National Do Nothing Day

Cozy living room with a fluffy blanket and a cup of tea, featuring a person blissfully relaxing on a couch with a book nearby.. — National do nothing day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National Do Nothing Day! Get ready to sit back, relax, and do absolutely… nothing. This day is an ode to all the couch potatoes out there, providing them with a guilt-free excuse to embrace their inner sloth and avoid any form of productivity. So, grab your favorite blanket, sink into your comfiest chair, and let's dive into the fascinating history of this glorious day!

When is Do Nothing Day?

It's national do nothing day on the 16th January.

The Origins of National Do Nothing Day

Believe it or not, National Do Nothing Day is not just some made-up holiday by bored individuals craving a day off. It actually has some roots in the internet world that we all know and love.

The concept of National Do Nothing Day was popularized by renowned humorist and syndicated newspaper columnist, Steve Wilson. Back in 1973, Wilson declared January 16th as the official day to do absolutely nothing. His intention was to provide a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, reminding people to relax and enjoy some guilt-free laziness.

Since then, National Do Nothing Day has gained quite a following, with internet users worldwide embracing the sheer joy of doing nothing. From memes and funny videos to relatable posts on social media, this day has become a cherished celebration of indolence in the digital era.

How to Celebrate National Do Nothing Day

Celebrating National Do Nothing Day is as easy as pie (or as easy as doing nothing, really). Here are a few suggestions to make the most out of this blissful day:

Cuddle up in your coziest blanket and binge-watch your favorite TV shows or movies.
Take a long, uninterrupted nap and let the world pass you by.
Sit outside and enjoy the beauty of nature while you do absolutely nothing.
Indulge in a day-long video game marathon and conquer digital worlds without leaving your couch.
Grab a good book and get lost in a captivating story without any distractions.
Simply sit back, close your eyes, and let your mind wander wherever it pleases.

Did You Know?

Fun Fact: National Do Nothing Day coincides with another quirky celebration - Penguin Awareness Day! While penguins may be busy waddling around and being adorable, this day highlights the importance of penguins and their natural habitats. So, while you're doing nothing, take a moment to appreciate these flightless birds and their charming antics.

History behind the term 'Do Nothing'

1550

Emergence of the term 'do nothing' in English

The term 'do nothing' first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century. It was derived from the phrase 'do not a whiting,' which originated in the 12th century. The term 'whiting' referred to a small saltwater fish. Thus, 'do nothing' was used to describe someone who was idle or unproductive, like a fisherman who caught no fish. Over time, the phrase evolved and became more widely used.

1869

First recorded use of 'do nothing' in American politics

In the late 19th century, the term 'do nothing' gained prominence in American politics. It was often used to criticize politicians who appeared to be inactive or ineffective in addressing pressing issues. The phrase was first recorded in this context in 1869 when it was used to describe members of Congress who failed to take action on important legislation. The term quickly became associated with political inaction and became a popular way to denounce politicians seen as unproductive.

1930

Origins of 'do-nothing' as a political slogan

The term 'do-nothing' took on a new meaning in the 1930s during the Great Depression in the United States. President Herbert Hoover was often criticized for his perceived lack of action in response to the economic crisis. In the 1932 presidential campaign, Franklin D. Roosevelt's supporters referred to Hoover and his administration as 'do-nothing' in an attempt to highlight their belief that stronger government intervention was required to address the country's challenges. This political slogan further popularized the term.

1953

Dwight D. Eisenhower's 'do-nothing' Congress

In 1953, during his first term as U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower famously labeled the 83rd Congress as a 'do-nothing' Congress. This Congress was controlled by the Democratic Party, and Eisenhower used the term to criticize their lack of productivity and failure to pass significant legislation. The phrase 'do-nothing' Congress has since been used to refer to any legislative body perceived as unproductive or obstructive.

Did you know?

National Do Nothing Day coincides with another quirky celebration - Penguin Awareness Day! While penguins may be busy waddling around and being adorable, this day highlights the importance of penguins and their natural habitats. So, while you're doing nothing, take a moment to appreciate these flightless birds and their charming antics.