SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

Finding Zen in Doing Nothing

There’s an art to doing nothing—a concept I’ve struggled to master lately. It’s a peculiar feeling for someone who’s always bowing under the pressure of an ever-growing to-do list. But, with some gentle (and not so gentle) cajoling from The Artist’s Way, I’m exploring the uncharted waters of leisure without a purpose. No crochet hooks or sewing machines in sight, because this time, it’s all about the fun.

Finding Leisure in Digital Realms

After the weekly trip around the hamster wheel of work and chores, I reach for the Xbox controller and boot up Halo as my fail-safe escape hatch. It’s a refreshing “down-tools” from reality, engaging in tactical battles and outright fun. But it’s not the thing that gets me all giddy when I include it in my day-off plans. Okay, yes, it does… but there’s one thing that scores higher on the giddy scale for me.

Enter the humble bath.

The Art of the Perfect Bath

Like most people, I use the shower 99% of the time. It’s quick, efficient, and uses less water. It’s where I get answers to story problems or am struck with great story ideas or superb plot twists. But it’s not relaxing.

But a bath? Oh, man, that’s where time slows, and the mind unwinds. Fancy salts, rich bubbles, and indulgent facemasks are the only things on the agenda in a bath. Submerged in the far too hot water and looking like a lobster, I don’t think about work, the laundry, or getting the messages in (that’s groceries in Scots). I’m only vaguely concerned with the water cooling or pruney fingers.

The Therapeutic Power of Baths

A bath is where I press pause on the world. My body relaxes while the water gives me a deep-tissue brain massage. The refreshing liquid retreat recharges my soul, leaving me cleansed and ready to face the page again.

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Are you team shower or team bath for your ultimate unwind? Dip your toe into the comments, and share your allegiance.

Till next time, stay awesome!

Susan x