5 reasons why standing stil matters (especially when too busy)

In this world where we’re always busy and running towards the next thing—checking things off our to-do list—we need to remember to take a moment to stand still. To take in the world. To enjoy where we’re at, what we’re doing and who we are with.

I know, when you’re super busy, pausing may feel like the last thing you’ll want to do. Or it may feel like a perk. But it’s essential. Here are five reasons why standing still is not only enjoyable but important.

1. To ensure you’re not pushing through

Consciously pausing for a moment allows you to check in with your body and see what it needs. When you keep running around it’s easy to simply keep going. In fact, it’s often easier than pausing to rest.

When you are stuck in overdrive it may feel like you have plenty of energy to keep going. When you do a quick check-in you might think there is enough gas in the tank. But if you truly listen to your body, you will know when you are operating on adrenaline—which is what I call false energy—or whether you actually have sustainable energy left. Of course, all this is easier to sense when you are thoroughly grounded.

Right up until the moment I was made aware I was suffering from a burnout, I thought I was doing fine. I still got lots done; I didn’t have a problem, right?

Except you’ll be the last person to notice that you’re heading for burnout. Trust me. I’ve been there myself and I’ve seen it happen to many people.

Be sure to regularly take a moment to feel how you’re doing and ensure that you’re not pushing through. If you don’t know what to be on the lookout for, you can read all about the first signs of burnout here.

2. To make room for creative ideas

When you’re always busy your brain has no space to ruminate. Your brain needs incubation time in order to come up with new ideas or connections. There’s a reason many aha moments arise in what was known as the 4 B’s during my creative thinking training.

When do you usually come up with your best ideas? (Talking to your favorite AI doesn’t count. 😉 )

Chances are it’s some version of being in bed, bath, bus or forest (which in Dutch is called ‘bos’ and also starts with a B). The reason these locations often lead to fresh ideas is because while you’re walking through the woods or staring at the ceiling your brain has space to process things in the background.  And seemingly out of nowhere, tadaa! It presents you with a brainwave.

Of course that only works when you resist making a phone call or listening to a podcast on that walk or in the car. I recommend you consciously schedule ‘input-free’ time to allow for more creative ideas. And keep in mind that the cardinal rule for new ideas is to postpone judgment

3. To make sure you’re not unconsciously trying to escape your life

Most of us have a busy life and there’s nothing wrong with that. But when staying busy becomes an escape mechanism, there’s reason to worry. Because you can only outrun your feelings for so long.

Many people stay busy because as long as they fill their days and weeks with doing things, they don’t have to stop and think about how unhappy they are.

You probably know people who aren’t happy in their relationship but rather than face their problems and work through them they bury themselves in work, get a dog, buy a new house, start a new hobby or jump from vacation to vacation. Anything to prevent themselves from feeling what’s off and facing what’s causing that.

As Dr Joe Dispenza says in his book ‘Breaking the habit of being yourself’:

“This is the midlife crisis most people know about. Some try really hard to make buried feelings stay buried by diving further into their external world.”

I understand that turning within and facing unpleasant emotions can be hard and uncomfortable. I too have gone through periods where I resisted looking at what was really going on. But it’s a very unhealthy habit. It can take a toll on your physical and emotional health.

So next time you feel uncomfortable, rather than turn on the TV, scroll on social media or make a phone call—take a moment to sit still and allow yourself to feel your emotions. That’s an important first step. Stop ignoring your feelings and know that these emotions are an invitation to change or heal something. For more insights on how to process your emotions I recommend this article.

Once you’ve stopped running from your emotions, you’ll discover something surprising: rest actually becomes productive.

4. To recharge (and increase productivity)

I know taking a break may feel counterintuitve when you have a million things to do. But microbreaks are a powerful way to increase productivity. Remember that your brain needs a regular pause in order to be most productive and effective. These (mini) pauses help sustain your energy level as well.  I suggest you get up and move at least once per hour. Set a timer if you have to remind yourself. Rotate your shoulders, stretch your arms and legs. Take a few deep breaths.

And a mini break away from screens is great to prevent dry eyes. Did you know that when we stare at a screen we don’t blink as much as when we talk to a physical person? That’s why our eyes get irritated from too many hours behind our computer, tablet or TV.

Aside from stepping away from your computer for lunch, getting outside for some fresh air is hopefully an obvious choice to recharge body and mind.

For shorter breaks, I created a three-minute Mini-Meditation. A quick way to relax and recharge so you will be fresh again for your next meeting or work sprint. Listen to my Get Centered – Mini meditation for free at Insight Timer where I’m a teacher.

I know our society values output but feeling the urge to always be productive might not be that innocent—or healthy. You can read more about the five dangers of our urge to be productive here.

5. To be fully present and enjoy life

We tend to spend a lot of time in the past and the future. Very few people are able to live in the moment—day after day, minute after minute. I struggle with it too—though I try to be conscious of being fully present. And I’ve gotten a lot better at it over the years.

Often we regret what we did wrong in the past or mull over what we should’ve done differently. Or we worry about the future and all the things we need to be doing. And sure, sometimes we think back with a smile about a past event or we eagerly await something that’s to come. It’s certainly not all doom and gloom. 😉

As Eckhart Tolle reminds us:

“Most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one. But then you miss your whole life, which is never not now.”

Let’s not miss our lives but pause to take in the world through our senses. Instead of wondering or worrying about that next meeting or activity, give yourself the gift of being fully present for a moment. Whether it’s to enjoy the feeling of the sun on your skin (as I am doing right now…), consciously enjoy the taste of your favorite drink or food, the smell of autumn in the air or the sound of the birds chirping.

Start small

The invitation is simple: start small. Choose one moment today to pause—truly pause—without reaching for your phone, without planning the next thing. Notice what comes up. Is it discomfort? Restlessness? Relief? Whatever arises is information.

If you find yourself resonating with what you’ve read here but discover that pausing feels nearly impossible, or that stopping brings up emotions you’re not sure how to navigate, that’s exactly where deeper support can help. My private mentoring program is designed for people who recognize they’re stuck in overdrive and are ready to reclaim their energy and presence. You can learn more about working together one-on-one here.

I also speak on these themes—helping teams and organizations understand how to manage energy in our age of digital overwhelm. If your workplace could benefit from practical strategies for less stress, more energy, and better focus, you can explore my keynote presentation here. Available both in Dutch and English.

Need support navigating your life? Iris van Ooyen is your guide to hope when life feels uncertain. In the moments when you feel lost and don’t know where to turn, Iris offers clarity, support, and a path forward. She’s the author of Radiant: How to Have All the Energy You Need to Live a Life You Love. Contact Iris to help you navigate life’s pivotal crossroads with confidence and purpose.

Follow Iris on LinkedIn or Instagram.