As I write this, Scout is curled up asleep next to me. He’s in a ball with his tail shielding his eyes and snoring loudly. He’s had a long, hard day of doing nothing.

It’s Sunday night and I too had a long day of doing nothing.

Actually, that’s not true. I did some laundry, cooked dinner, cleaned up the kitchen and started working on Christmas cards. These things didn’t take much time so I was free for much of the day.

I also sat on the couch reading, listening to music, watching movies and staring at Christmas trees today. I even slept in but never managed to take that nap I hoped for this afternoon.

These acts of relaxation are classified by many as a waste of time but I would prefer to shift my mindset back into a place where rest and relaxation are an act of doing something important.

Washing dishes wasn’t a better use of time than reading my book. The dishes needed done, yes. However, my body and mind needed to slow down even if just for the day.

It’s not a waste of time to rest when you’re tired or to curl up with a book when you need a break.

When did our society shift toward this mindset that you must be producing something constantly?

While I was relaxing today I encountered this graphic on Pinterest.

It’s about mastering your time and shows several ways to structure your day for maximum results. While I am a self help junkie who digs this kind of thing, it occurred to me that I don’t see a lot of graphics dedicated to just enjoying life or to letting our minds and bodies rest when we are tired.

Who’s with me? Who wants to start a new trend? Ready to step off the hamster wheel and a perform the radical act of just allowing yourself some downtime? Winter is the ideal time to start!