In the midst of all the holiday-ing, it can be hard to stay focused. While activity may help you be productive in getting things done, being busy can also cause more stress. There are ways to counter the "noise" in your life or surroundings to feel more purposeful.
When you are waiting in line, sitting around, or just lying in bed trying to sleep, your brain quiets. And that's a good thing according to Natalie Ledwell, author and coach, and she offers good advice. *
Try this: Silence is Golden for Your Brain!
According to Ledwell, silence jumpstarts your mind to play, imagine, and create. Here's what she suggests:
- Turn off the noise: Try 5 minutes of silence a day - no music, no distractions, just you and your thoughts.
- Embrace the void: When you're bored, resist the urge to "fill the gap." Instead, lean into it. Let your mind wander.
- Disconnect to reconnect: Leave your phone behind during a walk or a meal. Give yourself permission to simply exist. *
The key is to find just five minutes to have some silence to let your brain get its jam on. In those quiet moments, Ledwell says magic happens by reconnecting to your creativity for new ideas.
* Natalie Ledwell, MindMovies.com, e-newsletter, December 5, 2024.