter and sinking deep into the moment.
Doing nothing isn't about laziness, it's about presence and awareness, about being wholly in the moment and not ten million places at once.
Doing nothing is not easy at first, but it is simple.
After all, what's easier than not doing anything? Well, if you've ever tried to really relax and do nothing, you know that it really isn't so simple.
After all, we are creatures of habit.
If we are used to being in constant motion, if we are used to constantly rushing from to-do item to to-do item, if we are accustomed to always thinking about work or worrying about something, than sitting down and doing nothing is going to be very, very difficult.
In fact, sitting down and attempting to be calm will probably just create some more space within you to fill with more worry and concern.
Being able to do nothing is a skill, a habit that can be developed as consciously as any other.
The best way to develop any habit is to start small.
You want to make a small, easily attainable goal that will none the less create a pattern interrupt and create a base from which you can work.
If you want to do nothing, resolve to simply lie down and relax for 15 minutes a day.
Whenever a thought or a tick to do something pops into your head, acknowledge it and let it pass by.
Some people argue you should forcibly block ideas, but I think that's too active and aggressive, and does nothing more than gives you another game to play when you should be relaxing.
Consider your thoughts as passing clouds, and let them go by without giving them much thought.
Focusing on your breathing for those 15 minutes is a great way to pass the time.
It gives you something simple to focus on while simultaneously making you more present within your body and your self.
Connecting with your breath is a great way to become aware of your body, and it generally leads you to relax and slow down your breathing, which has profound mental and physical relaxation benefits.
Relaxing is an important aspect of doing nothing.
Doing nothing is all about relaxing, about letting go of tension, or releasing concerns and the need to constantly flex and move your body.
There are a lot of ways to relax, from massage to meditation to chanting a mantra to controlling your breath.
Helping you decide how to relax is a personal thing that is beyond the scope of this article, but look into active relaxation techniques to practice as you aim for total release.
When you start to get good at this, when you start to learn how to relax and sink into the moment, you'll be ready to start trying to find these little relaxations within your daily life.
Entering into the flow of work you love can be very relaxing, and benefits greatly from being able to shut your mind off consciously.
Enjoying food is another time when you can really sink into the moment and be present.
Noticing all the different textures and tastes and smells and visuals associated with a meal can really take your attention and bring it into the moment.
Focusing on sinking into meals is one of my favorite ways of relaxing and doing nothing in the middle of the day.
Overall, doing nothing is about being present, about letting go of the mental chatter and sinking deep into the moment.
Doing nothing isn't about laziness, it's about presence and awareness, about being wholly in the moment and not ten million places at once.
Doing nothing is not easy at first, but it is simple.
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