Italians have long mastered a philosophy that feels both radical and deeply comforting: il dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. It’s a way of life baked into their cultural DNA and now, one of their most charming exports to the world. This gentle approach reminds us of a truth we often forget in our hustle-driven lives: the power of slowing down, tuning into the present, and savoring life’s simplest joys.

And it turns out, science is catching up. A study from INSEAD University in France, aptly titled The Importance of Idleness, suggests that regular pauses of pure inactivity can be the fuel for creativity and problem-solving. In other words, doing nothing may be the most productive thing you do all day.

A walk in nature, listening to your favorite playlist, or playing with your kids are quiet moments that allow our brains to tap into hidden reserves of thought and insight that only surface when we’re calm.

So how can you embrace your own dolce far niente this summer? Here are 10+1 ways to let go, slow down, and truly be:

1. Hit the brakes.
Start by identifying what stresses you out—emails, deadlines, constant notifications—and leave it behind, especially on vacation. Move slowly. Practice patience. Resist the urge to rush.

2. Declare a weekly “slow day.”                                                                                                                        Give yourself one guilt-free day each week for doing… well, nothing. Lounge, nap, journal, wander. Whatever feels soft and slow.

3. Indulge in the noble siesta.                                                                                                                         In Italy, naps are practically sacred. A post-lunch doze isn’t laziness—it’s an art. Go ahead, stretch out on a sunbed by the pool, cocktail at arm’s reach.

4. Disconnect to reconnect.
Step away from screens. No emails, no texts, no scrolls. A digital detox brings you back to the now. Reclaim your attention and place it on life itself.

5. Escape to nature.
Lie on the grass, feel the sun, listen to the birds. Go for a swim or just watch clouds drift by.

6. Turn your balcony into a summer haven.
Light a candle, pour your favorite drink, share a slow meal with loved ones. Make the ordinary feel like a celebration.

7. Let spontaneity lead.
Ditch the schedule. Wander without purpose, try something new. Follow your curiosity, not your calendar.

8. Practice mindfulness.
Tune into your senses. Taste your gelato. Feel the warm sand underfoot. Hear the laughter or the hum of the city.

9. Delight in small pleasures.
A shared slice of pizza or a quiet morning coffee—these are the memories that linger.

10. Create a cozy corner at home.
Your own mini-retreat: a nook for reading or listening to music. No distractions, just comfort and quiet.

11. Try Nadismo.
Born from the stressed-out mind of Brazilian designer Marcelo Bohrer, this “movement of nothingness” invites people to gather and do absolutely nothing for 45 minutes.

PS: The golden rule of dolce far niente? Leave the guilt behind. Doing nothing isn’t lazy. Throw your guilt into the sea and let this summer find you doing less—but feeling more.