How to do Nothing

On my Google homepage, I have this little news ticker called “How-To of the Day.” Today’s how-to was entitled, “How to do Nothing.” I thought this was funny because I thought the last thing that you would need a "how-to" for is nothing, but at the same time I know how hard it is for people (totally me) to do nothing. I share it with you now:

How to Do Nothing
For those of us who are non-stop workaholics, doing nothing can actually be pretty 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 and just do nothing...

Steps
- Plan ahead. Whether it's an hour, a day, or a week of doing nothing, cancel all of your appointments for that block of time.
- Let people know that you'll 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 "I'm going to be busy" (busy doing nothing!), tell them not to call, visit, or interrupt.
- Find a quiet, private place where you feel unpressured to do anything. This might be your bedroom, the garage, the car, or a local park. Find that place and go there.
- Set your watch or an alarm 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.
Sit quietly by yourself. Stare off into the distance and let your mind wander. Avoid the temptation to turn on the TV, listen to music, write a note to yourself, get a bite to eat, or whatever. The only thing you should do if you need to is go to the bathroom.
- Don't respond to any phone calls or other requests for your attention. Ideally, your phone ringer should be off. Just stay low and behave as if you are not there at all.
- Learn how to meditate and clear your mind. That way, not only will your body be doing nothing, but so will your mind. Since your brain is constantly working, learning how to give it a break can provide a major sense of peace and regeneration.

Tips
Setting aside some free time to do nothing once in a while can actually be healthy for your mind, body, and emotional life, especially if you find that you're really wearing yourself thin. How often you do nothing is up to you, but it should be a rejuvenating experience overall.

Warnings
At first you may feel nervous, jittery, and restless. Try to relax and understand that doing nothing does not mean that you're being unproductive or irresponsible. Ultimately, setting time aside to recharge your batteries will make you more productive and creative in the long run, and that's a very responsible thing to do.

The funny thing is that my life is such that I need to read an article entitled, “How to do Nothing.” I love my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything; the opportunities I have to do something are things that I treasure, but I definitely have a need to do nothing, too.

I’m going to the Youth Specialties conference this weekend, and I haven’t been this excited about going somewhere since I went to Hawaii in the 7th grade, the trip on which I ate nothing but Junior Mints and a Mocha Frappuchino for breakfast, and proceeded to throw up during takeoff. I’ll be sure to steer clear of that particular meal this morning, but the excitement in my heart is palpable as I head off for a weekend with old friends and fresh insights. The sweet part is that I am just as excited about the conference as I am about the people that I am attending the conference with. Man, I love my friends. Talk to you soon.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. (Romans 1:8-12)