The Art of Doing Nothing: A winter survival guide to getting DE-Influenced!!!

Let’s face it—winter is already hard enough without the pressure to do all the things. Between holiday shopping, perfectly curated Instagram stories, and the unrelenting noise of “new year, new me” campaigns, it’s no wonder many of us are exhausted before the season even begins.

But what if this winter, you gave yourself permission to simply... do nothing?

Not the Netflix-binge-while-answering-emails kind of nothing. I’m talking about real, guilt-free nothingness: no planning, no shopping, no endless group texts negotiating family dinners. Just being still and letting yourself rest.

Welcome to the art of doing nothing—a trend we all need to embrace in 2025. Let’s talk about why it’s okay to let go of the hustle and how to dodge the guilt that might try to creep in.

Why Doing Nothing Is a Power Move

Doing nothing isn’t just a rebellion against the noisy perfection of social media—it’s an act of self-preservation. Rest helps your nervous system reset, your mind declutter, and your body recharge. Plus, by stepping away from the consumerism and chaos, you’re giving yourself the space to reconnect with what actually matters. Personally, I started picking up books again... and not the kindle, stop to scroll facebook digital kinds of books, but actual page turning, candle burning, quiet time books.

Winter Reading/Writting List:

A Court of Thorns and Roses: escapism to the max. Fantasy Smut really... and ridiculously fun to read. Like Lord of the Rings with without the hero's tale and blended with 50 Shades smutty popularity. Fairy porn as my guest put it. Can't. Put. Down.

Worthy: by Jamie Kern Lima: mentally learn to reframe that what you do on a day to day is plenty. It's enough, and even without your calls to action, you are valuable. You don't have to define it for anyone else in order to validate your place or your worth.

Penzu: this app is a digital diary. Can be locked with passwords and layers of additional encryption for privacy on any device. You can use a stylus to "write" or in my case type. Its's just faster for me. You can upload photos. Design with stickers and goal setting.... I really love the app.

And if you’re worried about being seen as lazy or unproductive, here’s a reality check: rest is productive. It’s what allows you to show up as your best self when it really counts.

5 Steps to Let Go of Guilt and Embrace the Quiet

💆‍♀️ 1. Reframe “Nothing” as “Something Essential”

Rest isn’t laziness; it’s maintenance. Just like your car needs oil changes and your phone needs charging, you need downtime to keep running smoothly.

✨ Try this mantra when guilt sneaks in:“I’m not doing nothing—I’m investing in my energy.”

🗑️ 2. Cleanse Your Inputs

Your social media feed might be the loudest voice telling you to do more. Mute, unfollow, or unsubscribe from anything or anyone that makes you feel pressured to keep up.

✨ Pro tip: Replace those follows with accounts that inspire simplicity and peace—think slow-living blogs, minimalist art, or accounts dedicated to cozy cats (a guaranteed win).

🛋️ 3. Craft a Cozy Nothing Ritual

If doing nothing feels foreign, make it an intentional ritual. Create a space where rest feels luxurious: soft lighting, your favorite tea, and zero screens.

✨ Ideas for your ritual:

Stare out the window with a cup of coffee.
Lie on the floor and listen to ambient music.
Light a candle, close your eyes, and just breathe.
Invest in noise proof headphones and rest on the floor.

🙅‍♀️ 4. Say “No” with Confidence

This is your season to prioritize yourself. That means saying no to events, plans, or obligations that don’t align with your energy. And guess what? You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation.

✨ Try this response:“I’m taking some downtime this season, but thank you for thinking of me!”

🤝 5. Find Your Non-Doing Tribe

Nothing is better than finding like-minded people who also value stepping off the treadmill of hustle culture. Plan low-key hangouts where no one feels the need to perform—think book clubs, quiet wine nights, or cozy coffee chats.

✨ Activity idea: Start a “resting club” where the only rule is showing up in your comfiest clothes to just exist.

Final Thoughts: Normalize the Quiet

This winter, let’s normalize letting go. The world isn’t going to fall apart if you skip a gift exchange, a family dinner, or even your own self-imposed expectations. Instead, you’ll gain something far more valuable: peace of mind.

By choosing to rest and reconnect with yourself, you’re not just surviving the winter—you’re thriving in it. So, throw on your fluffiest socks, pour yourself a cup of tea, and embrace the joy of doing absolutely nothing.

Because sometimes, the best way to take care of yourself is to simply... stop.

Resources for Doing Nothing Well:

Playlist: “Winter Chill Vibes” (perfect for staring out the window). Or a light dance routine to my new favorite artist Lincoln Jesser. Listen Here
Scents for the Soul: Pair your nothing ritual with R+Co’s calming candle (I have one in every room. I adore the grounding sandalwood aroma) or a scalp massage oil for added luxury.
Mantra for the Season: “I’m recharging, not retreating.”