Life is like a roller coaster ride: sometimes scary, sometimes fun. But mostly, it is constantly in motion. The wheels are ever-moving until we reach the final destination. As a busy individual, I often find myself juggling a million errands. Whether it’s assignment deadlines or family responsibilities, my attention is usually invested in the different demands that life throws at me.
In this always-paced and ever-demanding life, we all tend to cater to every demand and fulfill every need. But when so much energy is directed outwards, very little is left for our inner selves, the most essential part of our lives.
The only superpower that can help us now is the ability to be still. By ‘stillness ‘, I mean taking a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge. Stop, take a deep breath and move on. That is the mantra of life, but people generally skip the stop and take a deep breath part. They only live with the move-on.
Let us go over its benefits to remind us why it is so important to stop, even if just for 5 minutes. A few of them are mentioned below:
- Lower Heart Rate: Stillness helps slow your heart rate and ease you into a more relaxed state. Slowing down your breathing engages your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for resting and digesting. Thereby improving your overall health.
- Better Mental Health: Beyond the physical effects, stillness is a game-changer for mental well-being. Pressing pause for a few minutes of quiet stillness can help you find a sense of inner calm and stability.
- Makes You More Mindful: When you take those moments to be fully present, you become more mindful and aware. Suddenly, you might notice the little details that so often get drowned out in the chaos of our daily lives.
- Improved Listening Skills: An elevated sense of awareness can do wonders for your ability to listen to others, too, instead of getting distracted or worrying about what you’ll say next.
- Self-reflection: Stillness also empowers you with the headspace for healthy self-reflection. Those few minutes of quiet can illuminate what’s going on beneath the surface. Self-awareness is critical to consciously steering your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a more positive direction, giving you a sense of control in your busy life.
- Improves Creativity: Research suggests that being still can significantly enhance creativity.
- Instills a sense of Fulfillment: Stillness and alone time can instill in us a sense of fulfillment and prosperity, which we then carry forward in our lives and showcase through our inspiring actions. The benefits of stillness extend beyond the immediate moment of calm. They can improve our overall well-being, enhance our relationships, and boost our productivity in the long run.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Finally, stillness before bed can be the ultimate remedy for promoting quality sleep. A short stillness practice gives your mind a chance to unwind and relax in a more peaceful state. That means falling asleep faster and getting that restorative rest we desperately need.
There are infinite benefits to spending some time alone with yourself. Taking a break is not just a luxury; it’s essential to rejuvenate our minds and get ready to face life again. Constantly working and dealing with situations can cause burnout in many people, but stillness can be the antidote, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your responsibilities.
Some activities that can help us be still are sitting in a park during lunch break, going for a walk after work, reading a book before bed, playing some music during a break, and meditation, among others. These are simple yet effective ways to incorporate stillness into your busy schedule.
We can find out a million other ways to be still in and draw out relevant ideas. The goal is to ensure that we lend some valuable time to ourselves. Taking out time matters, and knowing this matters even more. So go and give yourself that much-needed break now! Remember, stillness is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for a balanced and fulfilling life.
