Are you looking to add more peace, quiet, and calm to your life?
Maybe the idea of hustling doesn’t sound appealing anymore. Or perhaps spending time on social media is giving you more stress and anxiety.
Having quiet time helps you avoid the distractions of the world and tune in to yourself. You’ll become more focused, observant, intuitive, and happier as a result.
However, there’s a common notion that quiet time is boring — that’s why so many people default to social media, gossiping, and bad Netflix shows.
But quiet time can be enjoyable! Here are nine interesting quiet practices that will enrich your life and keep you more grounded.
Table of Contents
1. Pray
Most people associate prayer with blindly following religion or the opportunity to selfishly ask for things.
But true prayer is a spiritual act where you have conversations with God and unconditionally love the Universe despite whatever it’s bestowed on you, the good and bad.
It’s supposed to be a calming practice that fills you with hope and kills any fears.
The best part about prayer is that it can be done anywhere — at home, while you’re working, in the shower, or while you drive. The only requirements are a clean heart and mind.
2. Breathe with Intention
Yes, we breathe all the time, but intentional breathing means being completely aware of your breathing — sort of like meditation, but not quite (I’ll explain below).
This is especially useful in stressful situations, where you can stop what you’re doing and take deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Meditate
A lot of people view meditation as a difficult exercise, where you’re supposed to shut your mind off and think nothing at all.
But that’s not meditation. To meditate, you have to be aware of the present moment, focused on your breathing, and let your thoughts flow in and out of you without judging them.
You still think during meditation, but because you’re not giving your thoughts importance, you actively avoid overthinking — which is the root of all anxiety.
I’ll be the first to admit that starting a meditation habit is difficult. But once you can train your brain to be present for one minute, it gets easier.
Download the Calm or Headspace apps for beautiful guided meditations.
Related Post: How to Practice Mindfulness Without Meditation
4. Become One with Nature
The best part of my work day is when I can take a walk outside, soak up vitamin D, and play with the neighborhood’s stray cats.
There’s a magic in nature that’s enough to put you in a meditative state.
This lovely poem by Wendell Berry says it all:
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Your worries and problems are small when you view them in the light of nature, yet we take this free resource for granted.
It’s sad that we think being strapped to our phones or behind a computer screen makes us happier.
Please go outside; beautiful things are happening.
5. Listen More Than You Say
Silence isn’t golden; it’s platinum. I believed this even as a 9-year-old when my school peers ridiculed me for being “quiet.”
That label stayed with me throughout my life, and it’s served me well.
I’m more observant of human nature, I make more friends because I’m a careful listener, I provide valuable input to a conversation, and my brain pools more ideas because I’m more intuitive of my environment.
There really are no downsides to being a more quiet person, except that some people (especially the loudmouths) will think you’re unfriendly — but you don’t want to be friends with them anyway.
6. Read
Reading isn’t just a quiet practice; it’s a superb form of learning and therapy (on a rough day).
And if you aren’t one to sit down with a book, listen to audiobooks! Audible is a great service, and so are apps like Blinkist and Headway that summarize the best reads.
Sometimes, life gets too hectic, and you need a good distraction to thrust you into another world.
I’m currently reading:
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (for the 6th time)
- Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
- The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry
7. Be Grateful and Stop Complaining
I used to be a whiny complainer. Everything and everyone bothered me until I realized that not everything is about me and that I have so much to be grateful for.
Life will never be easy, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great life. To live a great life, you’ll have to befriend your struggles and see the best in them.
If you’re in a tough situation, remind yourself that “this too shall pass.”
Related Post: 25 Things to Be Grateful for In Your Life Instead of Complaining
8. Journal
Journaling is my favorite quiet activity because it’s saved my life on numerous occasions and helps me feel clear-headed.
The powerful practice of journaling quietens your mind by allowing you to regurgitate all your thoughts onto paper.
However, you don’t need a traditional paper diary for this; the notes app on your phone or laptop works just as well too.
Plus, journaling isn’t just for brain-dumping; it’s an outlet for your emotions and the best way to document your life’s journey.
I still get surprised reading entries from years back. It shows me how much I’ve grown and refreshes old memories.
9. Go Offline
Three years ago, I quit social media — and I’m not counting Pinterest because that’s more of a search engine.
I’ve never looked back, and never have I felt so calm.
Social media makes us compare ourselves to others, ruminate over useless issues, and steal our time from us. Plus, it gives you a hangover-like headache!
If you’re scared to quit completely, go offline for a few days — you’ll feel a huge difference.
You’ll be more present, alive, and tranquil.
Final Thoughts
Give some of these quiet practices a try and feel the difference they make in your life.
What are your thoughts on this post? Let me know below!