Have you ever thought that life seems to be moving at warp speed and that you simply cannot keep up with everything? Welcome to today’s world. Productivity and busyness have become badges of honor. We congratulate ourselves and others when our calendars are packed. We receive constant notification alerts on our devices and we work well over the standard 40 hours per week (which btw, why is that the standard?). While productivity has its place, it is important to remember that if we live in a constant state of rush, our physical, mental and emotional well-being can suffer. Introducing a slower pace to life helps to create a space for balance, awareness and healthier living.
In this blog, we will dive into the cost of living life at full speed, how living at a slower pace is crucial to a healthier you and ways to implement slower practices into your everyday life.
Living life at full speed means that our bodies often remain in a prolonged state of stress. Our “fight or flight” response is at full throttle, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. The fight or flight response is a natural defense mechanism that kicks in when danger is present. But, if our bodies are chronically in this state, it can contribute to fatigue, anxiety, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. When you live in this constant, high alert state, you may not even realize it because it has become your norm, that is until burnout sets in. Burnout is another topic that I will discuss in an upcoming blog.
Living in the fast lane also has an impact on your relationships and overall quality of living. When we are so consumed with our next item on the to do list or next place we need to be, we lose sight of what is right in front of us….LIFE. We may miss those precious moments with family members as they grow (I could not imagine missing out on all of the funny moments with my niece and nephew). We may miss the subtle changes of the seasons, such as when summer rolls into the fall. Or the colorful and tasty foods that each season brings.
How can you begin to slow down your pace in life? Well, as I tell all of my clients, it takes one small step at a time. As stated, you may not even grasp how fast you are living, so it may take a few gentle changes to your routine. Hopefully, with these small changes, you become more aware of the speed of your life.
Here are a few tricks to kick start the slow down process (in no particular order):
- Walk slower. Seems simple, right? By simply slowing down your walking pace, you are tricking your mind into slowing down.
- Drive slower. When you are not rushing, you are planning better, meaning you are leaving at a reasonable time to avoid driving faster and causing your body more stress. Driving slower also helps to decrease driving aggression as well (that is not fact, but simply something I have observed as I practice this).
- Listen more and speak less. When in a conversation, try to really tune into what the other person is saying. Sometimes, our inner dialogue and thoughts on how we want to respond cause us to miss true connection with others.
- Set limits with technology. Some examples: checking email during specific hours; setting devices in another room when eating meals; setting timers on social media usage or avoiding screen time in bed. Technology is wonderful, but it tends to push us to want more, stay ahead and FOMO.
- Mindfulness in all areas of life. Become more aware of what you are doing. Eating dinner? Notice the colors of your meal and the different flavors and smells. Out for a walk? Notice the landscape, animals and noises around you. Feeling overwhelmed at work? Take a few minutes to step away and center yourself and slow your mind down.
There are many other ways to begin living slower. These are just some of the things that I have toyed with as I begin to appreciate a slower life. Slowing down does not mean you are doing less or missing out. It means that you are living with more intention. By creating moments of pause in our daily routines, we can reduce stress, improve our health, strengthen relationships, and find greater joy in everyday life.
In a culture that celebrates constant movement, choosing to slow down can be a powerful act of self-care. Sometimes, the healthiest thing we can do is simply take a breath, pause, and allow ourselves the space to be present.
For more on living a slower life, reach out! I would love to further discuss ways to bring you more peace and joy. Happy Slow Down Summer All!
