Silent Time March 14, 2022 by Jessica StapfShareTweetSharePin How to Practice and Prioritize Silent Time Let’s start by highlighting the difference between silent time and rest. So often, people use these interchangeably and I want you to know how I differentiate them. To me silent time is honoring your mind and soul in a way that is aligned with what is meaningful to you so that you can be more productive. On the other hand, rest is about healing and allowing your body to release and restore so that it can show up and be as healthy as possible for all the things you desire to do. When was the last time you took five minutes to be completely silent? I’m talking unplugged, undisturbed time from all of life’s noise, to simply just be. If you’re anything like me, chances are those five minutes of silence are interrupted by the never-ending to-do list running through your mind. Work deadlines, family needs, social time with friends, what’s for dinner…? I get it, these things need your time and energy and you’re the type of person who will do everything and anything it takes to cross every last item on that list! BUT, taking just a few moments a day to be still and in the moment might just make you that much more grounded when you step back into your role as boss-lady, mom, best friend, advice-giver, dream-maker, and everything in between. So, what are a few benefits of “silent” time? The primary benefit is that it brings you one step closer to becoming emotionally grounded. What are the benefits of being emotionally grounded? Increased mental clarity Enhanced mindset and alignment Improved concentration and focus Stimulating creativity Calming racing thoughts Improved decision-making skills Truthfully, my friend, if your schedule doesn’t allow you the time freedom to incorporate five to thirty minutes of silent time it’s time to re-evaluate and prioritize. (If you need a little extra help with this, check out my post, “Align Your Life with Your Values: Make your Values a Priority” here: https://jessicastapf.live/align-your-life-with-your-values-and-make-your-values-a-priority/) At the end of the day, you are in charge of how you spend your time. If you feel like you’ve lost all control, here’s your permission slip to make some serious changes. How can you start incorporating silent time into your daily routine starting TODAY? Work it into your calendar. You know your schedule better than anyone else. It needs to work for you, or it won’t work, it’s that simple. Get real with how you’re spending your time and get creative as you incorporate this into your day. It can be as simple as… Turning off the music or podcast in your car on your way home from kid drop-off Finding time to meditate between meetings Skipping the mindless scrolling of Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest during lunch to enjoy the meal Sitting in your favorite spot of the house while you sip your morning coffee Taking off your shoes and socks and grounding before you run to get the mail Lighting a candle, turning off the latest binge-worthy show on Netflix and opening a notebook to reflect on the best parts of your day Soaking in the bathtub after the kiddos get to bed Your silent time is just as important as all the things you have going on in your life. If you can start small with five minutes per day you might just come up with your next big breakthrough.