Down Time

Why relaxing and doing not much of anything is critical to recharging your mind and body. Cover Image: iStock

4 Tips for Slowing Down to Reduce Stress

By Toni Bernhard J.D.

Slowing down can improve your physical and mental health.

The Unselfish Gift of Going on a Retreat

By Lisa Firestone Ph.D.

Learn the lasting benefits of taking time to escape.

Learning to Be Present With Yourself

By Melanie Greenberg Ph.D.

Can you just "be" instead of "doing" all the time?

Just Be: Don't Argue, Just Do It

By Stephanie A. Sarkis Ph.D.

Yes, you do have time to just be.

More From This Collection

The Art of Doing Nothing

By Colleen Long Psy.D.

Why Italians, not Americans, get this right.

Why You Need to Take a Break From Criticism

By Loretta G. Breuning Ph.D.

When you step back and take a different view, the whole world looks better.

Solitude, Part 2: The Benefits It Brings, and the Special Strengths of the People Who Enjoy It

By Bella DePaulo Ph.D.

Here’s what makes solitude so sweet

The Risks of Distracted Living

By Ran Zilca

Over time, distraction leads to a wasted life.

Need a break? Think Slow TV

By Nancy K. Napier Ph.D.

Why would you watch "speed knitting" for hours? The answer might surprise you.

Does Nature Make Us Happy?

By Marilyn Price-Mitchell Ph.D.

Connections with nature are linked to happiness and ecological sustainability.

Taking a Me-Day

By Amy Przeworski Ph.D.

The biggest obstacle is guilt. Here's how to get past it.

Why You Might Not Want to Hit the Reset Button in Your Brain

By Mark D. White Ph.D.

Some people need to make changes in their work habits before taking vacations.

Downtime: 31 Ways to Embrace Saturday Night Alone

By Rita Watson MPH

Alone on Saturday night can be energizing if you take a happiness chance.

Enhancing Your Five Senses

By Clifford N. Lazarus Ph.D.

Enhancing Our Senses An Old Idea With Many New Names

7 Things NOT to Do When Practicing Mindfulness Meditation

By Barbara Markway Ph.D.

Don't make these mistakes, and watch your meditation practice flourish.

5 Steps for Being Present

By Michael J. Formica MS, MA, EdM

Be here right now, now, now, now…

Why You Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Stealing a Little Time for Yourself

By Sherrie Bourg Carter Psy.D.

Making Time for Yourself Can Greatly Improve Your Relationships

Maxed out? 9 ways to get from Superwoman to Wellwoman

By Megan Dalla-Camina

Get the strategies you need to reclaim your wellbeing and create some space

The Sacred Pause for Managing Stress and Anger

By Michael J. Formica MS, MA, EdM

A Buddhist tool for managing stress and anger

Do What is Important, Not What is Urgent

By Rod Judkins M.A., RCA

Put creativity first, not last.

Unfettered: The Quest for Solitude and Wide Open Spaces

By Julie J. Exline Ph.D.

Can we make a little space for solitude in the midst of heavy commitments?

Can’t Relax? Science Explains—and Helps Solve the Problem

By F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W.

A scientific method for de-stressing

Overscheduled Kids

By Marilyn Wedge Ph.D.

How much of a good thing is too much?