The Joy of Doing Nothing: Why We Need More Time Outdoors

When was the last time you spent an afternoon doing absolutely nothing? No errands to run, emails to answer, or plans to squeeze into your already packed schedule. Just a little fresh air and the freedom to enjoy your surroundings.

For many of us, doing nothing feels surprisingly difficult. We're so used to being productive that even our free time becomes another opportunity to achieve something. Weekends fill up with chores, social commitments, and endless to-do lists.

But what if the best thing you could do for yourself was nothing at all? Spending time outdoors gives us permission to slow down, step away from everyday pressures and enjoy life without constantly watching the clock. And there's research to suggest those quieter moments could be good for our wellbeing.

Why Have We Become So Bad at Doing Nothing?

Somewhere along the way, being busy became something to be proud of. We talk about packed calendars, celebrate productivity, and sometimes feel guilty when we're not accomplishing anything.

Even relaxation has become another task. We track our steps, follow wellness routines, and turn peaceful walks into opportunities to listen to educational podcasts. There's nothing wrong with setting goals or making the most of your time. The problem starts when we forget how to enjoy ourselves without needing a particular outcome.

Rest doesn't always need to serve a purpose. Sometimes, sitting outside with a cup of tea and watching the world go by is enough. And perhaps that's what makes spending time outdoors so appealing. Nature doesn't ask us to be productive. It simply gives us somewhere to be.

The Simple Pleasure of Spending Time Outside

You don't need an elaborate camping trip or a challenging countryside hike to enjoy the outdoors. A quiet morning in the garden, an afternoon beside a lake, or a picnic with friends can provide a welcome change from the usual routine.

The important thing is making yourself comfortable enough to stay awhile. Pack a blanket, something to drink, and a good book if you fancy one. For longer outings, practical additions such as the portable camping tables and folding chairs available from Ozzi Gear can help create a comfortable place to sit and unwind. Then give yourself permission to stop planning.

Listen to the birds. Watch the clouds move across the sky. Enjoy a conversation that doesn't involve checking the time every few minutes. These experiences might sound ordinary, but that's precisely their appeal. They remind us that enjoyable moments don't always require money, complicated arrangements, or an exciting itinerary.

What Does Science Say About Time Outdoors?

The connection between nature and wellbeing isn't just a romantic idea. A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports examined data from 19,806 people in England. Researchers found that participants who spent at least 120 minutes a week in nature were more likely to report good health and high wellbeing than those who reported no nature contact (White et al., 2019). Interestingly, the findings suggested it didn't matter whether those two hours came from one longer visit or several shorter outings.

However, the study was observational. It identified an association rather than proving that spending two hours outdoors directly causes better health. There's also evidence that natural environments may help with mental fatigue. In two experiments, Berman et al. (2008) investigated how interacting with nature affected attention. Their findings suggested that walking through natural surroundings or viewing photographs of nature could improve performance on certain attention tasks. These findings support the idea that a change of scenery can offer our minds a different kind of stimulation.

The World Health Organization (2016) also identifies green spaces as places that can support health through physical activity, social connections, and what it describes as "psychological relaxation and stress alleviation." None of this means nature is a cure for stress or mental health difficulties. But it does suggest that making room for outdoor time can be a worthwhile part of looking after ourselves.

You Don't Have to Turn Every Outdoor Experience Into an Adventure

Social media has a way of making even the simplest activities look like major events. A weekend outdoors suddenly seems to require a perfectly styled picnic, expensive equipment, or an Instagram-worthy view. But enjoying nature shouldn't come with another list of expectations.

You don't have to climb a mountain to appreciate the countryside. You don't need to walk ten miles to justify visiting a national park. And you certainly don't need to photograph every beautiful sunset.

Sometimes, the most enjoyable part of a day outside is sitting down after lunch and realising you have nowhere else to be. Try resisting the urge to fill every quiet moment. Leave your headphones in your bag and notice the sounds around you. It might feel uncomfortable initially, especially if you're used to constant entertainment. Give yourself a little time to settle into the experience.

How to Make More Room for Outdoor Downtime

Finding time to slow down doesn't necessarily mean changing your entire lifestyle. Small adjustments can make outdoor relaxation feel more achievable.

Start With 20 Minutes

If your schedule is hectic, begin with a short visit to a nearby park or garden. Take your lunch outside, sit under a tree, or enjoy your morning coffee somewhere peaceful.

Twenty minutes might not seem significant, but making outdoor time a regular habit can help you create space for longer breaks.

Leave Your Phone Alone

It's difficult to enjoy a peaceful afternoon when notifications interrupt every few minutes. Try switching your phone to silent or keeping it tucked away while you're outside.

You don't have to disconnect completely. Simply give yourself a little uninterrupted time to appreciate what's happening around you.

Make It Social, Without Making It Complicated

Doing nothing doesn't have to mean being alone. Invite a friend for a relaxed afternoon outdoors instead of organising another expensive meal or activity-packed weekend.

Bring snacks and find somewhere comfortable to sit and catch up without rushing. Sometimes, the best conversations happen when nobody has somewhere else they need to be.

Choose Somewhere That Works for You

Not everyone has easy access to countryside trails, beaches, or spacious gardens. Local parks, community gardens, and accessible green spaces can offer opportunities to spend time outside without travelling far.

Consider seating, accessible paths, toilets, and transport when choosing somewhere to visit. Feeling safe and comfortable matters more than finding a picture-perfect location.

Learning to Rest Without Feeling Guilty

Perhaps the hardest part of doing nothing isn't finding the time. It's accepting that we deserve it. When there's always another job waiting, sitting quietly can feel irresponsible. But being constantly occupied isn't necessarily a sign that we're using our time well. We need moments when our attention isn't being pulled in several directions.

That might mean spending Sunday afternoon reading in the garden instead of tackling another household project. Or choosing a gentle walk over a packed weekend itinerary. Of course, outdoor relaxation won't remove every responsibility or solve the pressures of everyday life. And rest looks different for everyone.

The point isn't to create another wellness rule you feel obliged to follow. It's to recognise that your time is still worthwhile when you're not producing, achieving, or improving something.

Conclusion: There's Joy in Slowing Down

Life will always come with responsibilities, deadlines, and things that demand our attention. But we don't have to fill every spare minute with activity.

Spending time outdoors offers a chance to appreciate the smaller pleasures we often overlook: warm sunshine, fresh air, good company, and a moment of peace. And while research suggests that regular contact with nature is associated with better wellbeing, you don't need scientific evidence to justify enjoying a quiet afternoon.

So, the next time you have a few hours free, resist the temptation to fill them. Find somewhere comfortable, put your phone away and enjoy doing absolutely nothing. You might be surprised by how much you needed it.

References

Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x

White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., Bone, A., Depledge, M. H., & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9, Article 7730. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3

World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2016). Urban green spaces and health. World Health Organization.