Dolce Far Niente: Summer Edition

Hoo-boy, we’ve had some sizzlers here in the city lately! There have been a few days so far when temps have edged over 100 degrees. You've probably had some too. Our first instinct is usually to flee the heat, dashing from air-conditioned homes to air-conditioned cars or subways to air-conditioned stores. We tend to spend the hottest weeks of the year barely experiencing summer weather at all.

OK, there are times when escaping the heat is the smart thing to do. Extreme temperatures can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young kids, and anyone with certain medical conditions. But if you're healthy, hydrated, and use a little common sense, there's something to be said for stepping outside, even for a few quiet minutes, instead of hiding from summer altogether.

Simply sit

Find a shady porch, a park bench under a tree, or a comfortable chair in the backyard. Leave your phone inside. Bring a glass of iced tea, seltzer, or a nice Pimm’s Cup, if you'd like. Then simply...sit.

At first, you'll notice the warmth. Then, something interesting happens. Your breathing slows. You stop rushing. Leaves barely stir. A lazy bumblebee drifts by. The outdoors is often the quietest place to be on these days because practically everyone else is inside.

Scientists say that our bodies adapt to warm weather through a process called heat acclimatization. With brief, regular exposure over several days, healthy adults begin to cool themselves more efficiently by sweating earlier and placing less strain on the heart. Our bodies gradually learn to live with summer rather than fight it, and stress levels drop.

I like to think that sitting outside on these hot days for a few peaceful minutes is the summer version of dolce far niente—the Italian art of "the sweetness of doing nothing." You may find that happiness has been sitting out there all along, too, waiting patiently in the warmth.

Photo: Envato Images

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