HEALTHY HABITSâ—½ YOU
Doing Nothing
by Marcy Lytle
I saw or heard recently a phrase about the beauty of doing nothing. And while some have realized this and have no problem doing nothing and rather enjoy it, there are a LOT of us that struggle with doing nothing. I know this because I polled my followers on Instagram. We either feel guilty that we’re not being “productive” or we just thrive on being busy. So, I personally am trying to find the beauty of doing nothing at times, and realizing that it’s pretty healthy! (Of course, not all the time!)
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Here’s what doing nothing can look like as a healthy non-activity, and they all start with P!
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Placing the phone in another room and resting on a cute pillow on the sofa for 30 minutes is divine.
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Pulling up under a shade tree to enjoy a frozen coke from McDonalds and watching people come and go is relaxing and satisfying.
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Perusing a real paper magazine for no purpose, except to enjoy an article or picture or two, is simply fun…as well as a real cookbook with pages, as well!
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Practicing the silent heart of gratefulness for 5 minutes before starting a day, asking for nothing, sets up for a day to soak in His goodness.
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Pleasures like sipping lemonade, looking out the window, watching the birds fly, lowers anxiety.
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Printer quiet, pens put away, lists not looked at, only idle time - this is not wasting time. It’s breathing time.

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Pausing for a long shower or warm bath and doing nothing but sitting or standing in the rinse is smile-inducing.
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Praising Him with hands lifted high in the breeze as we feel the wind that speaks His name is life giving.
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Pulling over to stop and take a nap while we’re out running errands, gives us energy for the rest of the day.
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Passing with a “no” to that invitation to go is a yes to staying and resting.
I remember now where I saw the “beauty of doing nothing.” It was in a movie, where three older Italian women gathered in the middle of town every day doing nothing but people watching. They were jolly and joyful. And I found it a marvel to think about…and to consider in this busy world. A place to do nothing…for a part of healthy living.