Master The Art Of Doing Nothing

Imagine measuring a day’s accomplishments not by your to-do list ticks, but by the number of times you stopped to take time out and watch the sunset...

- Emily Ekluno

In our fast-paced and highly connected society, introspection and reflection have become lost arts, despite mindfulness being the buzzword of last year. Did you know that being idle and allowing the mind to wander can actually increase happiness and creativity, boost decision making skills reduce stress and help us live longer? Total Balance coach and mindfulness teacher Kate James says doing things that are not outcome-driven allows the brain time for self-reflection. “It gives us head space to work through problems, find perspective and make better choices which can reduce stress levels. Having self compassion and exercising non-judgment in situations also helps us figure out what we need more of— whether that’s in our health, career or relationships,” Kate says.

Be it the bar or bath, beach walk or yoga, the most important thing you can do to recharge the batteries is allow the brain a little downtime.