Quiet time takes on many forms. It can be imposed upon us during childhood or demanded when entering spaces like a church, theatre, or cinema. It can also manifest unexpectedly when we encounter the wonders of the earth. Choosing to have a moment of silence may seem fairly impossible for most of us, as our to-do lists are typically long and clash with the daily demands of the world.
Having quiet time can be also nerve-racking. The absence of stimuli might lead to irritation or boredom, and we were trained to believe that isn't a good thing. Nevertheless, even when quiet time is a luxury for some and torture for others, it provides a moment to reset the clutter in our minds. The stillness offers space for rest and reassessment, providing new perspectives and activating our senses for different stimuli.
However, what if silence, instead of healing, puts you in a dreadful spiral of overthinking? By nature, I have a very active mind but a slow body. Allowing myself quiet time felt always good for the body but was disastrous for the mind. The goal isn’t neglecting our nature. So, I asked a therapist and received the tip to incorporate activities that allow the body to rest while engaging the mind in solving minor problems. Here are some of them:
Sudoku
Crosswords
Puzzles
Programming/coding
Drawing
Mindful coloring
Handcrafting
Journaling
I must admit that some of these activities do a really good job, while others, like puzzles and coding, pull me too deep into a state of flow that I forget to eat and sleep. In the end, quiet time needs to be adapted to everyone's needs. It should not be forced on everyone. So, the next time you need some rest, don't just ask your body but also inquire with your mind about what it needs.
Do you want to learn more about quiet time?
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