Finding Stillness In A Noisy World

In a world filled with constant noise, intentionally creating time for stillness has never been more essential. We juggle multiple responsibilities every day, from our families and work to social life and planning for the future. All of this at once is incredibly overwhelming. Hence why creating time to slow down, breathe, and process the activities that essentially make up our life is imperative. In this article, I will discuss the importance of stillness and some different ways you can incorporate more of it into your daily life.

WHAT IS STILLNESS

In his book, Stillness is the Key; author Ryan Holiday defines stillness as “being steady while the world spins around you, to act without frenzy, to hear what needs to be heard, to process quietude, exterior, and interior on command.”

WHY PRACTICE STILLNESS

We have many thoughts running through our minds during the day. Our families, work, and friends are some of the thoughts that may occupy our minds. In addition to that, social media, the news cycle, and the thoughts of what tomorrow may hold. If we don’t intentionally create time and space to slow down in silence, this can lead to stress overwhelm and other negative consequences.

An article by Forbes reporting the findings of an Indeed study about U.S. worker burnout found that over half of the respondents are experiencing burnout in 2021. Psychology Today defines burnout as a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress.

BENEFITS OF STILLNESS

Stress, overwhelm, anxiousness, and burnout are just some of the consequences that can arise from nonstop hustle and movement. Making time for stillness allows you to slow down and process life around you. Taking the time to slow down can lead to more clarity, less overwhelm and stress, and better overall health. An article from the Huffington Post that discusses the benefits of silence for the brain states that

“When the brain is idle and disengaged from external stimuli, we can finally tap into our inner stream of thoughts, emotions, memories, and ideas. Engaging this network helps us to make meaning out of our experiences, empathize with others, be more creative and reflect on our own mental and emotional states.”

DIFFERENT WAYS TO PRACTICE STILLNESS

For stillness to happen, you must be intentional and plan for it. There are many different ways to engage in stillness. Here are a few ways you can incorporate stillness into your day.

SLEEP

Sleep is essential to function efficiently. A lack of sleep can cause a variety of health problems which can add to overwhelm and stress. According to Sleep Foundation, insufficient sleep can cause poor or reduced attention span, risky decision making, and lack of energy. Experiencing any of these symptoms negatively affects your ability to find stillness in an all too noisy world. Getting proper rest will improve your focus, health, and overall wellbeing.

“REST AND RECOVERY ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS HUSTLE AND GRIND” – DAVE HOLLIS.

JOURNAL

We keep so many thoughts in our heads at all times. Having an outlet like journaling to let it all out is incredibly useful. Allowing yourself time and space to express your thoughts and emotions can be an incredibly freeing and relieving act. Journaling is an act of self-expression and self-care. Journaling regularly can often trigger ideas, breakthroughs, discoveries, and more. It also increases clarity and self-awareness.

WALK

Practicing stillness doesn’t require you to be completely still. Going for a walk and being out in nature is a great way to practice stillness. Not only can walking help clear your mind and boost your focus, but it’s good for your overall health.

UNPLUG

Our electronic devices are an important part of our lives. Going without them for an extended period is not easy. However, even if it’s just an hour a day, taking time to unplug and turn off the noise can be highly beneficial. While it might take some time to experience the benefits of practicing any one of these activities, studies have repeatedly shown that they improve the quality of one’s life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The world is full of noise, and that is not changing any time soon. Creating time for stillness in an overly noisy world is essential. Stillness is not an act that happens by itself; it requires intention; you have to create time for it deliberately. Life can get busy, and the idea of stillness will often take a back seat. But, it’s during the craziest of times that stillness can be most beneficial.