The Art Of Doing Nothing - A Slow Spring Escape

The things that were once pastimes and hobbies are now considered doing ‘nothing,’ as though reading is frivolous, walking in the countryside is pointless or giving time to health-boosting sleep is superfluous.

There is a pressure to measure our time and seek accomplishment and if it doesn’t make the grade, it’s not worthwhile. But we can’t measure wellbeing by the ticks on a to do list, which is why we’re rediscovering the art of doing ‘nothing’ at our Hampshire hotel this spring. Because, if these things are nothing, we best start doing more of it. It’s the simple, beautiful things that can bring us the most happiness, and if we’re not careful to master the art, we’ll lose it for good.

So, what is the art to ‘doing nothing’?

It’s getting away for a short spring break and doing just that, having a break. Committing essential time to you; to your physical and mental health and wellbeing. Walking among carpets of bluebells, under ancient canopies, or simply sitting in our garden with a good book.

Gloria Mark, Ph.D., and author of "Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity, says
"doing nothing means giving your mind a rest by not expending your precious and limited cognitive resources and attentional capacity."

She recognises that we need to turn away from media and unplug, not just from the digital world but from other people too at times. In fact, it’s good for our creative brain to switch off, to be silent and mindful, to recognise how we’re feeling in a given moment.

No longer do we stand and allow our mind to wander while we wait in a queue, or sit at a table in a café and simply just people-watch – and it’s during these moments we can nurture creative thought but instead we are constantly being stimulated, or bombarded with information through our screens and devices.

Short breaks can be hugely rewarding for productivity and creativity, helping our brain to recover and process, like it does during sleep. When you’re on a countryside break in the New Forest, you can certainly master the art of doing nothing:

Sit in the garden and drink tea

When you seek a slow spring escape to the country, simply enjoy admiring our English country garden from the warmth of the conservatory or spend time in the garden, listening to the birds, watching the bees and butterflies, and taking in the scents of the forest. Order a pot of tea or enjoy a full Afternoon Tea, whatever takes your fancy.

Take a nap

It’s okay if you feel relaxed and sleepy on your weekend break. Enjoy a guilt-free nap knowing that they are believed to help boost memory, lift mood and ease stress. The break away from work and to do lists ought to be everything you want it to be. You are free to completely relax. If lying on the bed on a sunny spring afternoon and listening to the birds is bliss for you, please, be our guest.

Rediscover your love of reading

Our time is so precious that we often neglect the pastimes that bring us joy. Reading for pleasure is in fact considered another mood and self-esteem boosting activity which aids sleep and grounds us. Bring your favourite novel, pick up the newspaper or peruse our library for an interesting read and enjoy making time for something you love this spring.