On this day, September 14th, the focus is on valuing silence and peaceful moments in our busy lives as a way to improve well-being, maintain mental health, reduce stress, and enhance concentration and focus.
The idea is to raise awareness of the importance of taking small breaks from our constant multitasking and hectic routines, including quiet moments in our days, which help us slow down and reset.
What can we do to find these moments in our daily lives?
Creating intentional pauses to recharge can seem complicated, but it is possible, and you will feel the difference.
These are some ideas that could help you:
You can find a slot in your day or take mini-breaks during the day: This will depend on your routine… You could wake up earlier or dedicate a few minutes before the day ends to do a quiet, mindful activity… another option is incorporating short, quiet breaks throughout your day, which can support your well-being.
You can design a quiet sensory space: If having a physical space helps, you can create a calming spot in your home or office (even in schools, for children). A sensory space where you can have everything you need to feel safe and calm.
You can practice Mindfulness: You could either use breathing techniques or meditation, or choose any mindful activity that brings you to the present and to a state of self-regulation.
This will depend on the person, but it could be reading, writing, drawing,… or something more related to the body, like yoga or having a quiet walk in nature. You can also spend time with your pet, do crochet, or just sit in a quiet place and have a silent cup of tea.
It can really depend on the person, but the main objective is to find this quiet state for your mind, being present and aware of all sensations that bring you to the present moment.
Another important point that helps is disconnecting from technology: We are always connected, whether for work or personal reasons. You could take time each day to step away from social media and all devices in general, leaving the constant noise on one side and enjoying a quiet, mindful moment.
Considering yourself, the task and/or the environment…
Do you have any sensory strategies to find these moments in your daily life?