We live in a 24 by 7 world. We communicate and receive information in our offices, homes, cars, bikes, while commuting, and soon, even in the shower. While we have more and more devices that help organize, inform, entertain us, and automate everything from the lights and music to the security system and the oven, it seems like our lives should be getting easier. In fact, they are not.
Stress and depression rate are rising rather than falling. Work hours continue to grow longer rather than shorter. All you have to do is jump on a busy freeway or subway at rush hour to realize that people are stressed out, cranky and disengaged from the people and world around them. What are most of us longing for? A timeout.
Yes, kind of like the one your parents used to give you as a child for throwing your fire truck at your older brother when he wouldn’t let you play with him and the first graders because he said you were a baby. But this timeout is different; it’s better and it doesn’t require you to stare at the white kitchen walls and grimy linoleum. This timeout is about creating a quiet space of simplicity and sanctuary for yourself and others.
It’s about being free from the constant chatter of the iPhone, text messaging, pc, TV, iPod, radio, GPS, integrated surround sound and more. It’s about calm and hush, a way to regroup and recharge your brain, body, and spirit. It’s sanctuary space and it’s relatively cheap and easy to create. The benefits are a clearer head with less mind chatter, reduced stress, more positive endorphins in your system, and a feeling of lightness that radiates to others. You know that feeling you get after you’ve been away somewhere nice on vacation after about the first 5 days? Imagine having that more often. Put your mind and body on pause daily. All you need is 5 minutes to get started.
Your brain was not meant to run on high all the time. The best ideas, art, music, work and clarity often come when it seems like you’re not thinking about them, right? I get my best ideas in the shower. Why? Because in a sense it’s down time. So, I am advocating for downtime at work or at home in a quiet, tranquil space where it can be practiced daily.
At work, imagine setting aside a small room or several that are private, have soft lighting, and comfy chairs that can be used throughout the day for timeout breaks of quiet reflection, meditation, short naps, or even prayer. Some work places already have these spaces. Unfortunately, they don’t always seem to get the acceptance they deserve in terms of a culture that fully encourages their use. Here’s your chance to change that. If your company has quiet rooms – use them and let it be known!
If a room isn’t possible, how about establishing a small area of your cubicle with some soothing pictures, textiles, or art and encouraging a culture that honors a “Do Not Disturb – Recharge in Progress” sign. You could even start your weekly team meetings with a couple of minutes of silent reflection to center the team. This could go a long way towards easing stress, tension, and that go-go-go feeling for everyone. I challenge you to try it out with your teams!
At home it may be easier to set aside a room, corner of a room, maybe even an area in the yard for soothing timeouts. Make it warm and inviting, nurturing and calm, use soft lights or candles. How about creating a tradition in your family of gadget-free evenings or days? Establish some set times for reading, reflection, good old-fashioned board games, art, or taking a nice, hot bath. Maybe play charades, have a conversation, or sing and play instruments? Doesn’t it sound fun and somehow peaceful? In fact, the biggest challenge may just be boundary-setting; telling others that you are giving up TV some nights or won’t be emailing back after 6 PM most nights. Take the challenge, see what happens! Where I work, a group of people have already started a meeting revolution, why not start a recharge revolution, too?
My challenge to you? Try taking 5-15 minutes of timeout, once a day, for the next 7 days and see if you don’t feel calmer, more relaxed, and inspired. If you like it, go for more, maybe 15-30 minutes a day. Or how about creating a family timeout one evening per week for the next 4 weeks? Perhaps starting with a nice dinner, as a family you agree to keeping the hours between dinner and bedtime as gadget-free time. I’d love to hear about your experiences in trying this. And if you need some support, feel free to comment and I’ll respond back.
