Have you ever had a do-nothing day? I had one this week. It wasn’t completely a do-nothing day. I DID go to the gym and I DID get my car washed, but for the most part, the rest of the day was do-nothing. We live in a world that measures value in terms of busyness, like being busy is somewhat of a status symbol. It’s no wonder we feel the need to be productive ALL THE TIME. As a long time sufferer of extreme busyness, it’s not uncommon to feel guilt whenever I have a do-nothing day, especially in the early days of my retirement. Before retirement, we dream about how wonderful it will be to have do-nothing days, but when you actually have one, the guilt sets in. Although our do-nothing days are rare, they are hard to get used to.
Chances are, if you were a busy employee before retirement, then you are a busy retiree after retirement. You’re calendar is just as full as it was before, it’s just full of a little more fun. I think people intentionally fill their calendars when they retire just to avoid a possible do-nothing day. In other words, most people don’t retire to doing nothing every day. Most retirees spend their days pretty productive, whether it be a part-time job, helping out the family, house and gardening projects, the list continues. BUT on the rare occasion that there is little to nothing on your calendar one day, it’s ok to have a do-nothing day. There actually are benefits to these days - whether you’re retired or not.
Doing nothing isn’t the same as being bored and the term shouldn't be confused with the dictionary.com definition of a do-nothing (lazy or worthless person). Doing nothing once in a while can be relaxing, healthy, and (believe it or not) productive. Getting used to the freedom of doing nothing once in a while before retirement will help you settle into retirement easier and quicker. It’s not a bad idea to have these do-nothing days once in a while before retirement. One of the most difficult transitions new retirees make is being ok with doing nothing. So why is it important to do nothing once in a while? It can improve your mood, lower your heart rate, improve your emotional well-being, help make you feel well rested and clear your mind. You worked hard for dozens of years - you deserve a few of these do-nothing days. (But don’t make a career of it. Obviously, too many do nothing days can result in an unhealthy lifestyle.)
What does it look like to do nothing once in a while? It’s not just sitting on your sofa and staring at the walls all day. Being idle looks different for everyone. If you want to have a do-nothing day but you don’t want to stay home, go bumbling (it’s a nice word for wandering around without purpose). Slow down your walking pace and walk around a quaint nearby town - browse the boutiques, sit and read or have coffee/tea at an adorable coffee shop (or better yet, a lavender green tea/lemonade at your favorite sidewalk café). I love my bumbling days. Start out with a nice healthy breakfast, put on a comfortable outfit, and drive to your favorite cute town with adorable shops. No need to have a purpose or to buy anything - just browse. Don’t want to leave home? Spend a day binge-watching a TV or Netflix series that’s been on your radar. This is an especially great choice on rainy days! (You really don’t even have to change out of your PJs.)
Bottom line - give yourself permission for a do-nothing day once in a while. You’ll get used to it.
