When Restlessness Strikes

Imagine if I asked you to focus on one task at a time rather than juggling multiple responsibilities. Would that feel monotonous? Or if I suggested that you close your eyes and concentrate on your breath for five minutes, would you find it unbearable? Would you start feeling restless after just a few seconds?

For many years, my schedule was packed with activities. I thrived on completing tasks and found satisfaction in checking them off my to-do list. If you had suggested I meditate for five minutes, I would have struggled to remain still, thinking it was a waste of time and ultimately, my life. I would have labeled it as boredom.

Boredom or Stress?

After experiencing burnout and taking time to reflect on my feelings, I realized what I thought was boredom was actually a manifestation of stress. Whether waiting for the bus, a colleague, or even for pasta to cook, I often felt restless. I attributed this to boredom, but now I understand it was my stress coming to the forefront.

Stress can present itself in various forms. When life feels like a never-ending rush, it often manifests as a sense of restlessness. This sensation can creep through the body, accompanied by anxiety over unfinished tasks or an overwhelming to-do list. A quick remedy to numb this feeling is the rush of dopamine. Completing tasks, juggling multiple projects, and constantly moving from one activity to another all release dopamine, momentarily masking our stress. However, when we pause, the stress returns, often mistaken for boredom.

Don't Dull Your Stress

If you find it challenging to wait, walk leisurely, or sit quietly without feeling restless, it's likely that your body is overwhelmed with harmful stress. Avoid numbing this stress with quick dopamine fixes. Resist the urge to check your phone, listen to an audiobook, or snack mindlessly. Instead, take a moment to simply sit and observe.

Initially, this will likely induce a feeling of restlessness — I can relate, as I've experienced this too. However, if you persist through this discomfort, you may uncover a profound sense of calm on the other side. The more frequently you practice this, the more adept you'll become at finding that tranquility.

Strive to locate this calm at least once a day. Perhaps during your commute, before sleeping, or while walking back to work after lunch. By escaping restlessness daily, you equip yourself with a robust defense against stress and burnout.

Now that you've reached the end of this piece, I challenge you to put down your device and simply observe your surroundings. Consider this a personal test. Do you feel restlessness? If so, it may be time to incorporate more stillness into your life.

This video titled "When You Feel Horrible (Tired, Bored, Sad)" explores the underlying emotions of restlessness and offers guidance on overcoming them.

In "The Reason Why Your Life is So Boring and How to Change It," the video discusses how to recognize and transform feelings of monotony into engaging experiences.