When was the last time you did nothing? Really nothing? Sitting by the lake, for example. Without talking to anyone. And without making your next plans. Just being. In the here and now. Concentrate on your breath. Listen to yourself. Do nothing. Most people can hardly remember such situations. 

No wonder, because there are several reasons for this: For one thing, our everyday lives have become faster and faster. Not only do we rush from one work appointment to the next, but we also clutter up our free time with activities. And then there are also family obligations and household chores. And the time? It flies by. On the other hand, our current zeitgeist is also partly to blame: consciously doing nothing is neither desirable nor socially acceptable in a society that insists on performance. 

And so many people often feel uneasy when their neighbor is still working late at night while they themselves are already enjoying the end of the working day. However, doing nothing, which is so frowned upon, is not only beneficial, but even healthy. We have therefore looked into this topic, show why breaks are important and give tips for consciously doing nothing.

Why we find it so difficult to consciously do nothing

Our world is fast. Digital. Networked. We are constantly surrounded by information and the big buzzwords of our time are perfectionism, self-optimization, success and performance. Thanks to our smartphones, we also have the entire world at our fingertips. At the touch of a button, we disappear into a cosmos that only spits us out again hours later. We see what others are up to, compare, feel bad, spur ourselves on to peak performance and forget to listen to and respect ourselves or nature. 

We are therefore constantly on a merry-go-round of distractions that is constantly increasing its speed. For many people, it is almost inconceivable to consciously decide not to do anything instead. Even short waiting times at the doctor's or while the rice is simmering on the stove are now bridged with a glance at the cell phone. We crave entertainment. Always.

Why breaks are so important

The first outgrowths of this unhealthy lifestyle are shortened attention spans or the much-cited burn-out. However, constant availability, combined with an inner restlessness, also makes us tired, unfocused, careless and stressed. Experts therefore recommend slowing down, pausing - and therefore consciously doing nothing. But why are breaks so important? 

Quite simply, our brain needs them to process things better and store memories. At the same time, it is an essential regeneration time that our body needs to regain energy. In addition, breaks can boost creativity and lead to greater mental clarity.

A new counter-trend is emerging

Sounds obvious, doesn't it? And that is also the reason why counter-trends to the prevailing zeitgeist are now developing. Much of this comes from the Nordic countries. For example, the Danes swear by "hygge", a lifestyle concept that increasingly focuses on the values of coziness, homeliness, intimacy and familiarity. Developments such as 4-day weeks, shorter working hours and other innovations in the professional sphere are following a similar trend. All of this illustrates that people are now looking for ways out of the daily hustle and bustle. Because it makes them ill.

Tips on how to succeed in consciously being lazy

Finally, we would like to give you a few tips on how to succeed in consciously doing nothing. The most important thing is to let go of supposed social conventions and obligations. You don't always have to give 200 percent, strive for the same career as your fellow students or do everything immediately. Instead, develop a healthy relationship with doing nothing and keep in mind all the reasons why breaks are important. And then the following points can help:   

• Find a place to rest: Whether it's the couch at home or a nearby mountaintop cross from which to gaze, finding a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is the most important prerequisite.
   
• Minimize distractions: Whether it's a smartphone, remote control or other utensil - now banish anything that could distract you from your field of vision. Instead, focus on the moment, make yourself comfortable and take a few minutes.
   
• Consciously pause for a moment: If you find it difficult at first to simply consciously do nothing, you can use meditation or yoga methods. Essential for both: correct breathing. Concentrate fully on it, breathe in and out deeply and let your thoughts come and go.
   
• Schedule time out: Regardless of whether you decide to do nothing for 10 minutes a day or a longer period of time at the weekend - regularity is essential. This will help you escape the stress spiral and do something good for your body and mind.

Press the pause button at the Seehotel Jägerwirt

However, it can also be helpful to literally change your perspective - for example by taking a break in an unfamiliar, yet very inspiring place. As an impetus and starting point to change your own life from now on, to allow yourself breaks and to pay more attention to yourself again. Or, alternatively, every now and then. So as not to unlearn this spirit. And that's where we come in, if you like. Because here, between the mountains and the lake, you not only benefit from a grounding landscape that brings you fully into the moment, but we also offer special retreats that deal with exciting topics of our time. For that extra dose of inspiration on your individual path to a new you. 

Alexander Springenschmidt, Managing Director of Seehotel Jägerwirt, is an expert on the topic of flow throughout the DACH region. With his "High Flow Time Management" patent, he helps people to achieve twice as much in half the time without burning out. 

www.alexanderspringenschmidt.com