The Art of Doing Nothing: 5 Ways to Embrace "La Dolce Far Niente" Based on Your Personality
When was the last time you were bored?
The art of doing nothing. The Italians have a name for this, “la dolce far niente” which translates to the sweetness of doing nothing. As an American, I am ashamed to say that I don’t know how to do nothing. If I don’t have anything to do then I find something to do or I take a nap and then complain about wasting 2 hours sleeping when I could have been doing something. I know, that’s bad. And I think a lot of us can relate. Our culture doesn’t reward idleness, we always have to be go, go, go. Which in turn contributes to burnout in many of us, but I want to change that.
When I think about the art of doing nothing, I immediately think back to being a kid and going outside to play with my friends and having fun. Since, we’re in our twenties and thirties now, we have to figure out how we can factor in “doing nothing” into our busy schedules. In this article, I’ll share 5 ways we can incorporate doing nothing into our lives based on 5 different kinds of people.
For my active types:— If you’re the type that you MUST be doing something, then try something that requires minimal focus: go for a walk or jog, go for a swim, take a bike ride with a friend. The art of doing nothing is just that, doing nothing, so don’t pack on too many physical activities that it becomes a chore.
For my sensual types: Cook a beautiful meal and share it with those you love, make love with your partner or with yourself, paint, go on a wine walk in a beautiful part of town or by a lake, write in your journal. Whatever you do, make sure it makes you feel something, allow the beauty of your activity to permeate your world.
For the organizers: Schedule it put a time block in your schedule for doing nothing. Maybe then you’d want to organize your home, read a few chapters of a book, clean up, catch up on some light responsibilities. The goal for the organizer type is to not pile on as many tasks as you can, the goal is to do the least so you can enjoy it more fully.
For the social types: If you’re the type who wants to do nothing with others, find a new social club to try out with your friends, meet them at a coffee shop and enjoy their company, go for a picnic and bring all your favorite foods, play pickle ball or tennis. As long as there’s friends or a sense of community, you’ve enjoy it.
For the quiet types: For the quieter types, the art of doing nothing would be doing something like reading a book, taking a nap, or spending time with animals. Allow this time to be a time of slowing down and peace.
The goal for the Art of Doing Nothing to create a sense of peace and calm throughout your day, no matter what that means to you.
Which type are you? Are you more than one? Comment below.