The Restlessness Era
of a Hustling Society

    Stress, meditation, self-care, and “me-time” have become ubiquitous buzzwords in today’s fast-paced world. These terms flood our conversations, social media feeds, and wellness blogs. Stress, often seen as a symptom or reaction, and self-care practices like meditation, touted as the cure, have both gained widespread attention. But in the midst of this whirlwind, we often overlook the deeper question: What is the true source of our unrest?

      At the heart of it all lies restlessness. We are constantly on — perpetually connected to our work, relationships, and social lives. We feed this restlessness by staying tethered to external demands, neglecting the essential act of disconnecting to reconnect with ourselves. As a result, our minds become consumed with surface-level concerns: who we are today, how we look, what we possess. We lose sight of the question of what we truly want. Instead, we become fixated on wanting more — more success, more possessions, more validation. This is the essence of the restless, over-consuming society in which we live.

     In this age of constant connection and insatiable desire, how do we rediscover a sense of inner peace? How do we break free from the endless cycle of wanting and striving? Here are three steps I’ve found effective in combating restlessness:

     Recognize and Analyze Restlessness

     The first step is to identify when restlessness takes control of your thoughts and actions. Keep a diary for four weeks and track the moments when you feel the pull of anxiety or unease. By recognizing the patterns, you’ll be able to better understand the root causes of your restlessness.

     Question Your True Desires

     Ask yourself two simple yet profound questions: Do I truly need to be constantly connected? Do I genuinely desire what I think I want? In these moments of introspection, you may find that you don’t need to be plugged in as much as you thought, and you may discover that many of your desires are not as deeply rooted as they seem.

     Eliminate the Unnecessary

     In the final week, review your diary and begin to scratch off anything that isn’t essential to your happiness or personal growth. Disconnect from obligations that don’t serve you and let go of material possessions or goals that you don’t wholeheartedly desire. By eliminating these distractions, you’ll create space for what truly matters — the people, passions, and pursuits that align with your core values.

     Through this exercise, you’ll learn to lighten your mental load and focus on the things that bring you genuine fulfillment. By filtering out the noise, you’ll reclaim your sense of self and move towards a life that feels less about accumulation and more about meaning. In time, restfulness will replace restlessness, and you’ll experience a newfound sense of accomplishment and peace.