How to Do Nothing: Relax and Shut Down for Your Health

Most people these days are constantly tackling a never-ending list of things that need to be done. If you find yourself doing nothing, chances are that mentally you are scrolling down that old to-do list, feeling guilty and condemning yourself for those tasks you ought to be undertaking. And no wonder - we live in a 24-hour society. There's no excuse for not getting things done; you can shop for household goods at all hours and bank online in your pajamas.

However, our minds and bodies were not created to be constantly on. Even God rested on the seventh day! You need time doing nothing to restore your mind, rejuvenate your body and renew your spirit. Here are some tips to help you shut down for a while, do nothing, and simply "be".

Schedule Nothing
Put it in your calendar, your day planner, or just write it on a piece of paper; no matter how you do it, schedule in a slot of time to do nothing. Try and schedule an hour a week, if at all possible. If you are asked to commit to a task during this time, let them know with a clear conscience that you have already got something scheduled then. They don't need to know that something is doing nothing!

Let Time Pass
If you know you will spend your scheduled "do nothing" time worrying about your next appointment or the work piling up while you are away, simply set an alarm for your designated nothing time. This will allow you to let go of those worries, knowing you needn't check the clock every few minutes. Most cell phones have timers or alarm clocks built in, and many of them work even after you shut off the phone. Which brings us to our next tip.

Tune Out and Turn Off
Shut down anything that might interrupt your scheduled "do nothing" time. Turn off your cell phone and unplug your landline; anyone who calls can leave a voice mail. No TV or radio; even the commercials can become stressors when they remind you about a dirty carpet or the fact that you need an oil change. You need this time to be still and quiet and really let your mind rest.

Know Your Place
To do nothing, you need to find a place that is free from stressors and interruptions. It doesn't have to be fancy. Lock your bedroom door and hang a Do Not Disturb sign. Hide away in your bathroom or your backyard. However, if attempting to relax on your living room couch only serves to remind you that you need to dust and vacuum, that isn't going to work! If you are unable to do nothing at home without being constantly reminded of things you "should" be doing, or if you can anticipate that your spouse or children will make it difficult to do nothing, consider a quiet park, the library, or even just driving your car to a peaceful parking place.

Now What?
Actually, the term "do nothing" is a misnomer. In all reality, it is impossible to do nothing. You have to breathe. You are going to think and see and smell. In your do nothing time, simply focus in on your five senses. Listen to your breathing. Is it shallow and erratic? Slow down and take deep, deliberate breaths. Close your eyes and use your other senses. What sounds do you hear? What scents do you smell? Use your "do nothing" time to become grounded. This is an ideal time for prayer as well. If your mind simply won't shut down, offer up each thought, each worry to God in prayer.

Once you start to schedule time to do nothing on a regular basis and follow through with your commitment to it, you will find that you really look forward to it and you will be a better, healthier person for it!