Why You Need a Do-Nothing Day

Reasons Why You Need a Do-Nothing Day

In this hustle all day everyday culture, it’s getting harder to have a lazy day without feeling guilty. Being busy has become a status symbol in our culture even when we’re not productive. Every once in a while you need a day where you do absolutely nothing without feeling guilty. Your body starts to show you signs when you need a do-nothing day. From trouble sleeping, feeling overwhelmed, burnout, low productivity among others. There are so many reasons why you need a do-nothing day.

What is a Do-Nothing day?  

A do-nothing day is just that, a day where you do absolutely nothing. It’s taking a break from your daily and usual activities. It’s not checking your emails, not checking your social media, not working out, not watching movies none of the things you usually do. You’re probably wondering what the hell you’re going to do. It’s become so hard to just focus on you because of the existing busy and grind culture.

When you have one of these days all you are simply doing is changing your routine and what you’re used to doing. You can choose to go on a nature walk, hike, or meditate. It’s a day when you have no responsibilities, no obligations or commitments, and not feel guilty about it. When was the last time you did absolutely nothing all day?

RELATED: How to Embrace Rest in a Busy Culture

What to do on a do-nothing day

You’re probably wondering what you can do on a day when you’re supposed to do nothing. There are multiple activities you can do on a do-nothing day that will help you decompress and recharge. Here are some ideas you can try out

  • Have a nice long warm bubble bath
  • Give yourself a spa treatment. Apply that face mask, shave, exfoliate
  • Catch up on your sleep by turning off your alarm and sleeping in
  • Try out gardening by getting some indoor plants you can take care of
  • Connect with your family and friends by playing a board game. Monopoly should have you covered for a few hours.
  • Pamper yourself. Get a massage from your favorite spa
  • Just get in the car and drive to a serene location
  • Start painting even if you don’t know how to paint. Create abstract art
  • Go for a long nature walk
  • Find a DIY project
  • Get a coloring book and keep yourself busy
  • Try out photography

There are so many activities you can do that are outside of what you do every day. Sure you can watch TV or read a book but that’s what weeknights are for. Find something outside your comfort zone.

Why You Need A Do-Nothing Day

Taking a break from your responsibilities is essential because it helps you decompress and increases your productivity in the long run. Breaks lead to breakthroughs. You’re human and you need time-outs for your body and brain to recover and adjust. Give yourself permission to have a do-nothing day because there are multiple benefits that come with having such a day.

Here are some reasons why you need a do-nothing day;

  • Rest & Recovery: A do-nothing day ensures you rest both physically and mentally. Sleeping in helps you catch up on sleep. When you’re well-rested the quality of sleep is better.
  • Increased Productivity: When you’re well-rested you automatically have increased productivity.
  • Creativity: A change in pace, environment, and social norms boosts creativity in the long run.
  • Meaningful Connections: Having lazy days helps you connect with your family and friends on a much deeper level.
  • Decreased Anxiety: A do nothing day helps in reducing anxiety. Meditating and just doing nothing is known to reduce stress levels and anxiety.