How is idling good for your physical and mental health?
Don’t be pushed around by FOMO (fear of missing out) on social media – or rushed by absurd modern demands on our time.
Dawdling, day dreaming and walking without a clear destination is wonderfully liberating.
![I is for idle I is for idle](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/47/2018/09/Screen-Shot-2018-09-27-at-12.51.37-e427438.png?webp=1&w=1200)
Giving a bit of time to ourselves to mooch and peruse is proven to reduce stress and improve self esteem as you take control of your time. Try not to set a time limit or a hard target on your next walk; linger over that second cup of tea in the café; gaze into a stream for that extra hour; and simply sit in the garden rather than fussing over weeds and watering.
![Senior man sleeping under tree in garden Senior man sleeping under tree in garden](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/47/2018/09/GettyImages-sb10064798c-001-69b92f6.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
Idling – being less demanding on yourself and blocking out the endless voices telling you to be active and more productive – takes a bit of practice but is an act of gentle rebellion.
Go on: slack off, drift a little, be idle.
Main image ©Getty