We live running from one task to another, connected to a thousand stimuli, as if lowering the rhythm was an impossible luxury. When you think you have a quiet afternoon, a plan arises to say no, or you have the house so unattended that … You prefer prioritize those tasks Before sleeping a nap, playing sports, reading a book or simply lying on the couch and getting bored.
Many people today live with High stress levels Due to various reasons, such as work, daily responsibilities and social expectations. This accelerated rhythm affects the impossibility, many times, to find time to relax and take care of oneself. Recognizing stress and looking for ways to handle it is already a big step to leave the loop that prevents you from being aware of yourself, attending your needs.
We have forgotten to stop
How much do you not allow yourself do absolutely nothing without feeling guilt? Because that is another issue … you can do nothing but many people feel culpability for not taking advantage of that time. That is, we have learned with the passage of time that if we do nothing is lost time.
However, the Italians have a wise saying: ‘Dolce Far niente’, which literally means “the sweet of doing nothing.” This concept celebrates the pleasure of stopping and simply being.
It is ironic that something as natural as resting has become difficult. As you remember Beatriz Gil Vaultexpert psychologist in self -esteem and CEO of psyche, «the current society prevails the hyperproductivity: Always active, always available. They have taught us that time is gold only if we are doing something useful. The result? When we finally have a respite, guilt appears. Who has not answered ‘nothing, I just rest’ to the question of ‘What did you do the weekend?’ feeling a little bad? This culture of non -stop has turned rest into a modern sin. We associate resting with being lazy, and we believe that stopping is “wasting time” while others advance. ”
However, ours body and mind need pauses Or, failing that, you show that we make decisions thinking about our well -being. Like an athlete incorporates days of recovery, in the day to day we need moments to stop to recharge. In a hyperconnected and accelerated world, practicing the ‘Dolce Far niente’ works as a serenity refuge. “Enjoying nothing is an art that allows us to connect with ourselves and with the present moment,” explains the expert. Paradoxically, when we stop for a moment we gain quality of life: we stop surviving in autopilot and feel the here again and now. Reapping to rest is, deep down, relear to live.
Why do nothing
It is not just a romantic idea; Science supports the value of these pauses. Studies show that Eliminate distractions and let the mind wander – that is dreaming awake what happens when we do nothing – improves mental health, productivity and creativity. Far from being lost time, those moments of disconnection trigger a chain of continuous benefits: creativity, emotional balance, and even empathy. Beatriz Gil Vault shares some of its positive effects:
– More creativity and fresh ideas: When we allow the mind to rest, we enter the wandering mode new ideas arise. Inspiration flows naturally, finding solutions that do not appear under pressure. “Great ideas (it is said that even Newton’s theory of gravity) is born in moments of relaxed contemplation, not frantic activity,” the expert emphasizes.
– Better concentration and performance: It may sound paradoxical, but doing anything for a while helps us do better later. As the psychologist guarantees, regular pauses recharge attention; Upon returning to the homework, you are more focused and more.
– Improve the mood and reduce stress: Giving your brain a breath helps regulate emotions. «A mental break acts as Reset: overload and anxiety decreases, and with it improves humor. We all know that sense of overwhelmed that relieves after a few minutes of disconnection: it is your nervous system coming out of the “fight or flee” mode and entering calmly. In the long term, this stress regulation protects mental health and even physics, reducing risks associated with chronic stress, ”he says.
– Physical well -being: The body also appreciates that you stop. Medical studies have linked periodic breaks with less risk of cardiovascular and metabolic problems: it was observed that pauses to move or simply relax reduces the probability of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other stress -related disorders. In addition, practicing states of deep relaxation regularly (as in meditation or simply doing nothing for a while every day) is associated with decreased blood pressure and heart rate, protecting your heart.
Doing nothing, therefore, yes a long time ago. And we must not confuse the ‘Dolce Far niente’ with “Being little ambitious” or “have no goals.” On the contrary, these conscious breaks enhance your Mental clarity and your creativity To then pursue your goals with more energy. «A rested brain learns better, solves problems more easily and faces the challenges with better mood. It is about giving the rest mode the importance it deserves, just as we value healthy exercise or eating, ”recalls Beatriz Gil Vault.
How to practice care for oneself
Incorporating the ‘Dolce Far niente’ in your routine does not mean to lie hours without doing anything (who could!); They are rather small daily rituals that allow you to disconnect a few minutes from the autopilot and be aware of what makes you good and happy. Beyond the weekend leisure, there are many simple ways to taste this pleasure daily. These are some ideas to begin with:
– The corner of the “Dolce Far Niente”: upon arriving home after work, dedicates 10-15 minutes to completely disconnect. Turn off or silence the mobile. Sit in your favorite corner (on the couch, in a comfortable chair) and simply breathe. You can have a cup of tea or coffee slowly, savoring each sip. Let your mind vague aimless. This habit, as simple as it seems, points to your brain that it is time to lower revolutions.
– Walk without hurry or destination: Going to walk through the pure pleasure of doing so, without concrete goal or clock. It can be to go around the apple, walk through a nearby park or travel those quiet streets in your neighborhood. Look at the environment: heaven, architecture, people passing. Feel the rhythm of your steps. A short and target walk is an excellent exercise of natural mindfulness, anchor you to the present and clear your mind.
– Music or reading for pleasure: Book a time to immerse yourself in something you like, without seeking to be productive. Put that song that relaxes you (and simply listen, without doing anything else) or leaf through a book on the couch just to enjoy reading, without worrying about how much you advance. Let music or words take you; enjoy. Even five minutes of a quiet melody with closed eyes can recharge from peace.
– Look at the roof (or through the window): Yes, as is. Lie down for a while and fix your view on the roof, or sit next to the window to contemplate the sky, the clouds, the life outside. It is an almost meditative exercise. At first your mind will want to run to the next task; Nothing happens, let her wander. With practice, you will learn to find this silence pleasant. These informal mini-meditations calm the internal dialogue and reconnect with yourself.
– Programmed digital disconnection: Make a pact with you: establish at least one schedule free of screens every day (for example, during dinner or time before bedtime). At that time, instead of mobile or TV, practice the Dolce Far Niente: Give yourself a relaxing shower without thinking about the clock, rest from the screens. Move away from digital overestimulation even if it is a while will allow you to breathe mentally.
Each person can find their own Dolce Far niente mini-rituals. The important thing is to make a hole on the agenda as well as any activity. At first it can cost, because we are accustomed to the inertia of constant occupation. You may feel restless or guilty those first minutes of doing nothing. But, like any habit, it is trained: you will gradually value those times and protect that sacred rest space.
Not everything is working
In a world that pushes us to make more and more, relear to listen to the body and the mind is an act of self -esteem. It means saying: “I deserve to rest and deserve these moments just for me.”
Because not everything is working. It is also health to learn to stop for a while after an intense day. Enjoy a song, read on the couch, walk or simply close your eyes and breathe. That is also well -being. That is also life.
When respecting your pauses, you are taking care of your mental and emotional health in a preventive way, before stress passes invoice. Remember that true wealth is to know how to taste every moment (even Mondays!).
The next time life asks you to run, dare to stop. Turn off the noise for a moment and simply enjoy doing nothing. You will see how in that calm, far from wasting time, you find yourself. Because sometimes, the greatest progress occurs when we stop. Enjoy without guilt your free time to do what you want most.
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