{"id":1470,"date":"2010-01-25T09:32:14","date_gmt":"2010-01-25T17:32:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=1470"},"modified":"2013-08-21T09:55:15","modified_gmt":"2013-08-21T17:55:15","slug":"finding-a-quiet-space-when-life-is-busy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/finding-a-quiet-space-when-life-is-busy\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding a Quiet Space When Life is Busy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Back in November, I went away for a weekend\u2019s retreat, and it was one of the best things I did last year. I have a lot going on in my life, and clearing that space meant juggling some commitments around \u2013 but it was well worth it. I felt much happier and more relaxed than I had done in a long time, and I came back from the weekend determined to keep some of that \u201cquiet space\u201d in my regular life.<\/p>\n

I expect that you\u2019re similarly busy. You probably find it hard \u2013 logistically and emotionally \u2013 to find any time for yourself. <\/strong>When you do get a gap in your day, you end up filling it with chores or emails or tasks that have been on your to-do list for months. And when it comes to the evening, you probably don\u2019t have the energy to do much more than turn the television on.<\/p>\n

Even when you\u2019re short of time, though, it\u2019s possible to find yourself a quiet space \u2013 mentally, if not always physically! Here are a few ideas to get you started.<\/p>\n

If you have … five minutes<\/h2>\n

Five minutes might not seem like long, but if you sit in silence, focusing on your breathing, you\u2019ll realise how refreshing that time can be. You might want to read up on meditation<\/a>, or, if you\u2019re religious, you might like to pray.<\/p>\n

However busy you are, you can find five minutes a day<\/strong> \u2013 perhaps five minutes before work, during your lunch hour, and when you come home from work \u2013 to simply sit quietly and let yourself calm down from the busyness of the rest of your day.<\/p>\n

If you have … half an hour<\/h2>\n

Although finding a half-hour block in your day is more challenging than snatching five minutes, it\u2019s definitely possible. It might mean taking<\/em> your lunch break (instead of working through it), or using the first half-hour when you get home from work in the evening.<\/p>\n

Half an hour is a great length of time to go for a brisk walk.<\/strong> I find that walking is one of the best ways of being active, because you don\u2019t need any special equipment, you don\u2019t need to shower afterwards, it\u2019s free, and you can do it almost anywhere. Instead of listening to music while you walk, opt for silence, and observe your thoughts.<\/p>\n

If you have … an afternoon<\/h2>\n

Free afternoons (or mornings) don\u2019t come about all that often, so make the most of them \u2013 and try blocking out a Saturday or Sunday afternoon every once in a while. (If you have kids, try arranging a childminding swap \u2013 you\u2019ll take your friends\u2019 kids if they\u2019ll have yours the following week.)<\/p>\n

A whole morning or afternoon is perfect for digging into a creative project.<\/strong> Whether you like to work with paint, clay, words, music or even food, give yourself the chance to make<\/em> something. Don\u2019t rush it, or feel that you have to produce something perfect or finished \u2013 just enjoy the process of creation.<\/p>\n

If you aren\u2019t in the creative mood, try curling up with a great book that you\u2019ve been wanting to read for a while. Treat yourself to a mug of good coffee or hot chocolate too, and enjoy!<\/p>\n

If you have … a weekend<\/h2>\n

Empty weekends are few and far between, and you may have to plan several months ahead to get one. It\u2019s worth it, though: a whole weekend away from the busyness of life can refresh you, get your creative juices flowing, and help you think through the priorities and commitments that you have.<\/p>\n

There are many places \u2013 some religious, others not \u2013 which welcome visitors to come on a retreat.<\/strong> Some retreats are run like courses (e.g. for painters or writers), others are very free-form and you can do whatever you like. Alternatively, you could just book yourself into a hotel, or go hiking for a weekend. Choose something which gets you away from the computer, the phone, and all your day-to-day worries \u2013 make yourself as uncontactable as possible!<\/p>\n

I\u2019d love to hear how you find quiet in your life, whether it\u2019s for short or long periods<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Don’t Forget To Follow PickTheBrain on Twitter<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Related Articles:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The 21 Habits of Healthy People<\/a> <\/em><\/p>\n

The Benefits of Meditation<\/em><\/a>
\n<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Back in November, I went away for a weekend\u2019s retreat, and it was one of the best things I did last year. I have a lot going on in my life, and clearing that space meant juggling some commitments around \u2013 but it was well worth it. I felt much happier and more relaxed than I had done in a long time, and I came back from the weekend determined to keep some of that \u201cquiet space\u201d in my regular life. 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