In our fast-paced world, the idea of keeping things simple often gets lost amid the excitement and drive for success. However, if we look at the wisdom found in babyhood, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of balance and rest in our lives.
Experienced parents know that a baby’s life should not be too exciting. After a day filled with friends, gifts, lively faces, cake, cuddles, bright lights, and songs, a baby can become overstimulated. The once happy baby might suddenly look serious and start crying. Wise parents understand this isn’t distress but a sign that it’s time for a nap. The baby’s brain needs to process and organize all the experiences it has taken in. A nap helps the baby reset, making life manageable again.
As adults, we often don’t apply the same caution to ourselves. We fill our schedules with social events, demanding meetings, international travel, and endless media consumption. Then we wonder why our lives lack calm and why we feel on the edge of a mental breakdown. We forget the lessons from our babyhood, ignoring our need for simplicity and calm.
Anxiety isn’t a mystery; it’s a logical response from our minds, asking not to be constantly overstimulated. Having many activities and social engagements can be mentally exhausting and even dangerous. Friedrich Nietzsche’s observation is still relevant: “Whoever does not have two-thirds of his day for himself is a slave.” We need to realize that just because we can physically do many things in a day doesn’t mean it’s wise or sustainable for our minds.
Rest is essential for mental health. Ideally, we should aim for at least seven hours of sleep. If that’s not possible, we should at least recognize the lack of rest and avoid looking for complicated reasons for our distress. We don’t need drastic life changes; sometimes, we just need more rest.
Our constant connectivity, especially through smartphones, significantly contributes to mental health issues. In the past, news was rare and valuable. Today, it’s everywhere, bombarding us with endless stories of global events, often violent and discouraging. While news organizations stress the importance of being informed, they overlook our equally important need not to know everything. Our minds are delicate, and we have responsibilities closer to home. We must prioritize our own lives over the chaotic stories of distant strangers.
To find rest, we need to set aside time for reflection. This involves asking ourselves three key questions: What makes me anxious? What causes me pain? What excites me? Every hour of living requires at least ten minutes of introspection to sort through our thoughts.
While the idea of being extraordinary and achieving great things is appealing, perhaps the greater achievement is maintaining sanity and kindness. Choosing a peaceful life over conquering the world isn’t avoiding challenges but redefining what truly matters. A quiet life isn’t one of giving up but a wise recognition that true satisfaction often lies away from the spotlight and the relentless pursuit of professional status.
In our quest for simplicity, we might also consider taking a break from our devices. A digital detox can provide a much-needed break, allowing us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. Embracing simplicity isn’t just a choice; it’s a path to true wisdom and well-being.
Take 15 minutes each day to write in a journal. Focus on the three key questions: What makes you anxious? What causes you pain? What excites you? This activity will help you process your thoughts and emotions, reinforcing the importance of introspection and simplicity in your life.
Commit to a 24-hour digital detox. Turn off your smartphone, computer, and other digital devices. Use this time to engage in activities like reading, walking, or spending time with family and friends. Reflect on how this break from technology affects your mental clarity and stress levels.
Practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes each day. Focus on your breathing and let go of any distracting thoughts. This practice will help you cultivate a sense of calm and simplicity, reducing the mental clutter that comes from overstimulation.
Create a list of your daily activities and responsibilities. Rank them in order of importance and identify which tasks can be simplified or eliminated. This exercise will help you focus on what truly matters, reducing unnecessary stress and complexity in your life.
Participate in a class discussion about the importance of simplicity. Share your thoughts on how overstimulation affects mental health and discuss strategies for achieving a balanced lifestyle. This collaborative activity will reinforce the article’s concepts and encourage you to apply them in your own life.
Simplicity – The quality or condition of being easy to understand or do, often associated with clarity and minimalism in thought or lifestyle. – In philosophy, simplicity is often valued as a principle that helps to clarify complex ideas and theories.
Overstimulation – A state of being excessively stimulated, often leading to stress or difficulty in processing information. – The constant notifications from social media can lead to overstimulation, making it hard for individuals to focus on their studies.
Anxiety – A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, often related to mental health. – Students may experience anxiety before exams, which can affect their performance and well-being.
Rest – A period of relaxation or inactivity to restore energy and mental clarity. – Adequate rest is crucial for maintaining mental health and cognitive function, especially during stressful times.
Reflection – The process of serious thought or consideration, often used to gain insight into one’s thoughts and actions. – Reflection on personal experiences can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Mental – Relating to the mind or cognitive processes, including thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. – Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and act.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. – Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise contributes to both physical and mental health.
Information – Data or knowledge communicated or received concerning a particular fact or circumstance. – In the digital age, the ability to critically evaluate information is crucial for making informed decisions.
Detox – The process of removing toxic substances or qualities, often used metaphorically to describe a break from digital or mental overload. – Taking a digital detox can help reduce stress and improve focus by limiting exposure to constant online stimuli.
Wisdom – The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment, often considered a virtue in philosophy. – Wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about applying it thoughtfully in real-life situations.
