Stillness is a Superpower

We’ve all been privy to the buzzwords: Hustle, Grind, Work Harder, No Pain No Gain.

Ew. If you’ve worked with me or met me in any capacity, you know that I wholeheartedly reject this notion. My husband and I have this conversation regularly—working harder only gets you more work.

Please hear me when I say—the purpose of this is not to say “be lazy and don’t work.” It’s so very hard for many of us to be still. The purpose is to dampen the noise we are all constantly inundated with.

Have you ever been in the shower and a really, really good idea comes to you? Have you ever thought about why that is? Our brain has only a menial task to do: washing. It frees up our creativity centers to start thinking of new ideas. Another place you may have brilliant flashes is the time you’re falling asleep. Same concept here, our brains and bodies are relaxed into a state where we can think clearly.

There is a lot of science to back up stillness as it relates to our brain function. Studies have shown that decision fatigue and constant noise degrade your judgment over time. An easy way to notice this is if you’ve ever snapped at someone while being overstimulated. (Spoiler: we all have). Eastern medicine focuses on the mind-body connection, which the west tends to sweep under the rug.

I am deep in the study of some healing modalities right now and one quote I have seen over and over is “when you are relaxed, your body heals faster.” If you have delivered a baby or know someone who has—they were likely rushed out of the hospital as soon as possible. Child birth is a major trauma, but bodies are expected to rebound in week, sometimes even days! While this could be a whole other rant, I use it as an example that is relatable in regards to healing.

My practical advice in all of this is to find ways to be still throughout your day. Maybe it’s a few deep breaths before a phone call or meeting. Take a solo walk without technology. Take a meeting with a colleague or a phone call while walking. Work really hard to not reach for your phone for a bit when you wake up. Allow yourself a moment with your eyes closed or to stare off into space.

You’ll be amazed at the ways your brain is able to problem solve when it gets to slow down just a bit.