Shah Rukh Khan recently bared his heart out when asked how he unwinds when he is not on a set. “I really don’t indulge in overworking, overthinking, overdoing…” Khan said at the recently concluded WAVES Summit.
“I am in a meditative state of mind. When I am not on a set, I don’t do anything. Honestly. I make my friends happy. I play with my kids. That’s a given. I love to do that. But beyond that, don’t do anything,” added Khan.
Taking a cue from his revelation, let’s understand how not doing anything also makes a difference.
Dr Santosh Bangar, senior consultant psychiatrist, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai, concurred that when there is a lot of stress on productivity, taking time to do nothing on your off days can be extremely therapeutic.
“It can help you to calm down, stay stress-free, be present in the moment, and understand your body better. Stepping away from ‘to-do’ lists and letting yourself unwind without guilt allows your mind and body to reset and regulate emotions. This stillness helps reduce stress levels, improve mental clarity, restore emotional balance, and helps you to get recharged for the coming week. When you allow yourself to just be, whether it’s lying in bed, sitting by a window, spending quality time with your loved ones, or just watching the sky, you create space for inner calm,” said Dr Bangar.
It is essential to unwind (Photo: Freepik)
It gives your brain a chance to pause, recharge, improve focus and creativity, and feel rejuvenated.
“Sometimes, doing nothing is the best thing you can do! Also, doing nothing (Niksen, a Dutch term) doesn’t mean you are lazy. It is also a form of self-care. This will help you to breathe and to appreciate the quiet moments that often go unnoticed during the erratic schedules,” said Dr Bangar.
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So, on your off days, resist the urge to fill every hour. “Sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is nothing at all and just relax on the couch,” said Dr Bangar.
