What if you simply sat, breathed, and let the world pass by? You might be surprised by what you find in the quiet.
In a world obsessed with productivity and achievements, we’ve turned 'rest' into yet another task to optimize. We listen to podcasts on our walks, put on a meditation playlist while cooking or fill our weekends with DIY projects. These days, even our downtime is packed with purpose. Whilst these activities may be enjoyable and relaxing, but let's be clear, it is not true 'rest' - the kind that our body, mind and spirit desperately need.
As a society, we feel guilty for doing nothing at all. It is as if we've forgotten how to simply be.
We know a lack of rest leads to burnout and other health issues. We've sign up to yoga classes, we are more aware of mental health but yet —according to Fortune magazine— 'about 82% of employees are still at risk of burnout this year'.
So, here’s the question: if we are actively incorporating 'rest' into our lives but, as a society, we are still facing widespread burnout, could it be that we don't truly understand what 'rest' means?
What is Rest?
When we feel exhausted, we often focus on the quality of our sleep. And while sleep is vital, rest goes beyond that.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines rest as “respite from labor or exertion of any kind,” “refreshment or repose obtained by a pause in activity,” and “freedom from trouble, distress, molestation, or aggression.”
Rest is doing nothing. That's right—doing absolutely nothing. Watching the world go by. Listening to waves lap at the shore. Letting your mind wander and gently bringing it back, only to let it drift again. It may sound radical, but it’s essential.
Studies show that (true) rest—where the mind and body are idle—is crucial for cognitive function, creativity, and well-being. Neuroscience tells us that our brain’s “default mode network” activates when we’re not focused on a task. This network supports deep self-reflection, memory consolidation, and creativity. Without giving ourselves time to disengage, our brains become overstimulated, leading to burnout and creative blocks. The magic of renewal only happens when we embrace doing nothing.
The Italian Secret: 'Dolce Far Niente'
In Italy, they’ve understood this concept for centuries. They even have a phrase for it - dolce far niente - the sweetness of doing nothing. This isn’t laziness. It’s a deep cultural understanding that life isn’t just about "doing"; it’s about "being". Italians have perfected the art of watching the world pass by, whether in a bar, on a bench at the Piazza or at the beach — all carried out without guilt. This isn’t wasted time; it’s soul nourishment.
In much of modern life, we’ve lost this balance. The cost? Skyrocketing stress levels, burnout, and a creeping sense of anxiety.
My Story: Learning to Rest in Italy
When I pressed pause on my career three years ago and moved to Italy, I thought I was finally resting. I spent that first year studying Yoga and Ayurvedic nutrition, meeting people, savoring food, and planning new adventures. It was fulfilling and aligned with my passions—but it wasn’t true rest. I was still heavily in the “doing” mode.
It took time to strip away the guilt I felt around rest. There was a nagging voice inside telling me I should be “productive” that every moment should be filled with something useful. Slowly, I learned to let go of that conditioned behaviour. Now, I take time each morning to simply enjoy my coffee—no phone, no news, just me in the present moment. And at the end of each day, I lie on my yoga mat for 30 minutes. No music, no agenda, just breathing and stillness. That is rest.
Here’s the paradox: when we give ourselves permission to rest, truly rest, we come back more creative, more energized, and more fulfilled. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
A Call to Action: Rediscover the Art of Doing Nothing
We need to unlearn our constant drive for productivity. We need to rediscover the art of doing nothing and stop feeling guilty about it. True rest is an act of rebellion against the relentless push for achievement. It’s a statement that our value is not tied to how much we accomplish but to how fully we experience life.
So the next time you feel the urge to fill your free time with tasks, ask yourself: What would happen if I did nothing? What if I simply sat, breathed, and let the world pass by? You might be surprised by what you find in the quiet.
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By: Nancy Yeung
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