Lately, I have been thinking about how much stimulation we take in without even realizing it.
The television is playing while we scroll our phones (I'm so guilty of this). Notifications interrupt us while we are cooking, reading, or trying to finish a thought. We listen to podcasts while doing chores, watch videos while eating, and reach for our phones the moment there is a pause.
Even our downtime can leave our brains feeling busy instead of rested.
Try a Low-Stimulation Hour
Sometime this week, give yourself one low-stimulation hour.
Turn off the television, silence your notifications, and place your phone somewhere you cannot automatically reach for it.
Then choose one simple activity that keeps your hands gently occupied.
You might:
- Cook or bake something
- Knit, paint, or journal (my faves)
- Work in the garden
- Work on a puzzle
- Organize printed photographs
- Sit outside with a notebook and a cup of coffee
The goal is not to be productive or finish a project. It is simply to allow your attention to settle in one place for a while.
Make It Easy to Stay Present
Before you begin, choose your activity and gather everything you will need.
This helps prevent a quick search for instructions or supplies from turning into twenty minutes of scrolling.
The first few minutes may feel strange. We have become so accustomed to constant input that quiet can initially feel like something is missing.
Stay with it.
Notice how your body and mind may be resisting and thinking of all things you need to do on that checklist or even how you want to grab your phone and distract yourself.
After a little while, you may notice your mind beginning to soften. Your breathing may slow. You may feel more grounded and present in your own life.
Notice How You Feel
When your low-stimulation hour is over, pause before reaching for your phone again.
Ask yourself:
Do I feel more rested, more grounded, or more like myself?
An entire hour may feel difficult at first, so begin with twenty or thirty minutes if that feels more realistic.
The point is not to do it perfectly. The point is to create a little room for your brain to be quiet.
A Little Slow Living Away From the Screen
Creating small moments like this is also part of the heart behind The Story Post.
Each monthly envelope offers something tangible to open, read, and enjoy away from a screen—a thoughtful invitation to pause and reconnect with your real life.
One of the items always included in each envelope is a prompt card that is similar what is in this post. Each month is different based on the theme. It's the same size each month and I round the corners on purpose to create a cute deck of cards you can collect and pull out when you need a little inspiration on how to slow things way down in your life.
For anyone who missed the July mailing, a limited number of July catch-up editions are available.
The monthly subscription is also open for those who would like to receive future editions in the mail. Oh, and just a reminder each month closes on the 2nd, so if you want August mail subscription envelope, join before August 2nd.
Much love,
Amber
