Day 13: 30 Days — 30 Ways : Set Time for Stillness

I am not even saying meditate…I am saying be still for about ten minutes each day, longer if your schedule allows. If you do the offline challenge, spend some of your offline time in stillness.

What does stillness mean? It can be different for everyone. To me, it means anything that has the capability to clear your mind. If walking gives you a sense of stillness then do that — you don’t literally have to be still. Calm your mind and let your brain have a rest. Other things that may still your mind include: writing, deep breathing, guided or regular meditation, drawing, bird watching, staring at the sky, exercise, or gazing at water.

I feel so overstimulated and anxious when I spend all day constantly working, home schooling, thinking, texting, wondering about bills, the meaning of life, etc. If you are like me, you may feel similar. How will stillness help? It may help your mind relax and reduce your stress level enough to enjoy the slower parts of life — the sunset, the chirping birds, a hug, giggles, a good meal, a hike or walk, or any other relaxing activity.

Stillness and stress reduction is probably the number one way to be happier, healthier, and more successful. Stress causes fatigue, illness, irritability, and burnout. Stressors can come at anytime from anywhere. We can’t control many of them, but we can control our own reactions. If you are successful but too stressed to enjoy it, the then that is success is tainted. Balancing work, stress reduction, and everything else can be stressful in itself. If you find yourself worried about getting to yoga class on time, then you may be over-scheduling.

If the thought of thinking about stress reduction induces stress for you, you are not alone. Sometimes I want to exercise more, socialize more, breathe more, and relax more but don’t have the time or energy left at the end of the day. Overall, we need put less pressure on ourselves to get all these things done. Stress reduction activities that feel like a chore are not useful.

There is no easy answer. My best suggestion is to look back at your like to list (Day 3), and choose one thing from there to do most days of the week. If that thing that you enjoy doing also helps you clear your head, that is a double bonus.

Fitting in stress-reducing activities is worthwhile and can be done. I have been focused on writing and exercise. What will you do? Share what works for you with others. It may help!