Finding some quiet time in our busy world

GET UP EARLIER

If your house is usually filled with noise and chaos, the best time to secure some quiet time is often first thing in the morning. I know, no one wants to get up any earlier, but even 10 minutes earlier could settle your mind and spirit for the day, as you enjoy the peace and quiet that is your reward.

 REQUEST IT!

If you live with your other half, or you have kids in the home, getting a moment of quiet may seem impossible. It is common for people not to realise you need such a moment, so make sure you ask for it whenever you need it. Just five minutes makes the world of difference.

 HEAD OUT INTO NATURE

Can you divert your walk to work so you cut through a quiet park? Can you drive in five minutes early, park, turn the engine off, and simply sit and be? Perhaps there is somewhere on your route you could stop at, and just take a moment to walk out by yourself, perhaps by a pond or river, or simply off the beaten track.

BUY SOME NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES

It won’t always be safe to wear these, but if you need some quiet time in bed while your partner snores next to you, or simply while there is too much noise in the rest of your home, these could be just the thing. You might also want to invest in a calming relaxation programme or recording that helps you connect with some quiet time

MEDITATE

Meditation doesn’t need to last for half an hour. Buy a programme or simply read a book about meditation, and find a short routine you can retreat to each day for some peace and calmness. Even a 5 -10 minute meditation can make a huge difference

ENJOY AN EXTRA MOMENT OF PEACE IN YOUR BATH ROOM

If you don’t get time to relax in a bath, opt for a quick shower… and then just take a moment to sit and be still once you’re out. No one needs to know… you can just enjoy the peace for a moment. I won’t tell!

SIT AND DO NOTHING

Again, preferably somewhere you won’t be disturbed. It is so easy to think, ‘oh, I have a spare five minutes, I’ll fold the laundry’ (or make the bed, or put some washing on, or clean the bathroom… delete where applicable!). But taking some time for yourself will make you feel so much calmer and more settled. Sometimes, it is just fine to do nothing.

 INDULGE IN SOME CLOUD-WATCHING

I find it impossible to get dragged down into life’s minutiae when I do this. Simply watching the clouds float past reminds me how big the world is… and how small I am. It is incredibly calming and settling. It is also very easy to get caught up in doing it… since you never see the same thing twice. There is nothing better than heading out on an early walk, watching the sunrise as it changes the colour of the clouds… beautiful!

PUT IT ON YOUR TO-DO LIST

Do you have one of those? Prioritising a few moments of quiet time is just as important as getting all those other tasks completed. Find the best time to get some quiet time and make it happen. It may vary depending on whether it’s a weekday or a weekend.

FOCUS ON YOUR BREATHING

This might sound odd, but it is a great way to centre yourself. Breathe from your belly rather than your chest – the latter is a sure sign you are stressed. Doing this for just a moment every now and then (even sitting at your desk at work – no one will notice) will make a huge difference to how calm you feel throughout the day. It also makes it easier to be quiet in your own space and self, no matter what is happening around you.

Try one or two of these ideas and build them into becoming every day habits, they really do make a huge difference.

Enjoy :)

Carole x

Mindfulness Practitioner and self care coach