Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.

How Embracing Stillness Became My Secret Weapon Against Burnout

I’m a millennial woman on a mission. I work hard, play hard, and am constantly juggling a million things at once. Sound familiar?

In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. We’re bombarded with messages telling us to “do more,” “be more,” and never stop grinding. But what if I told you that one of the simplest things I do to bring joy to my life is… absolutely nothing?

That’s right. I’ve discovered the unexpected power of embracing stillness. It’s not about laziness or giving up; it’s about intentionally carving out time to simply be.

The Burnout Breaking Point

I used to wear my busyness as a badge of honor. I thought it meant I was successful, motivated, and important. But the truth is, it was slowly burning me out. I was constantly tired, stressed, and irritable. I wasn’t enjoying my life, I was just surviving it.

It all came to a head when I had a full-blown meltdown. I was crying in the bathroom at work, feeling completely overwhelmed and defeated. Something had to change.

The Stillness Experiment

I started experimenting with incorporating moments of stillness into my day. I would sit in silence for a few minutes, focusing on my breath. I would take walks in nature without my phone or headphones. I would simply lie on the floor and stare at the ceiling.

At first, it felt awkward and uncomfortable. My mind would race, and I would feel the urge to check my phone or do something “productive.” But gradually, I started to relax. I felt my stress melt away, and a sense of peace wash over me.

The Joy of Just Being

It turns out, doing nothing can be incredibly joyful. It allows me to reconnect with myself, my thoughts, and my feelings. It gives me a chance to recharge and come back to my life with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

I’ve also found that stillness sparks creativity. When I’m not constantly bombarded with stimuli, my mind is free to wander and make new connections. I’ve come up with some of my best ideas during these quiet moments.

How to Embrace Stillness

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and burned out, I encourage you to try incorporating moments of stillness into your day. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or time-consuming. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Meditate: Even a few minutes of mindful breathing can make a big difference.
• Spend time in nature: Disconnect from technology and soak in the sights and sounds of the natural world.
• Take a bath or shower: Let the warm water wash away your stress and tension.
• Journal: Write down your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Listen to calming music: Choose instrumental music or nature sounds to help you relax.

The key is to find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

The Takeaway

I’m not saying you should quit your job and move to a monastery. But I do believe that incorporating moments of stillness into our lives is essential for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It’s not about being lazy or unproductive; it’s about giving ourselves permission to simply be.