Anyone who has watched Eat, Pray, Love will recognize this phrase, where an Italian explains to Julia Roberts how Americans are always stressed, constantly chasing productivity. At the same time, Italians embrace Dolce Far Niente—”the sweetness of doing nothing.”
Have you ever felt guilty for simply being still? When hours or days pass without accomplishing something, a sense of guilt creeps in, making you feel unworthy of rest. Perhaps it’s because we live in a society that glorifies busyness, exhaustion, and a mind that’s always full.
And it could be you too, you could be the restless one. The one who cannot deal with a calm mind with nothing to do. You always need something to do, probably it is your escape mechanism to deal with the deeper emotional baggage you have.
We need to release the guilt of constantly planning, producing, and consuming. While this pressure may be cultural, it’s something people around the world experience—the urge to measure a day’s success by how much they’ve accomplished. But what if we redefined success?
Instead of counting the appointments scheduled, rooms cleaned, miles driven, or errands completed, try a different approach. Measure your day by the number of times you smiled for no reason, paused to watch the world around you, or truly savored a meal without rushing. Success isn’t always in doing more—it’s often in simply being.
Sounds like a dream, right? But embracing dolce far niente doesn’t require disappearing into the countryside for months. Instead, it’s about making small, intentional shifts in daily life. Here’s how to bring a little dolce far niente into your life—one blissful moment at a time.
1. Take a Break and Slow Down
It may sound cliché, but truly learning to take a break is essential. Turn off your phone, step away from emails, and permit yourself to pause. Italians famously take the entire month of August off to unwind at the beach, completely detaching from work. While that may not be realistic for everyone, small acts—like a slow afternoon walk or an unhurried Sunday lunch with loved ones—can help you embrace a more mindful pace of life.
2. Enjoy Aperitivo Outdoors
In Italy, aperitivo—a pre-dinner drink and snack—is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished ritual of connection. Meeting friends for a casual aperitivo outdoors, even just once or twice a week, can be a wonderful way to unwind after a long day. And if you’d rather host at home, keep it simple—a good bottle of wine, some olives, and crackers are all you need to create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
3. Create the Right Cooking Atmosphere
Cooking in Italy isn’t just about food; it’s about the experience. Whether whipping up a simple pasta dish in 15 minutes or gathering friends for a casual pizza night, the key is to make it feel special. Light candles, put on some vintage Italian music, and embrace the kitchen as the heart of your home—where good food and good company always go hand in hand.
4. Dress Well—Even for the Smallest Errands
Italians live by the concept of la bella figura—which means presenting yourself well, even in the simplest moments. Whether you’re running to the market for a carton of milk or meeting a friend for coffee, taking the time to dress nicely isn’t about vanity—it’s about feeling good in your own skin and treating every moment as one worth savoring.
5. Find Joy in the Everyday
Living fully doesn’t require grand adventures; sometimes, it’s about relishing life’s simplest pleasures. A morning coffee at your favorite café, a weekly plate of gnocchi, or soaking in the warmth of the sun for a few quiet minutes can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Why not embrace all three at once—a slow coffee, a delicious meal, and a moment in the sun?
Now at Work
Embracing dolce far niente at work doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities—it’s about bringing a sense of ease, presence, and enjoyment into your workday. Here are some ways to incorporate the sweetness of doing nothing into your professional life:
1. Take Intentional Breaks
Instead of rushing through your day, allow yourself small, mindful pauses. Step away from your desk, take a deep breath, and enjoy a moment of stillness. Even a five-minute reset can help you return to work feeling refreshed.
2. Savor Your Coffee or Lunch
Resist the urge to multitask while eating. Step away from your screen, focus on the flavors, and enjoy the ritual of your coffee or meal. If possible, take your break outside for a breath of fresh air.
3. Slow Down & Single-Task
Rather than racing through tasks, approach them with presence and care. Focus on one thing at a time, give it your full attention, and find satisfaction in completing it well instead of rushing to the next thing.
4. Create a Calm Workspace
A clutter-free, aesthetically pleasing workspace can help set the tone for a more relaxed workday. Add small touches that bring joy—like a plant, a cozy chair, or soft background music.
5. Step Away from the Screen
Give your mind a break from digital overload. Look out the window, take a short walk, or simply sit in stillness for a moment between tasks. These small acts of doing nothing can help reset your focus.
6. Infuse Joy into Your Routine
Make work feel less like a grind by incorporating small pleasures. Play music you love while working, personalize your space with meaningful objects, or take a moment to chat with a colleague over coffee.
7. Redefine Productivity
Success isn’t just about ticking off tasks—it’s also about feeling good while doing them. At the end of the day, reflect on the moments you felt at ease, the small joys you experienced, and the meaningful connections you made.
By bringing dolce far niente into your work life, you’ll create a balance between productivity and presence—making work not just something you do, but something you enjoy.
So, why not take a cue from the Italians and slow down, savouring each moment and finding contentment in the art of simply being? As you embark on your own journey of self-discovery and exploration, may you find inspiration in the timeless wisdom of these practices.