For those of us who are non-stop workaholics, doing nothing will be difficult! If you’re like the Energizer bunny in that you keep going, and going, and going, here’s how to stop once in a while, think pleasant thoughts, visit the beach, stare at the water, and just do nothing.
Plan ahead
Whether it’s an hour, a day, a week, a month, or a year of doing nothing, cancel all of your appointments for that block of time. Try to pick the most boring week or day, a day where you’ll most likely sleep most of the time.
Let people know
Tell everyone that you’re going to be “busy” and will be unavailable. Whether you choose to tell them that you’re actually setting aside some time to do nothing, or you just give them the vague explanation, tell them not to call, visit, or interrupt unless it’s a real emergency.
Find a quiet, private place
Go somewhere you don’t feel pressured to do anything. This might be your bedroom, the backyard, or a local park. Find that place and go there.
Set your alarm
Set an alarm of some kind to go off when your “nothing” time is over, so that you don’t have to constantly look at the clock and count the minutes.
Turn off the phone
Turn off your cell phone, work phone, pager, PDA, Blackberry, computer, Beeper, Radio, Television and any other means of sending or receiving calls or messages. These distractions will only keep you from enjoying the nothing.
Sit by yourself
Feel the wind, the sun on your face, the chair touching your bottom. Listen to the rustle of the trees, birds chirping, water flowing. Never think about the past or future. Avoid the temptation to turn on the TV, listen to music, write a note to you, get a bite to eat, or anything else. The only thing you should do is go to the bathroom.
Learn how to free your mind
Clear your mind of all thoughts of work worries, family, etc. by simply letting them go. Doing this not only allows your body to do nothing, but your mind as well. However, do not be worried if you find yourself thinking of things. Freeing up one’s mind is actually very difficult to master, and often requires more discipline than some free time.