Do Nothing Day

  • 10
  • 30
  • 60
Time

Benefits
  • Find Calm
  • Bring Joy

Participants
  • One to One or Self Led

What you need

  1. Nothing (well, some things of choice)

Intro

National days usually involve celebrating or honouring something by doing things. 16th January, however, is ‘National Nothing Day’. But honouring this day is a lot harder than it sounds. Have you ever tried doing nothing? 

Every day we do something – from waking up, stretching our arms and getting out of bed, to making a cup of tea, switching on the radio and chatting to family. While doing nothing is almost impossible, what we can do is spend a day relaxing without having anything planned. 

Time for reflection is important and can be done wherever you are and at any time of year, not just on the 16th January. Try some of our do-almost-nothing ideas below – these are quiet activities that can be calming in an otherwise busy life.

The Activity

  1. For those who want a day off, choose one or a selection of the following quiet activities:

o   Have a TV-free day (or for a limited time if a favourite programme cannot be missed!)

o   Put some familiar, relaxing music on in the background. Talk to the person about what memories the music evokes

o   Read a magazine or book – ask the person to read or read for them if they wish

o   Sit by the window and enjoy looking out – sit with the person and draw their attention to things and discuss them

o   Stroll around the garden or local area and just observe. Take in all the things you wouldn’t normally see when rushing around

o   Relax with an online meditation 

o   Sit and talk to a friend or family member in person or on the phone. Reminisce about the last event you attended together

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