I used to see the feeling of being exhausted, impulsiveness, always need to do moreas an inherent part of my personality. It was something that I almost thought I should be proud of. It was as if the rhythm was going so fast that I could not slow down the snowball.
However, over time, I started to see signs that told me that I could no longer keep this pace. The feelings of depression, of low self -esteem and despair were so anchored that I had no idea that they were, in many ways, linked to this trait that I thought I was good for me.
In the past two years, having to do less because of the pandemic forced me to to slow down. Now that I have adapted to this pace, both through personal changes and using therapy, the whole objective for me is not to go so fast, not to get caught in this cycle. First and foremost, I learned that I cannot help others if I am unable to take care of myself and prioritize my values first.
Obstacles to slowing down
It may seem unnatural. I think one of the large barriers is that the slowdown does not always feel good. Slowness is really difficult to do in practice if you are someone who is conditioned, on the other hand.
It may seem overwhelming. I do not want to reduce this slowdown is traumatic for some people. If a slower rhythm is something that you find yourself avoiding because it evokes feelings or memories that are difficult to sit down, plan to consult a trusted therapist.
It may not always be possible. A slower rhythm will probably not be possible to all times for one of us. Life is not linear, and there will sometimes be circumstances that will require excessive quantities of our energy and our time. Practice a slower rhythm when it East Possible is always worth it, in which I will enter below.
Surprising advantages of the slowdown
1. I do more now.
Now that I got used to a slower pace, I have more space and energy to approach the most important things and let the rest go. I also have the conviction that I will really know how to accomplish what to be done, rather than hang up on a specific task or process.
2. I can make the difference between what is a crucial priority and what is not.
With hindsight, when I was constantly moving so quickly, I was according to my impulses, which often attacks what seemed attractive at the moment rather than focusing on priority tasks. When I go more slowly instead of rushing, it is much easier to honor the difference.
3. I have more self -confidence.
The more I allow myself to take a break before acting, the more I find my self -confidence. I feel like I consciously choose Me Rather than the side of myself, it is the complaint or the search for external validation rather than connecting with myself and my needs. It's so much easier for me to say what I need and much easier to say “no”.
4. There are fewer chaos around me.
There is a saying: “slow down to go faster”, which has never resonated completely until recently, when the option of not doing something has become as present in my mind as the possibility of doing something. I learned that all TO DO Tends to create more waste and requires more time for cleaning, both physical and emotional variety. Slowing means acting with more intention and less impulse, and leaving less waste in my wake.
5. I feel better.
This advantage is the simplest of them, but perhaps the most significant. Although some people are used to this slower intentional lifestyle, it never seemed natural to me until recently. It's like putting a new pair of glasses. It's durable. Doing less and slowing down feels better, clear and simple.
It's like putting a new pair of glasses. It's durable. Doing less and slowing down feels better, clear and simple.
Tangible ways that you can slow down in your life
1. Take the time to take a break intentionally.
Start by wondering what In fact necessary for you to do. You don't have to do it * all. * You don't have to feel frantic all the time. You don't have to live a life where everything looks like the same level of emergency. Whenever you feel like doing something right awayIt is often a red flag. There is very little in life that require rushing.
In my own life, the more I stop and ask myself what I have to do before acting, the better I see the result. I like to think so as finding my break. These intentional breaks before acting help me reserve my energy stores later – so that I can do the things I want to do later in the day or the week without feeling burned or overwhelmed in a frenzy cycle.
2. Connect with your needs.
This lifestyle should not be complicated (and, in fact, it should not be). A simple way to practice slowness is to ask you what little thing you need at the time and act on it when possible, whether it is a deep inspiration, a glass of water, a change of landscape, a shower or a walk. Be that as it may, these rapid resets often give your brain the space to move with more intention and concentration throughout the day.
3. Configure blocks of time for yourself.
When possible, planning time blocks that I am not available for others – whether for a walk or do concentrated work – is so useful. If you are a pleasure, it may seem really difficult. But you choose and your time is a wonderful thing and, according to my experience, it ultimately leads to better results than trying to be the “hero” which is constantly on.
4. Monotasque plus.
Once I started to notice at what frequency I was attracted to multitasking, I realized that it was not only unproductive, it also led to a submergence and professional exhaustion. It is a learned behavior that will probably take a life to unlearn, and it's okay. When we choose one thing, we wonder what is important, instead of spreading energy on several things that do not hold the same value.
5. Remember the option of “no”.
When you receive a request to put more on your plate – whether it is a new project or an invitation to an event – and you do not know if you want to go ahead, ask yourself: “What would I win by saying” no “?” Transform the “no” into a positive. If it seems that the gain of not doing this is something you need or you are drawn, try it. The more you do it, the easier it is, the more you will feel the positive effects of a slower pace of life.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning to play tennis and is forever Test the limits of his creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @WitandDeLight_.
