Attending conferences, seminars, or workshops can be stressful and tiring – especially if you are a speaker or trainer. Such occasions call for a time-out, or in Italian, “dolce far niente”, which means “the sweetness of doing nothing.” The idea is to have a break and slow down to make space for enjoying some small things amidst the hustle and bustle of the day.
In 2013, the European Society of Head and Neck Radiology invited me to teach at their annual meeting in Izmir, Turkey. Time is always a premium in these meetings, and they are packed with activities, often with multiple parallel programmes for participants to choose from for their learning needs. When the panels are in full swing, I sneak out for a break whenever I can.
The conference venue was the seaside Wyndham Hotel, which was away from the city. And what a surprise I had when I went for a stroll along the coast! There were a fantastic number of healthy-looking dogs and cats. They look heart-touchingly well cared for, a shining example of humanity’s innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life (Biophilia Hypothesis, 1984)
To touch and be touched is therapeutic. Animals (pets) fulfil our basic human need for touch, and we meet their need for touch. The English language recognises this with expressions such as “I am touched,” “a touching experience”, or even “Why are you so touchy?’ Studies have shown that even hardened criminals, after interacting with pets and experiencing mutual affection, show long-term positive changes in their behaviour. Touching a pet loving can rapidly calm and soothe our stress or anxiety –how I felt after unexpectedly taking time out with my furry friends.
I can heartily recommend “Dolce far niente” to you -and have a joyous break with our animal friends!
Vince
Dr Vincent Chong is a retired Professor of Radiology at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
