How To Be More Present In a Noisy World

We live in a very noisy world, in a world where where only 30 seconds can capture our attention and instant gratification is preferred. We also live in a hustling world — meaning we constantly jet from place to place and move at lightning speed. When was the last time we took a pause and truly took time to get from place to place, and also sat down and actually were present with one another?

I get it — it’s so easy to get caught up in the noisy world and the hustle and bustle of the world. But I think it’s also important to take a step back and really be present with one another and ourselves. Constantly moving and grooving will ultimately end in burnout and unhealthy coping mechanisms, and that’s not good for not only our mental and physical health, but our spiritual health as well.

Delete all social media apps.

I recently did this on a random Thursday morning and I didn’t re-download the apps until the following Sunday. As a result, I saw my mental health significantly increase and found enjoyment from the things that I genuinely love to do: reading, writing (blog posts, creative writing), making plans with friends, and exercising. So, if you need a sign to delete your social media apps, let this be the sign! Even if it’s just for 24 hours.

Go on “hot girl walks.”

And go on hot girl walks without any music or podcasts, just your thoughts. As much as I love the podcasts that I listen to regularly, there’s something about going on a walk with no music or podcasts. That’s where I can truly reflect on my day, my week, and any goals I want to set or have set.

Read a chapter of the Bible each day.

I get it — reading the Bible each day is a discipline and sometimes, I just don’t feel like doing it. But reading the Bible shouldn’t be something you want to do … it should be something that we get to do.

Work on memorizing a verse or passage from Scripture.

Life can get busy; life can get noisy. It’s like that Taylor Swift song, “State of Grace,” and that specific lyric, “Busy streets and busy lives, all we know is touch and go…” When life gets busy, when life gets noisy, it’s helpful and necessary to reflect on Scripture. However, we won’t have our Bibles everywhere we go (unless you have the free Bible app on your phone) so being able to remember Scripture in moments — especially anxious and stressful moments — is helpful.

Incorporate “fun” reading into your routine.

Instead of turning on Netflix, why not flip open the book that’s been sitting unopened on your nightstand for weeks? Start and end your day with reading; reading is a fun and enjoyable activity — read something you enjoy! It can literally be anything.

Make time for friends.

Schedule a get-together with a friend or group of friends. Go out to dinner, invite pals over for a game night or potluck dinner, or go out somewhere. Make time for friends and actually listen to one another. Ask how they’re doing.