Enjoy Doing Nothing

Are you the type who relishes relaxation? Lives "for the moment"? Even if you're not, have you ever considered trying it out, even if it's just for a day? By harnessing your ability to not do anything, you're primed and ready for your luxury hotel lounging. . . even if that means you'll be hanging out at the pool a lot. Many of us hold high-stress jobs and have had a pretty tough year--why not reward ourselves with just-right conditions--to do nothing? That's right, some people have perfected the fine art of doing nothing, and we're along for the ride. Hang on and stay positive as you get ready to conquer the world (of doing nothing, well). Real Simple has put together a compilation of 10 ways to enjoy doing nothing, and we'd like to share them with you now.

Author Tom Hodgkinson happened to be "glued to the mattress" not working, and at first, he was feeling pretty guilty. How did he dare to just hang out, shoot the breeze, and not get anything productive done? He felt too bad to enjoy it, which is something a lot of us can relate to. Perhaps you've planned a vacation and then realized that your break coincides with something important, or you've been go-go-go so long that you don't know how to relax. Here's your opportunity to learn from Tom, who kicked the guilt and reached perfection.

Some of Hodgkinson's tips, from his magazine "The Idler," can be found below.

1. Choose the right role models. Go-getters are out! Look to artists, writers, and musicians for your daily dose of inspiration, because they were much more likely to know how to relax and kick back.

2. Banish your guilt. Stop thinking that doing nothing is SUCH a bad thing! Everyone needs to relax! Call it something else if you need to, like "winding down time," but know--and accept--that you are indeed doing nothing.

3. Bring back your Sundays. Who else here works on Sundays, or feels pressured to spend the whole day cleaning? Excuse yourself from labor and kick back like people did long ago to ready themselves for a week of hard work.

4. Take a nap. Not only have naps been proven to keep you healthier, but they are great to improve your mood for the rest of the afternoon. If you are feeling run-down, this is the perfect solution on a day-to-day basis. Choose a soothing radio station to bring you back down to earth.

5. Pretend to meditate. Tell anyone you need to that you are off to meditate, and then don't. Simply close the door behind you, look out the window, and luxuriate in peace. Technically nobody should bother you, and this excuse goes a lot farther than the nap one.

If you need places to go now that you're oh-so-relaxed, how about booking a stay in a luxury hotel? You'll enjoy your best siesta yet, as well as plenty of spa and pool lounge time.

*Swissotel Chicago: This location sets the bar for many guest services and amenities offered in downtown Chicago, and it happens to have great views while being located close to shopping mecca the Miracle Mile. On your day of rest, how about you indulge in a little gift-buying? That never hurt anyone!

*La Pousada de Santa Fe: Located in downtown Santa Fe, this resort and spa puts you conveniently in the center of the action, as well as in the middle of historic Santa Fe charm. This location is just two blocks from art galleries and shopping.

*The London West Hollywood: Hollywood glamour meets the high-quality expectations of staying at a London location. Always sophisticated, the London West Hollywood combines modern style with Hollywood charm. If personality and luxury are what you require, you've come to the right place.

*The Winvian: This country spot tops our list of must-visits. This countryside location features stunning surroundings and awesome amenities that just urge you to kick back. Individual designer cottages are warm and inviting, and are planned to captivate plenty of personalities.

What are you waiting for? Let's get going--and do nothing.