Originally published in The Commons Journal.
Well guys, we (almost) made it.
We’re just days – moments, even – from concluding 2021 and closing the book on what has been an eventful year to say the least.
Adjusting and then readjusting to life in isolation, endless binging of TV series after TV series (we’re still recovering from Squid Game), canceled travel plans, Britney being freed from her conservatorship, the Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Oprah special; shall we go on?
As we settle into the holiday period, we felt it fitting to take this moment to remind you (and ourselves) that it’s never been more important to take the time to rest.
And by rest we mean doing absolutely nothing.
We know what you’re thinking and the answer is no. Lounging on your couch and scrolling through your social feeds doesn’t count. While it may feel like a mindless activity at times, you’re still mentally engaged on some level.
To rest is to actually switch off–which means turning off your phone.
Strange concept, we know. Especially when you consider – for most, at least – that we spend more time staring at our screens than actually interacting with one another. 5.5 hours per day on average, to be precise.
But just like your phone’s battery, you too need to be recharged from time to time.
Doing absolutely nothing gives your mental and physical state the opportunity to properly relax and reset. It also allows space for your subconscious to expand and explore new ideas, sparking creativity and innovation. Which, let’s face it, we could all do with a little more of going into 2022.
The trick is however, convincing yourself that no plans are, in fact, a plan.
And we get it, it’s hard. As a society we’ve become so obsessed with the idea of being busy. Hustling everyday because that’s what successful people do, don’t they?
But as this study from INSEAD highlights:
“Busyness and stress disorders are familiar companions in contemporary society… The new reality is that too many of us run around doing things that are counter-productive and in the process burn ourselves out. Often, being busy can be a poor excuse for living an unhealthy life. Busyness can be as addictive as a drug.”
So it seems doing absolutely nothing is your one-way ticket to a happier and healthier 2022, and here’s how.
External disconnection leads to internal connection. It brings forth an opportunity to reflect on the year that was, your life, experiences, career, relationships; all the fun stuff.
It also creates a space to process and heal, and for some, recover from burnout. Even more prevalent in 2021 when you consider this survey revealed earlier this year that the average Australian employee puts in 6.1 hours per week (319 hours per year) of unpaid overtime as a result of the shift to the new Covid-19 working norm.
Our bodies undergo so much stress – whether consciously or not – and when we’re busy, the last thing we want to do is focus on the things we don’t have time nor the energy to change.
But change doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It could be recognising that in 2022 you want to work less and life more. Or that your relationship with caffeine seemed to progress from a flirtatious affair to inextricably codependent overnight.
Whatever it is, now’s the time to focus on it.
When it comes to how, we recommend taking a page out of the Italians’ book and make your holiday mantra “Il Dolce far Niente”, which literally means “The sweetness of doing nothing”.
Take pleasure in idleness, daydream in the park, drink your morning coffee in solitude, take long baths, let the waves crash against your feet along the beachside; whatever makes your soul happy, do that.
As for us, we’ll be doing the same.
In addition to the Covid-19 craziness, 2021 has been monumental for The Commons.
In just over twelve months, we’ve opened three spaces (Cremorne, Central House and South Yarra), recruited 25 new team members across two states, hosted hundreds of events and inevitably set the wheels in motion for an even bigger 2022.
But, despite its challenges, we wouldn’t have had it any other way. Ok, with the exception of Covid-19.
We’ve had the best time chatting, laughing and eating our way through 2021 alongside you, our members. It’s been such a pleasure to meet and connect with so many inspiring minds from various walks of life.
From the whole team here at The Commons, we hope you have the most incredible Christmas and New Year, and can’t wait to welcome you back to your second home in 2022.