The Art of Doing Nothing on Vacation: A Black Woman’s Guide to True Rest
When was the last time you took a vacation and actually rested? Not a jam-packed itinerary. Not squeezing in calls between excursions. Not posting every second for social media. Just… being.
In a world that praises hustle and rewards burnout, rest has become a revolutionary act—especially for Black women. We are often expected to carry the weight of everyone and everything. But sis, you deserve peace without performance. That’s why mastering the art of doing nothing on vacation is more than luxury—it’s liberation.
What Is the Art of Doing Nothing?
Known in Italian as “il dolce far niente” (the sweetness of doing nothing), it’s the intentional act of pausing. No to-do lists. No productivity guilt. No plans. Just being present and giving your mind and body the break it craves.
Doing nothing doesn’t mean wasting time—it means reclaiming it.
Why Black Women Need It More Than Ever
Black women are the backbones of families, communities, businesses, and movements. We pour into everyone else but rarely into ourselves. Our vacations often become a continuation of our schedules—just with a better view.
But rest is resistance. Stillness is sacred. And taking up space just to breathe is revolutionary.
5 Ways to Embrace Doing Nothing on Vacation
1. Ditch the Itinerary
Give yourself permission to wake up and not know what’s next. Let your body lead. Want to lay in bed until noon? Do it. Feel like strolling aimlessly? Perfect. The goal is to move without pressure.
2. Unplug from Everything
Turn off email notifications. Delete the work apps. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and let your peace be non-negotiable. This time is yours—protect it.
3. Soak in the Moment
Whether it’s sipping tea on a balcony, floating in a pool, or listening to ocean waves, be present. Let the world fade out. Feel the breeze. Hear your breath. That is the moment—and you deserve it.
4. Say No Without Guilt
You don’t have to go on every group excursion or attend every dinner. If your spirit says rest, rest. If your body says nap, nap. No is a full sentence—and it’s allowed on vacation too.
5. Let Go of the “Perfect” Trip
Your vacation doesn’t need to be Instagram-perfect. It doesn’t need to be productive. It just needs to be yours. The most beautiful moments often happen in the quiet in-between.
The Soul Benefits of Doing Nothing
- Mental clarity – Giving your mind space allows new thoughts, insights, and peace to surface.
- Physical restoration – Sleep heals. Stillness rejuvenates. Doing nothing resets your nervous system.
- Emotional renewal – You reconnect with yourself. With joy. With your desires, outside of your responsibilities.
Rest Is a Right, Not a Reward
To every Black woman reading this: You don’t have to earn your rest. You don’t have to explain it. And you surely don’t have to feel guilty about it.
Take that trip. Do nothing. Breathe. Laugh. Nap. Repeat. And remember, rested women change the world.
Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is absolutely nothing.
Written by Nanci Jordan
