Life is a whirlwind. Between school, work, family, social commitments, and that never-ending to-do list, we’re all just a hop, skip, and jump away from losing our minds! But I’ve stumbled upon some wisdom that could be transformative – Doing Nothing! And I am eager to share with you how embracing stillness can be a game changer.

The Hustle is Real, but So is Burnout

Let’s get real here. I’m talking about the never-ending to-do lists, the constant hustle, and the “I’m so busy” badge of honor we all seem to be wearing these days. It’s like we’re all in this weird race to see who can be the most frazzled. 

And the crash and burn of burnout isn’t just a “bad day” or feeling a little tired. It can be a full-on system shutdown. Simple tasks start feeling like climbing Mt Everest, and the thought of another meeting or one more meal prep? Forget about it. You’re irritable, snapping at loved ones for no reason, and the guilt that follows adds fuel to the fire.  Been there, done that, my friends.

Physically, it’s no walk in the park either. Your body rebels with headaches, stomach issues, and sleepless nights staring at the ceiling, replaying your endless to-do list. Your body and mind conspire, saying, “If you don’t stop, we’ll make you stop.”  

The Trending Antidote: Embracing Stillness

So, what’s the lifeboat in this sea of perpetual busyness and burnout? Stillness. Yes, the art of doing absolutely nothing. And before you scoff, let me assure you, this isn’t some crazy concept; it’s a bona fide trend backed by science and spirituality.

On the science side of things, researchers are finding that stillness—or mindfulness, meditation, whatever you want to call it—actually changes the structure of your brain. Studies have shown that regular moments of stillness can increase the density of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain associated with awareness, concentration, and decision-making.

And it doesn’t just stop at the brain. The benefits ripple through your entire body. Lower stress hormones, better digestion, and even a stronger immune system. It’s like your body gives you a standing ovation for finally giving it a break.

On the spirituality front, stillness has been a cornerstone in almost every religious and spiritual tradition since, well, forever. Whether it’s the Christian practice of contemplative prayer, Buddhist meditation, or the Islamic practice of Dhikr, the message is clear: Stillness is the gateway to a deeper, more meaningful connection with the Divine, the universe, or whatever higher power you subscribe to.

Why Stillness, You Ask?

So why stillness? For starters, our brains are not wired to be “on” all the time. It’s like running your car 24/7 without ever stopping for gas or an oil change. Eventually, something’s gotta give. And let’s be honest: the constant scrolling, the doom and gloom in the news, and the FOMO are not doing us any favors. They’re like little gremlins gnawing away at our peace of mind.

But when we embrace stillness, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, something amazing happens. Our minds get a break, our souls get to breathe, and suddenly, the world doesn’t seem so overwhelming. It’s like giving yourself a mini-vacation without ever leaving your house. And who doesn’t want that?

How I Stumbled Upon This Gem

I wish I could say I discovered this all on my own, but the truth is, it found me. I was knee-deep on Instagram one evening (because, let’s be honest, scrolling is the modern-day lullaby), and I saw a post that said, “In stillness, we find ourselves.” It was like someone had reached through the screen and given me a gentle shake. I realized I had been so caught up in the daily grind of “doing” that I had forgotten just “being.”

My Personal Journey into Embracing Stillness

So, I am taking the plunge. I have started with just 10 minutes a day of pure, unadulterated stillness. No phone, no TV, no to-do list running through my mind. Just me, myself, and I. And let me tell you, those first few minutes feel like an eternity. My mind was like a toddler on a sugar high, but slowly, it started to settle. As I’ve gotten better at quieting my mind, I’ve realized the effects are real!

The Nitty-Gritty: How to Practice Stillness

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but how do I even start?” I’ve compiled some useful information into a quick guide for you:

  1. Find Your Space: Choose a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed.
  2. Set a Timer: Start with 5-10 minutes. Trust me, it’s enough to begin with.
  3. Sit Comfortably: This isn’t a yoga pose competition. Just find a position where you can relax.
  4. Focus on Your Breath: When your mind starts to wander, bring it back by focusing on your breath. This is the most challenging and probably the most important part. Concentrating on your breath is vital to help clear your mind and be in the moment. But it’s hard! I don’t know about you, but if someone tells me to clear my mind, my mind does the opposite! So this part takes some training. The following section dives deeper into this, but there are additional resources you can use to help with breathing techniques- books, apps, and even your smartwatch can help.
  5. Let Go: This is your time to release, not to solve the world’s problems.

The Art of Clearing Your Mind

Clearing your mind is like decluttering a room that’s been gathering dust for years. You walk in, and it’s overwhelming. Where do you even start? But here’s a technique learned in counseling: you don’t have to empty the room all at once! Sometimes, it’s enough to just acknowledge what’s there.

Imagine your thoughts as guests at a party. They arrive, some invited and some definitely crashing the soirée. Instead of trying to kick them out or getting lost in long conversations with them, you greet them at the door. “Ah, Anxiety about Work/School/Family; I see you’ve arrived. And oh, there’s an Unresolved Issue from Ten Years Ago, making an appearance – as usual.”

The trick is to greet these thoughts without inviting them to take a seat and stay awhile. Acknowledge them, maybe even nod at the lesson they’re offering, and then let them pass through the room and out the other door. You don’t have to serve them tea or make them comfortable; just let them be on their way.

This technique is often taught in mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy and is a game-changer. It allows you to detach from your thoughts, observing them without judgment. And in that space, that pause, you find stillness. You realize you are not your thoughts; you’re observing them. And that, my friends, is where the magic of stillness happens. You create room for new, more empowering thoughts and feelings to take up residence. It’s not easy and takes a lot of practice, but just like everything else, the more you do it, the better you become.

Final Thoughts

So, that’s the lowdown on the transformative power of doing nothing. And I’m giving it my all! 😉 It’s not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice, a small act of rebellion in a world that equates busyness with worthiness. And let me tell you, even on the days when you don’t feel like you’re conquering the world, your mind could use some time off!

So take good care and give yourself the gift of stillness.

Comment Below on your personal journey!  We love to hear from you!

Disclaimer: This post is based on personal experiences and should not replace professional advice. Always consult a healthcare provider or counselor for any significant changes in your routine.

Check out Sleep Strategies: The Struggle is Real!