“Mom! Mom! Moooommmm!”
One child flew past me as a younger sibling chased them with a toy, giggling in delight.
“Why are they up so early?” I asked myself as I emerged from the bathroom, barely awake, having unwisely decided to sleep in.
Ding, ding, ding—several text messages and notifications went off at once on the phone I had just picked up.
Before I could tap the first alert, my husband approached. “Hey babe, do you know where to find my—”
He was immediately interrupted by a crying child—someone had lost something, hurt themselves, or was navigating a wave of big emotions.
A knock at the door announced that the grocery order had arrived—early. The clock reminded me I was already behind: breakfast, clothes, school drop-offs, work.
Sound familiar?
The day goes on, filled with endless phone buzzes, texts, emails, to-do lists, deadlines, and distractions. You’ve become a master firefighter—putting out one blaze after another while trying to stay ahead and focused.
In today’s society, we’re praised for how much we can get done in as little time as possible. Convenience has replaced calm. Productivity has replaced peace. And success? It’s often become a substitute for silence.
But what if I told you there’s real achievement in the quiet? In the moments that clear away anxiety, reset our minds, and invite rest?
Quiet moments are like rebooting your system—shutting down the open tabs, resetting the modem, and starting fresh. They help us think clearly, feel more deeply, and observe more closely.
They are, quite simply, an essential form of self-care.
Here are a few ways to incorporate more quiet moments into your life:
1. Schedule Your Quiet Moment
Choose a time and place. If it’s not on your calendar, it’s likely not going to happen. Whether you’re an early riser, a night owl, or someone with a quiet lunch hour—block off the time. Treat it like an important appointment.
2. Recognize the Noise
Not all noise is loud. While it’s easy to notice the ping of a text or the ring of a call, emotional and mental noise are sneakier.
Even with my phone on silent most of the day, seeing 20 notifications gives me a jolt of anxiety. That’s noise. In my quiet moments, I leave my phone behind and create specific windows in the day to handle digital tasks.
3. Close the Mental Tabs
I’m not a procrastinator. If a thought comes, I want to act immediately—even if it disrupts my quiet moment. That’s why I bring a notebook. Writing down the thought helps me “save it for later” and return to the peace of the moment.
4. Have a Plan
What will you do in your quiet time? For me, it’s prayer. I pour out my thoughts to the One who can bring change. I reflect in silence, meditate on God’s Word, or just filter through my thoughts.
Whatever it is for you—make it intentional.
Don’t underestimate the power of quiet moments.
They aren’t lazy or unproductive. They’re essential.
They ground us, guide us, and give us space to breathe.
About the Author:
Rachel is a working mom, minister’s wife, business owner and writer who is passionate about faith, family, and finding calm in the chaos. With a background in administration, she blends practical insights with personal stories to encourage others to embrace intentional living and self care in the midst of busy lives.