Today’s fast-paced world celebrates speed, constant connectivity, and instant gratification. Meals are often rushed, conversations quick and transactional, and digital devices keep us tethered to an endless stream of notifications and content. One particularly modern pitfall is doomscrolling—the habit of aimlessly consuming an endless stream of often negative content, leaving us mentally drained and emotionally overwhelmed.
Amid this overstimulation, ancient traditions remind us of the power of self-restraint—not as deprivation, but as a conscious choice to create space, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. In Hinduism, fasting is practiced to cultivate discipline and spiritual clarity. Jainism embraces the vow of silence (mauna) to promote inner peace and mindful speech. These practices, rooted in centuries of wisdom, highlight a timeless truth: stepping back can lead us to a more balanced, fulfilling life.
This article is an invitation to explore how these ancient principles can meet modern challenges. It introduces SREST(pronounced Shresth in Sanskrit means excellent or best, subtly reinforcing the pursuit of one’s best self through mindful restraint)—a gentle framework that encourages us to pause and reflect in three key areas: eating, speech, and technology. Rather than a strict model to follow, SREST offers areas to explore, helping us rediscover practices that foster clarity, calm, and connection.
The SREST Framework: An Invitation to Pause
SREST stands for:
- Self Restraint in Eating: Exploring conscious choices around nourishment.
- Speech: Embracing vow of silence to deepen listening and awareness.
- Technology: Mindfully managing digital consumption.
These pillars aren’t about rigid rules but about gently questioning automatic habits. Could stepping back, even momentarily, help us reconnect with ourselves and those around us?
1. Restraint in Eating: Reconnecting with Hunger and Satisfaction
Why Explore Restraint in Eating?
In an age of abundance, food is always within reach—often engineered to be irresistible. Eating mindlessly can disconnect us from our bodies and emotions. Practicing restraint invites us to slow down, tune into genuine hunger cues, and savor what we consume.
Possible Benefits
- Physical Renewal: Fasting can activate cellular repair processes (autophagy) (Ohsumi, 2016).
- Improved Metabolic Health: Supports insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation.
- Enhanced Clarity: Eating with intention may reduce brain fog and improve focus.
Ways to Try
- Experiment with a 12-hour overnight fast (e.g., dinner at 7 PM, breakfast after 7 AM).
- Pause before eating—ask, “Am I truly hungry, or just seeking comfort?”
- Occasionally explore longer fasting periods under professional guidance.
2. Restraint in Speech(Vow of Silence): Speaking Less to Listen More
Why Explore Restraint in Speech?
In a world that prizes constant communication, silence is rare but profound. Words shape our connections, yet silence can reveal what words often miss—clarity, calm, and deeper understanding. Practicing a vow of silence fosters patience and strengthens listening skills.
Possible Benefits
- Improved Listening: Silence invites more authentic conversations and self awareness.
- Emotional Balance: Pausing before speaking can prevent regrettable words.
- Heightened Self-Awareness: Quiet moments unveil thought patterns and emotions.
Ways to Try
- Set aside 30 minutes daily for intentional silence (e.g., during a walk or morning routine).
- In conversations, try pausing before responding—notice how it shifts interactions.
- Dedicate a day each month to minimal speech, allowing space for reflection.
3. Restraint in Technology: Unplug to Reconnect
Why Explore Digital Restraint?
Technology offers convenience but often hijacks our attention. Doomscrolling, notifications, and endless content streams can erode focus and heighten anxiety. By practicing digital restraint, we reclaim presence in both online and offline spaces.
Possible Benefits
- Sharper Focus: Reducing digital clutter improves cognitive performance.
- Better Sleep: Limiting screen time before bed supports restful sleep.
- Deeper Relationships: Less screen time fosters genuine connections.
Ways to Try
- Establish device-free zones (e.g., no phones at meals or in the bedroom).
- Create screen-free mornings or evenings to ease into or wind down your day.
- Try a weekly digital detox—spend a day offline and notice how you feel.
Conclusion
The SREST framework isn’t a rigid solution—it’s an invitation to gently explore how stepping back can enhance well-being. These ancient practices, rooted in self-restraint, remain profoundly relevant today. In a world that urges us to do more, sometimes the most meaningful act is to pause, reflect, and simply rest. What might you discover by stepping back today?
Quiet Reflections 