These days, we seem to be trapped in a pattern where we feel the need to constantly be doing something to keep busy. This perpetual "busy-ness" dulls our senses and our ability to be completely and openly creative. We wake up and are thrown into life without stopping to take the time to think about what we’re doing or where we’re going.

This constant "busy-ness" is anxiety inducing. It leaves us feeling pressured and helpless. Monotonous activities lead to the inability to freshly think, too focused on completing the task at hand to venture outside of our comfort zone and think anew.

We don’t want to be failures, so we try to accomplish everything we can as fast as efficiently as we can. We don’t want to be lonely, so we constantly surround ourselves with people to block out this feeling of isolation.

In contrast, when your mind free it is able to come up with fresh ideas. We can improve the quality of our work, our relationships, and our well being by spending time with ourselves every once in a while and taking a break from fast paced modern life.

What some do not realize is that there is a difference between being lonely and being alone. We all need a little bit of solo downtime to think and be creative. Time will fly by quickly without being enjoyed if we don’t take the time to appreciate the things we have and take pleasure in them, instead of being constantly distracted by work, TV, social engagements, and school.

In order to lead to a more satisfied feeling lifestyle, start to try to become more mindful. Take time to slow down and treat yourself with some self-care activities such as exercising, reading a book, or a hike alone. Taste the mocha you’re drinking, the view you’re enjoying, or the food you’re eating, instead of rushing through it to move onto the next task.

Take time to reflect. Open, fresh air is a positive treatment for a cluttered or overwhelmed mind. Put down the technology which can overload us with information or give us "Fear Of Missing Out," and value what you’re doing in the moment. With these strategies in mind you'll be on track to a more fulfilled feeling life and a higher sense of well-being.

As Ferris said:

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Ferris Bueller, you're my hero.