Tips to Slow Down
With such a fast-paced society, you may feel like your feet are constantly held to a flame and you must keep enduring the heat in order to be successful and accomplish all that you want to in your day (or lifetime). On the contrary though, just as many famous philosophers have argued, the way to navigate life with meaning and purpose is not to constantly do, but rather to slow down. By slowing down from time to time you allow yourself to reconnect to what is deep within so that it may bubble up to the surface again and you may respond in alliance with your truest self.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clcNB_EUao8In a 2001 study, researchers found that participants were less effective in time management when they had to multitask or the task at hand became more difficult. In another study from the University of Waterloo,even one’s writing can improve if he or she simply slows down. Executive Coach and Author Ray Williams shares in his article that multi-tasking, quick decision making, staying busy, overworking and so much more are a result of trying to manage yourself in a fast pace manner and are hard to bounce back from. So just as Williams shares, it is important to allow yourself time to step back, breathe, think and process. In essence, slow down a little bit!
So how do you SLOW DOWN?
Well there are many ways, but here are a few tips to get you started.
Go for a mindful walk in nature.Avoid walking for a purely exercise reasons, and rather, opt to go out into nature with the intention to connect and become more mindful. Studies show that being in nature can decrease your stress hormone and increase your happy hormone.Chew your food. Many of you (myself included) are accustomed to shoveling in breakfast, lunch and sometimes even dinner as if you are trying to set a world-record. Savor your food. Chew it. Be grateful for what is does for your mind and body. Sit in awe of how it got to your plate to begin with. Enjoy it!Disconnect to reconnect.With sensory overload at an all time high for many of you, sometimes all you need in life is NOTHING. SILENCE. Turn off all of your devices-phones, computers, tablets and and JUST BE with your own thoughts and feelings for a little bit.Accomplish less.I know that just sounds like terrible advice, right? But, think about for a second. You all have a million things you wish to get done and sometimes they come in the form of lists: to-do lists, honey-do lists, check-list, appointment list. Cross out half or all of your list for a day, and just let things happen organically.Just breathe.Do you feel stressed or burnt-out? That is a sign that you need to slow down a bit and take a breather! Practicing deep breathing techniques or meditation is a great way to center yourself and has been shown to improve blood pressure and hormonal imbalances in the body.————————————————————————————————–—————–We are also here to help! If you’re ready for support or want more information on slowing down, drop us an email or give us a call at 877-293-9355!
– Casey Edmonds, CHC
Health Advisor | Email Casey
