Doing nothing is good for me?

Somewhere between “productivity hacks” and “self-care Sundays” lies an ancient Italian idea that we quite like: il dolce far niente. Translated it means “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Multi-tasking, mindfulness apps, checking emails: none of that; just being. It’s a phrase that embodies the Italian knack for making life look effortless. But it’s not just a romantic ideal on a Tuscan postcard. Science and common sense align: doing nothing is good for us. And not in the “bubble bath and wine” kind of way, but in a meaningful, brain-and-body-resetting way.

 

The Science of Sweet Nothingness

Don’t dismiss “doing nothing” as lazy or indulgent, instead consider that our brains weren’t built for constant stimulation. Neuroscientists refer to the brain's default mode network (DMN)—a network of regions that lights up when we’re daydreaming, zoning out, or otherwise not focused on anything specific. It’s not wasted time, it’s where your brain sorts information, connects dots, and sparks creative insights.

It's why great ideas often pop up in the shower or staring out of a window. It’s the mental equivalent of clearing your desk so you can work better later. Yet most of us actively avoid downtime. A famous study actually found that people preferred giving themselves mild electric shocks over sitting quietly alone with their thoughts. Really.

 

The Hidden Benefits of Doing Nothing

So why lean into il dolce far niente? Because downtime is more necessity than luxury.

• It Boosts Creativity - some of the greatest ideas have come from moments of idleness. Albert Einstein famously said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” And what’s the most fun? When you’re not trying so hard.
• It Reduces Stress - constant activity keeps our stress hormones on high alert. Deliberate rest, on the other hand, lowers cortisol levels and helps your nervous system shift into a parasympathetic state.
• It Enhances Decision-Making - ever made a bad decision because you were too knackered to think straight? Taking time to do nothing gives your brain space to weigh options and make smarter choices.
• It Reconnects You with Joy - when last did you enjoy something just because? A sunset, a perfectly ripe peach, the sound of silence. Il dolce far niente reminds us that not everything has to be purposeful to be meaningful.

 

Quality Doing Nothing: The User Guide

Doing nothing can be hard. It needs a bit of practice, intention, and yeah sometimes some courage. This is how to get started with your version of sweet nothingness:

1. Savour Slow Moments - take a page out of the Italian playbook. Linger over your morning coffee (Nolo or otherwise). No scrolling, no rushing. Just you, your drink, and the moment.
2. Go Screen-Free - We’re so wired for distraction that even “relaxation” can feel like another task. Try sitting somewhere comfortable and letting your mind wander. You don’t need to journal about it, post it, or track it. Just be.
3. Wander Without Purpose - There’s something magical about walking without a destination. Stroll through a park, a quiet street, or even your own backyard. Let your senses guide you—notice the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of the air, the way the light shifts.
4. Embrace Boredom - boredom gets a bad rap, but it’s often the gateway to creativity. Allow yourself to sit with the feeling without rushing to fill it. You might be surprised where your thoughts take you.

 

Quotes to Ponder during your nothingness:

Sometimes some wisdom from others helps give us permission to pause. From Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert: "You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestation of your own blessings." And what better way to manifest blessings than to step back and notice the ones already around you? Or this from French philosopher Blaise Pascal: "All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." Worth thinking about next time you reach for your phone mid-silence.

 

Don’t call me lazy

Il dolce far niente isn’t about slacking off. It’s not scrolling Instagram for hours or binge-watching your fifth reality show this week. It’s about presence. It’s about letting go of the need to achieve, if only for a moment, and trusting that rest has its own rewards. There’s an elegance to this kind of rest, a refinement. It’s the opposite of hustle culture—a rebellion, even. In a world that glorifies being busy, choosing to do nothing is a radical act of self-care.

 

Finding Your Sweet Spot

The beauty of il dolce far niente is that it’s different for everyone. For some it’s a quiet Sunday morning with a book you don’t plan to finish. For others it’s lying in the grass watching clouds morph into dragons and ships. It could be taking an extra-long pause between sips of your favourite cold brew (we have a suggestion).

Don’t overthink it. Il dolce far niente doesn’t need planning, prep, or the perfect conditions. It lets life unfold as it is—and finding sweetness in that simplicity. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing at all.

The Nolo Team