As we move into winter months we tend to move indoors as well. So instead of feeling like "doing nothing" is bad for you, think about it in a beneficial way.

French poet Pierre Reverdy once said, “I need so much time for doing nothing that I have no time for work.” In today’s world, most people would say the opposite- that they have no time to do nothing. Doing “nothing”, however, is something many of us can’t seem to agree on. Some people consider sitting around as doing nothing, while others consider watching a movie as doing nothing. How many times have you answered the question, “What are you doing?”, with the answer, “Nothing”? If we are really doing nothing, then why do Americans feel so overworked and tense? Probably because we are.
   
The health benefits of doing nothing depends on your definition of “nothing” and your ability to do “nothing” effectively. Vault.com stated that Americans don’t know how to relax, taking work on vacation or stating that they have no time for vacation. The average American only has about 16.5 leisure hours a week. Those not getting enough vacation time tend to burnout and suffer from things like stress, ulcers, heart disease, and depression. “Achieving a healthy lifestyle comes from adopting behaviors over time that help to manage stress in effective ways that don’t at the same time take a toll on your physical health and body,” says Russ Newman, Ph.D. in an American Psychological Association press release.    

Doing normal activities, that might seem like “nothing” can help you become healthier and more relaxed. The following are proven stress reducers and mood boosters that you probably do every day. Once you learn to appreciate your down time, you’ll be able to start reaping the rewards.

Treat Fido to a belly rub
Research has shown that spending time with your dog can lower your blood pressure, increase happiness, and lower cholesterol levels. According to research from the UCLA Medical Center, animal assisted therapy has been shown to reduce blood pressure in both healthy and hypertensive patients. Simply petting you dog lowers your blood pressure almost immediately. Pets also make us feel loved and they are good listeners. They don’t judge us and they listen to our problems- the perfect form of therapy. Further research has shown that people were less stressed while performing tasks when they were alone or with a pet, than when they were with a friend.

Spin your favorite records
A study carried out by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London found that music lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and stress- related hormones. Music can also boost your mood, keeping depression and anxiety away. This in turn keeps stress away and optimism alive, bringing about the health benefits of optimism such as superior health and increased longevity. To calm yourself, listening to slower tempos will help, but just listening to your favorite music will lift your spirits. At www.musicip.com you can create playlists and find new music when you enter your favorite song. The software will then provide you with similar songs that fit the same mood.

Laugh yourself healthy
Studies have shown that laughing can reduce stress and protect the heart. According to the American Association for Therapeutic Humor, humor can improve health and work performance. Laughter increases the level of good-feeling endorphins and antibody-producing cells, creating a stronger immune system. Watching a funny TV show or movie will do the trick, just be sure to not become too much of a couch potato. Those uncontrollable laughing fits are a great workout for your abs and your heart.    

Take a power nap
Most Americans are sleep deprived and including a nap in your schedule will help refuel your body. Most doctors recommend a 20 minute nap, because longer naps can hinder your ability to fall asleep later. If you can’t seem to fall asleep during your scheduled nap time don’t fret.  According to Professor Jim Horne, author of Sleepfaring - A Journey Through the Science of Sleep, sitting and doing nothing helps your body more than you would think. For healthy benefits like cell division for your skin, the body must be at rest. This does not mean you have to be asleep- just at rest. This simple act allows your brain to unwind and relax.

Curl up with a book
The Better Health Channel of Victoria, Australia states that reading lowers anxiety, reduces stress, and relieves depression. Escaping to a fictional world, immersing yourself in a non-fictional story, or enjoying a magazine article helps you forget about stress and encourages you to unwind. Bibliotherapy has even been developed as a form of therapy to heal, gain insight, and solve problems. At www.whatshouldireadnext.com enter the name of a favorite book or author, and the site will provide you with a list of book recommendations.
    
So instead of feeling guilty about staying in this winter, get ready to hang out with your dog, listen to classical music, and curl up with a good book and a cup of chamomile tea, because now when you get a call asking,  “What are you doing?”, instead of saying, “Nothing”, you’ll be able to say, “Being healthy.”