It’s no surprise that “busy” is the new status quo, especially for women.  But does “doing more” mean you’re winning in the game of life?  Researchers say the opposite – and are finding significant benefits of doing NOTHING.

“Regularly carving out time to devote to doing nothing, to sitting in idleness and dropping into a conscious state of being, produces many health benefits including, but not limited to, reduced heart rate, better digestion, improvements in mood, and a boost in overall emotional well-being. Being mindful of the activities you choose, saying no, and taking time for stillness may fuel your body.”  (http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/06/01/the-benefits-of-doing-nothing/)

Making time to do NOTHING begins with hopping off the “busy” train.  Here are some tips to get you started.

• Write down all your activities for the next month.
• One a scale of 1 (meaning NOT AT ALL) to 10 (VERY) rate how important each activity is to you. (Does it make you happy? Do you say yes out of guilt?)
• Write down the four things that are most important to you (exercise, family, work, hobby, etc). Do your activities align with these four things?
• Once you’ve evaluated your activities, fulfill your current obligations, but say NO to every new opportunity that comes your way for 30 days.
• Keep a journal of how you feel when you say no; eventually you will learn that saying “NO” is a choice, which allows more time to do nothing.

So, what if you’re not used to doing nothing?  Sitting or lying still with a microwave heating pad a few times a day will soothe your mind and body.  The feel-good benefits can be addicting, and before you know it, you’ll be an expert at the art of doing nothing.  Check out Maine Warmers’ line of Comforting Creatures…unique, functional designs to help you you unplug.