“What are we doing next, tomorrow, this weekend, next week???”, asks most children at some point during the day, or multiple times. Our minds have been trained to think about upcoming events, instead of being fully present in the current moment. We all want to know what is happening next, especially when we don’t like what is happening now. We miss the opportunity to connect with the present moment, even if nothing good or bad is happening… it is what is called “neutral” space, and we’re usually not comfortable being there… we like and want things to be happening! This can create habits of chasing after only the “good” or fun things, and avoiding the things we don’t want or like to do. It’s why a child (or adult) begins to sulk after a full day of fun, when they return home and are asked to pick up their room, or take a shower. This is why it is so important to sometimes do nothing.
“Counter-intuitively, idleness can be a great productivity tool because “if our energy is totally shot, our productivity is not going to be good because we’re not going to have fuel to burn with which to be productive,” says Chris Bailey, a productivity expert and author of the blog “A Life of Productivity.” So, if you’re really looking to get some things done at work or home, or you’re asking your children to accomplish goals for continued learning this summer or tasks around home, think about how you and they can do less, to do more! Interested in learning more? Check out this article on how DOING NOTHING SUPPORTS PRODUCTIVITY. And creativity. And energy.
Breathing exercise: Body Scan – We often spend so much time in our heads, we forget to check in with our bodies; and typically when we do, it is because something feels bad (an achy back or other body part), or good (a massage or warm embrace from a loved one). This especially rings true when we lay down at night to go to sleep. Our minds are running so fast, and the thoughts continue to spin through our heads, and we are not able to settle ourselves and let go, which is exactly how we fall asleep. When we calm our bodies, we calm our minds.
While lying down, slowly scan your body starting with your toes and pausing as you take deep breaths and move along. Make your way up to the top of your head, and don’t be surprised if you fall asleep. We typically keep so busy during the day, that our minds are not accustomed to slowing down without drifting off to sleep, and this is absolutely okay. Body Scans are often used as a meditation to fall asleep, while it is also a wonderful way to ground yourself when feeling anxious and overwhelmed. For more guidance on body scans, try the calm app free for 30 days at www.calm.com/ymca.
Mindful Activity: Take some time this week to do absolutely nothing! Yes, seriously. Nothing. No TV, no phone, no music, no talking, no nothing. It’s going to be weird, awkward, uncomfortable, and it’s absolutely going to be okay. You can do this alone or with the family; in the same room, or you may want to go to separate rooms, set a timer, and then return back to report on your experiences. Maybe challenge yourself or you family; starting with just 3-5 minutes, and see if you can work up to 10 or more, with a goal of creating calm and space in your home and mind.
