“True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.” ~William Penn
If you feel you are on the go constantly and you feel stressed, then you might be overlooking a simple way to manage your stress. What is that simple way?
Quietness.
When you intentionally create quiet times, you can find relief from stress. You can take time when you wake up and before you go to bed to have a quiet time. As part of your routine, make time during the day, to pause, be quiet and think for a couple of minutes. You can even set a side time during the day depending on your need and the time you have.
Avoid electronic devices and other distractions. You’ll reap surprising benefits when you make this a habit. These short breaks can be great stress relievers.
Create spaces of time to think, ponder and reflect even if it’s for 15 minutes. You might want to read short inspirational thoughts, quotes, devotionals, or scriptures. Then take time to think about how the perspective applies to your life. This is an excellent way to manage stress.
Some people are too restless to sit still. If that is you, take a walk. Nature has a wonderful calming effect. If it’s cold outside, you can walk around your room or some quiet place in your house or office.
You can even create a sense of being still while you are active. Clean a room in silence or do a hobby without the distraction of the TV, radio or your phone. Turn off the notifications on your electronic devices so that you are an interrupted.
At first, if you are not used to this, it may seem uncomfortable to you. Start with a few minutes and build up the time you are able to be quiet. Though you may feel uneasy at first, you will find the stress lessens and you will welcome the quiet.
Sometimes you may get the flu, have a surgical procedure or get a more serious illness that requires you to be in bed. You may even have a longer illness and be confined to your house or hospital. You might feel frustrated because you can’t get done what you normally do.
If you look at this season as an opportunity, this will give you a more positive perspective. Though it’s normal to chafe at this limitation, you can benefit from this enforced time of quiet.
Look at this season as an opportunity and this will give you a more positive perspective. You can even find strength in your illness by looking for the good and the bad. The focus on the good gives you comfort and strength.
Turn off the other distractions and allow yourself to be still.
I saw a quote years ago that captured my imagination and stayed with me,
“Silence, stillness recreates.”
5 Benefits of Quietness
- Solutions will come to problems which have kept your mind churning with stress and anxiety.
- Time to reflect on your life journey. You can think about your life, where you are going and what you are doing. “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates
- Creativity is available. You can get in touch with the most creative force in the universe for ideas. You can find direction for your life or for your project or whatever you are working on. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV 1984)
- Calm for your brain and your feelings. This has physical, mental and psychological benefits.
- Find refreshment and gain a new confidence to face life’s challenges.
Journalist Carl Honore believes the Western world’s emphasis on speed erodes health, productivity and quality of life. He wrote a book about slowing down and gave a TED Talk about getting in touch with your inner tortoise.
Don’t be afraid to slow down and experience the quiet. Embrace the silence and it will be a cherished gift. You will draw closer to God and connect with who you truly are.
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15 (NIV 1984)
2 Responses to Stress Management – 5 Benefits of Quietness