Time To Stop And Stare – It’s Good For Your Wellbeing
People watching is my absolute favourite pastime and today, after spending a whole day in a windowless training First Aid For Mental Health yesterday I decided to take my morning coffee in Costa (other coffee shops are available) this morning and to just take some time to stop and stare. At people.
Some people might think people watching is just an idle pastime, but it truly isn’t – it’s a delightful way to explore human nature and build emotional intelligence. Plus:
- It’s Free Entertainment
Watching people as they go about their daily lives can be hugely captivating. From large gestures to the subtle expression that flashes across a face we can see a wealth of stories unfolding in front of our eyes. This interest is what feeds our fundamental desire to understand and connect with one another. - It Enhances Empathy
By observing peoples interactions we gain a deeper understanding of emotion. Noticing how someone comforts a friend or reacts to a queue can enable us to empathise with their situation and relate to feelings from another perspective. - It Offers A Break From Routine
Everyone is so busy trying to balance the books, maximise use of their time and be all things to all people. Taking time out to people watch is a bit like pressing the pause button and release us from our own thoughts and routines. This shift in focus provides a refreshing and often energising break from the demands of daily life. - It Sparks Creativity
From fashion choices to body language, the way people present themselves can feed our inspiration. Hands up if you’ve ever compared yourself to someone else and decided to try a new hair style or a piece of clothing that you ‘wouldn’t usually wear”. It’s a bit like a ‘try before you buy’. If it looks ok on them it might look ok on us and it is that taking inspiration from others that is a wonderful and necessary part of self exploration. - It Builds Social Understanding
Observing social interactions in others helps us learn more about group dynamics, cultural norms and individual behaviours. Particularly amongst those groups that we don’t normally mix with. This awareness can help us to improve our own social skills and broaden our understanding of the diverse world around us. It’s a subtle yet effective way to enhance our interpersonal relationships.So, people watching, a waste of time or a fabulous opportunity to breathe in new ideas, emotions and understanding?What do you think?
