The Sweetness in Doing Nothing

Ever notice how relaxed and less stressed you are when on vacation? The hours just float by in a carefree daze.  Ok…that may have a little bit to do with the margaritas that started at noon but there’s more to it.  There’s something magical about a vacation because of one thing…DOLCHE FAR NIENTE. Come again? Italians have a saying… ‘dolche far niente’… which translates into, “sweetness of doing nothing.”  It is the accepted act of doing nothing of importance, and some Europeans have made it an art form. To me, it is the most rewarding things about vacation.

Many Americans work long hours and do not take enough vacations.  In August 2014, after interviewing 436 adults, Business Insider claimed that 25% said they couldn’t relax or get their mind off work while on vacation.  22% said they checked into the office too much.  And 30% of them said they didn’t take vacations because they felt they had too much work and they didn’t want to fall behind.  That is completely understandable.  My husband often goes back to work after dinner and eats lunch while on a conference call.  However, studies have also showed that people are more productive when they return from a vacation. 

In Europe, I love that when you sit down to lunch it is a commitment.  The waiters take forever and people have wine in the middle of the day.  You eat your food and watch the world go by in the ­­­­­piazza.  Men smoke a cigarette and compliment a beautiful woman as they go by…ok…that’s actually a little creepy but you know what I mean.  There is an overwhelming sense of leisure that I always swear I will incorporate into our lives when we get back to the US. 

This form of pleasant idleness is a gift we sometimes take for granted.  So how can we replicate this sense of peace? Try to live in the moment.  Turn your phones off during dinner, go for a walk at the end of a stressful day, or enjoy a glass of wine in your backyard after dinner.  Embrace the calmness of dolche far niente.