26/08/2025
- by
Take a second. Deep breath in, close your eyes, hold, and then exhale. Repeat three times. Could you feel your body relax?
The Psychology of Stillness is about how taking time to pause, be quiet, and do nothing can actually help us feel better and think more clearly.
In a recent study done by Yerbury (2021), a school psychologist led short “stillness sessions” for young children. These were simple activities where the kids sat quietly, breathed calmly, and let their minds settle. After just ten weeks, both the kids and their teachers noticed some big changes: the students were more relaxed, more focused, and got along better with others. They were quieter on the outside, because they felt calmer on the inside.
But stillness isn’t just about being silent. More than that, it is about letting your mind and body take a break. We’re so often rushing from one thing to the next that we rarely stop to just be. Stillness gives us a chance to do that. It helps us notice our thoughts without being overwhelmed by them and to feel more in control of our emotions. In psychological terms, these effects align with Attention Restoration Theory, which shows that quiet, nature-like pauses restore our cognitive resources by shifting from directed attention to gentle, effortless awareness.
This idea isn’t new, however, as many cultures and spiritual traditions, like Buddhism or Taoism, have long valued stillness as a way to find peace and balance. And now, neuroscience is showing that even a few minutes of quiet time can improve our mood, help us focus, and make us more emotionally steady.
So in simple terms, the psychology of stillness is about taking short breaks to pause and be quiet. No screens, stress, or pressure. Consistently putting this into practice can make our minds healthier and our lives calmer. Whether you’re a kid at school or an adult with a busy schedule, a little stillness goes a long way.
Share this with someone that could use a little break from the business of life
