Finding Stillness in a Busy World

Noise, sound, video stimulation. It's EVERYWHERE!

The other day when I pulled up to the gas station to fill up my vehicle, I noticed the station had completed some renovations and put in a new screen at each station. So I entered my info to pay and put the nozzle into the car and started to gas up my vehicle. All of a sudden an ad started to play on the screen, then another, and then repeated over and over. The entire time I was putting gas in my car the screen played video and sound. Why? Why are we not even allowed a moment of silence while doing something as mundane as putting gas in our cars? Screens with ads and music are in our face ALL. THE. TIME! No wonder our bodies feel on edge, no wonder our brains cannot shut down, no wonder we don't sleep well!

Why is idle time bad or prohibited? When our kids were younger we were content to see them bored. My husband and I would say, "Good! We’re glad you're bored, we’ve done our job. If you like, we can give you a chore or you can find something to do. Or nothing to do."

It was during these times of boredom that our 5 kids were most creative. They made up games that included all of them. They had different rules for each of their ages as they had learned to accommodate for each of their ages and look out for each other. I’m sure they would not have been as resourceful if we had stepped in each and every time they were bored. Including quiet time and idle time throughout their day forced them to use their imaginations.

Here are some reasons quiet time and idle time is good for you, your mind, and your body.

Wander and Daydream

When your mind is not actively working on a specific task, it will have time to wander. When your mind can wander it can be more creative and generate new ideas and perspectives.

Rest for Your Brain

Mental fatigue can result from continuous focused tasks. We need to be kind to our brains and take a break so it can rest and recharge. Just like our bodies need to rest and recharge.

Time to Process or Incubate

You may have heard of the 24-hour rule in sports and conflicts. This rule can also apply to a problem or project you are involved in. Stepping away and giving your brain time to be idle and process in the background can lead to insights and creative solutions.

Decreased Pressure

When your brain and body is relaxed, creativity can flourish as there is no immediate pressure to produce a result.

Increased Neural Activity

Studies show that idle time and daydreaming states are associated with increased connectivity between the different regions of the brain. With increased connectivity, thoughts and ideas can come together in a different or novel way.

Inspiration From External Stimuli

If you are quiet and exposed to art or nature, you can become inspired by these inputs and become more creative.

A nice way to include stillness into your day is with Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra and stillness practices are known for their ability to down-regulate the brain and body and promote relaxation and reduce stress through various mechanisms:

• Activation of Parasympathetic nervous system. Yoga Nidra will activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "rest and digest" system. This activation counters the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response. As a result, heart rate decreases, breathing slows down, and muscles relax, inducing a state of deep relaxation.

• Reduction in Cortisol Levels: Yoga Nidra has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress, and elevated levels can lead to various health problems. By reducing cortisol levels, Yoga Nidra will help the body recover from stress and promote overall well-being.

• Promotion of Alpha Brain Waves: During Yoga Nidra there is often a shift in brain wave patterns towards alpha waves. Alpha waves are associated with a state of wakeful relaxation and are indicative of a relaxed but alert mind. This shift in brain activity contributes to the feelings of calmness and tranquility experienced during these practices.

• Release of Tension: Yoga Nidra helps release physical tension stored in the muscles and promote a sense of ease throughout the body. This release of tension further contributes to the overall relaxation response.

• Enhancement of Mindfulness and Awareness: Yoga Nidra cultivates mindfulness and present-moment awareness, allowing you to observe your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. By developing this capacity for mindfulness, you can become more adept at managing stressors and regulating your emotional responses.

• Restoration of Neurological Balance: Consistent practice of Yoga Nidra can help restore neurological balance by enhancing the connectivity between different regions of the brain associated with relaxation and emotional regulation. This can lead to long-term changes in brain function, promoting resilience to stress and improving overall mental health.

During this month of love, be kind to your brain and your body. Love the quiet, the peace, the slowness and the stillness. Spring will be here soon and with spring comes a lot of movement and energy.