Doing Nothing Is The New Self Care (No really!)

Have you ever felt a bit embarrassed when someone asks,

'What are you doing this weekend?' and you don’t have a fully booked schedule to share?

This used to be me. ?My diary was never fully booked. But I felt like it should be.

It’s like we’ve been conditioned to believe that every moment must be filled with plans, commitments, and productivity.

But what if I told you that doing nothing—yes, absolutely nothing—could actually be one of the sweetest gifts you give yourself?

There’s a famous Italian saying,?Dolce far Niente, which translates to

'the sweetness of doing nothing.'

It doesn’t mean being lazy or unproductive. It’s more about savoring the simple pleasure of being idle—taking a moment to truly 'smell the roses' without rushing to the next item on your to-do list

Today, there’s an unspoken pressure to always be busy.

Ask any woman about her plans for the weekend, and there’s almost an expectation that she’ll list lunch dates, day trips, and dinner parties back-to-back.

Heaven forbid you admit you’re just… relaxing!

It’s as if having an empty diary means you’re somehow 'failing' at life,when in reality, constantly filling your schedule is what’s leaving many of us feeling drained.

Here’s the truth: Our nervous systems weren’t designed to be in 'go mode' all the time.

Taking time to do nothing isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for your well-being.

When we embrace?Dolce far Niente, we allow our bodies and minds to rest and recharge.

It’s in these unstructured moments that creativity flourishes, solutions emerge, and genuine joy is found.

As busy women, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the need to always be 'doing' something.

So I’d like to set you two little challenges to help you reconnect with the “sweetness of doing nothing."

1. This Weekend’s Challenge: If you find half an hour where you don’t need to be doing anything, resist the urge to fill it with a chore. Instead, make yourself a cuppa and simply sit by the window. Gaze out, watch the world go by, and let your mind wander. Notice how it feels to just be.
2. The Christmas Challenge: The lead-up to Christmas is one of the most hectic times of the year, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activities.If you see a gap in your diary, block it out as a "nothing day." When the invites come flooding in, honour that time for yourself. Politely say you’re unavailable because, on that day, you’re gifting yourself some well-deserved rest.

Try these challenges and see what shifts for you.

Remember, saying 'no' to busyness means saying 'yes' to yourself.

I’d love to hear how you get on—share your experiences with me here .

I am off to the OM Yoga show on Saturday and Sunday I have nothing in the diary apart from painting my new garden gate!

If you’re ready for better sleep, slowing down, and savouring life’s simple pleasures—like curling up with a good book or soaking in a warm bath - Calm & Clarity is here for you.

This personalised 5-week course is designed for busy working women who recognise the benefits of a slower pace and are ready to release the overthinking & overwhelm.

We’ll focus on practical tools to help you manage stress, create space for rest, and let go of the constant need to stay busy, so you can experience the peace and calm you deserve.

Ready to start getting better sleep and finally unwind?

Calm & Clarity is here to help you make it happen—without taking up too much of your time.

Looking for more tips on reducing stress, finding balance, and enjoying life’s little moments?

Follow me on Instagram for daily insights, practical advice, and a little inspiration to help you navigate life with less stress and more calm.