Going. Going. Going. That is what it what it feels like every single day when you get bombarded at work, have to help the kids with homework, meetings to attend, dinner to plan, and a birthday gift to pick up for the third birthday party you are going to this month. Ugh! It seems the list keeps multiplying.
I have a lot of busy days, just like you. I respond to texts in my head instead of on my phone. I put my keys down then forget where. Between taking care of our home as a mom of boys and military wife while also maintaining a career, some days I am just trying to make it to bed.
I don’t know about you, but if I don’t make time to be still on busy days my temperament is off. Taking time to be still on the busy days is vital to de-stressing what could be a hectic life. Let’s take a look at three simple ways you can be still.
Ongoing prayer
When life seems to be thrown at me faster than I can keep up, prayer is the equalizer. Only through continuous prayer throughout a busy day am I able to find moments to be still and maintain my identity in Christ. For me, busy days can quickly become stressful days. The stretching and pulling of buys days can often lead me to either respond in irritation or completely shut down. To prevent the momster in me from showing her ugly face on stressful, busy days, ongoing prayer is critical.
Pray while you are driving to work. Pray while you are changing the diaper. Pray while you are walking the dog. Pray while you are preparing dinner. Not sure where to start with prayer? Identify a few scriptures that speak to the heart of your day. Post those scriptures on the mirror of your bathroom, on your computer screen or even on the steering wheel of your car. These scriptures will encourage you doing your prayer time. The beauty of prayer is that you can do it anywhere, in any place, at any time. When we pray, we are able to be still and know God is our healer, our strength, our guide, our help on hard days. Give it a try and see what happens.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Practice deep breathing
Yes. Just that simple. Pause and take a deep breath. Taking time to breath has shown to help with everything from stress to anxiety. Deep breathing can promote better blood flow while also strengthening abdominal muscles. Setting aside time for deep breathing can help provide time for your body and mind to re-calibrate throughout the day.
The best aspect of this technique, you can do this anywhere. Waiting in the doctor office for your kid’s wellness visit, practice deep breathing. Sitting in the carpool line, practice deep breathing. Have a few minutes before the football game starts, get comfy on your couch and practice deep breathing.
Put away the technology
Another simple step to be still on a busy day is to put away the technology. Put the phone down. Turn off the television. Silence the radio. You don’t have to check the notifications while walking up the stairs. I know you have emails that need your attention, calls you need to make, and meetings to attend. I get it. Whether you are in your phone, riding in the elevator, or even in the bathroom, give yourself time away from technology. You may feel like you have to be on your phone or computer all the time for you, but I you don’t. Our bodies need a break. Your eyes need to adjust from staring at the computer or phone screen. If your phone needs a break after continued use to prevent overheating, don’t you think you do too?
Taking a few minutes to step away from technology can help lower your stress levels, help you reconnect with the people around you, and increase your awareness of the present. Creating time in your busy day where you walk away from technology can give your body the mental boost it needs to continue your day. Placing your technology down allows you to enjoy the beautiful, intricate world around you. Enjoy it!
I know our days can be long and demands can be high. Whether you are taking care of a house full of little ones or a caregiver of a sick parent, we all get busy.
[bctt tweet=”Thankfully, prayer, practicing deep breathing, and taking a break from technology can help us be still and know God in in control even in the middle of our fastest-paced day.” username=”@mamielpack”]
We can experience the pause anytime we want.
Embracing the pause,
mamedogo
I get you totally! Life gets real hectic. I pray everywhere too. I need to work harder on the technology. I will start the deep breathing. Bless you! Thanks for the tips.
Mamie L. Pack
mamedogoI am glad you found the suggestions helpful. Have you thought about how you could include them in your day?
Caitlin
YES I sometimes really have to remind myself to put away the technology…sometimes for a few days…that’s truly the one thing that works for me!
Mamie L. Pack
CaitlinTaking a break really helps improve so much. We don’t realize just how much we allow technology to take away from experiencing life.
myenchantingfloridalife
Great article with sound advice … we do live in a hectic world that is constantly go, hurry, and rush. I don’t know what I would do without God in my life and the ability to slow down and just talk to him and just be in his presence. I have been really stressed lately and all 3 things you mentioned are the things that help me:)
Mamie L. Pack
myenchantingfloridalifeSpending time with God makes such a difference. Just taking the time to slow down helps maintain a positive perspective.
Tara @sewmanypins
Oh my goodness can I relate to this! I think I’m going to try to pray more. I need those quiet moments in my crazy day. Thank you!
Mamie L. Pack
Tara @sewmanypinsOh, yes those crazy days Tara. Definitely the days where prayer makes such a difference.
val@thoughtfulneighbor.com
I’m also a big believer in deep breathing or meditation. And I can always use a reminder to put away the tech. It’s so hard to do though!
Mamie L. Pack
val@thoughtfulneighbor.comThe deep breathing has been a big help for relaxation and helping my my asthma. Any tips for meditating?
Marysa
I do think I need to take a break from technology to relax. It’s always work and blogging and so on. I like taking a breather and reconnecting with myself.
Mamie L. Pack
MarysaA friend of mine suggested a technology time out. Put everything in a box and go do something you love with someone you love. It definitely brings me joy when I do.
Autumn Murray
I second that on putting away the technology. It would help me immensely mentally if I did.
Mamie L. Pack
Autumn MurrayTaking just an hour would help and would be a great start.
Leah
THANK YOU for the particularly timely advice as the days get “shorter” and the holiday season gets busier.
Mamie L. Pack
LeahOh, yes! Just because life is busy around us that does not mean we have to let the busy get inside us.
The Mindful MD Mom
I love everything about this article! Totally agree that we live a generally busy lifestyle and don’t leave space for anything; it’s like every moment must be filled! I love using the mindful breathing techniques in my life. Great way to recenter and get that calm. Thanks for sharing!
Lesha
I so needed this! This is great info!
Mamie L. Pack
LeshaYay!
Angel Sames
Prayer. I’ve so lost my passion to pray. I can’t put my finger on why. Thankfully, it’s coming back and this post reminded me to keep praying and never cease.
Angel | Mommy-ing Differently
Mamie L. Pack
Angel SamesOh, Angel I am glad to hear you are leaning back in to prayer.
Sonja- Too Much Character
Again, you find ways to connect with what I need to hear! This week was beyond crazy, complete with a garage door mishap. And yet, my favorite parts of the week were when I slowed down to pray a prayer of gratitude for being able to witness the sweetest connections with my little ones. Now I will try to incorporate some deep breathing into that practice.
Mamie L. Pack
Sonja- Too Much CharacterAwwww Sonja Thank you for your kind words. The world wants us to rush, have full days and hustle, but that is not God’s way. His yoke is light, we just need to lean in to it.
Miranda
I can relate to busy days. I have learned to “pray without ceasing” and I practice deep breathing but technology is something I need to work on for sure. I love how you mentioned that we can give ourselves a break from technology in an elevator or even the bathroom. A break from technology will also keep you from comparing yourself to others which can lead to even more stress that we do not need. Great tips! Thank you for sharing.
maggyjayMaggy
Slowing down and saying a prayer has been one of the best things for me! Thank you for the reaffirmation
Mamie L. Pack
maggyjayMaggyThat awesome you are already doing those helpful habits.
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Brittany Gordon
This is great advice, I appreciate the reminder to stop and pray!
Mamie L. Pack
Brittany GordonIt is so important to do and helpful.
Cendu Param
Wonderful tips on slowing down when life gets too hectic! I find that unplugging from technology is super helpful on those days- that’s a great tip- sometimes that cleanse is so so necessary
Mamie L. Pack
Cendu ParamUnplugging is huge especially in this busy world.
Kimberlie
I love that you provide feasible and realistic solutions. I have recently started to pray intermittently through the day, but want to try the deep breathing as well.
Mamie L. Pack
KimberlieThat is great to hear Kimberlie!
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