Lafayette Park Among Best Places in Louisiana to 'Do Nothing'

(KMDL-FM) - Sometimes the best way to recharge isn’t doing more — it’s doing nothing at all.

Why Doing Nothing Matters

Stepping away for even a few quiet minutes, with no conversations, notifications, or expectations, is becoming a go-to way for many people to reset. And according to a new survey, plenty of Louisianans already have their favorite places to do just that.

Get our free mobile app

A recent study from A Mission for Michael asked more than 3,000 people where they go when they need a little peace and quiet. The focus wasn’t on major attractions, but everyday spots — parks, plazas, and green spaces — where people can simply sit, breathe, and decompress.

Louisiana’s Top 4 "Do Nothing" Spots

Here are the top places in the state where people say they go to unwind:

#1 – Shreveport Riverview Park (Shreveport)
Topping the list, this riverfront park offers a simple escape — a place to sit, relax, and take a breather before jumping back into the day.

#2 – Washington Square Park (New Orleans)
Even in the middle of a busy city, this park provides a quiet corner to step away from the noise and reset.

#3 – Moncus Park (Lafayette)
A popular local spot where people go to clear their heads, sit alone, and let their thoughts wander.

#4 – Arsenal Park (Baton Rouge)
A laid-back setting where it’s easy to slow things down and take a mental break.

Created by AMFM • Viewlarger version

The Need to Disconnect Is Real

The survey also highlights just how common that need for quiet time really is:

34% say they look for a quiet place every day
18% about once a week
10% several times a week
8% a few times a month
30% say rarely

The Surprising Reality of Being Alone

The survey also highlights an interesting contradiction when it comes to city living. About 8% of respondents say they associate cities more with loneliness than small towns — a reminder that being surrounded by people doesn’t always mean feeling connected.

And while sitting alone in public is more accepted than you might think, 44% admit they still worry about how others perceive them.

The Rise of the “Car Pause”

One of the most relatable takeaways: the quick moment of silence before going inside.

A full 80% of people say they’ve sat in their car for a few minutes after arriving somewhere, just to enjoy a little peace before heading in. Whether it’s outside the house or before work, that short pause has become a quiet ritual for many.

Why Small Breaks Matter for Mental Health

Mental health experts say those small breaks can go a long way toward reducing stress.

Anand Mehta, executive director of AMFM, says while big mental health solutions often get the spotlight, it’s the smaller moments that can make a real difference.

He says taking 20 to 30 minutes to sit alone, unplug, and reset may seem simple, but it can help people feel calmer, more grounded, and better prepared to handle the stress of everyday life.