Let’s be honest, it is extremely hard to slow down in a world that values, rewards, and praises being busy.  We see it everywhere, in our daily lives, on social media, in the news, etc.  We consider those who live hectic lives, doing 4-5 different things at once to be amazing…the standard by which we are told to compare ourselves.

But we are not told and don’t see is the toll that chaotic lifestyle takes on those individuals, their relationships, and their health.  Unless something dramatic happens that makes the news (like a music or movie star collapsing from exhaustion prior to or during a performance), we only see what is touted as their amazing ability to do everything, and to do it well.

But if you look closely, especially in the past 3 years, more and more people are tapping on the brakes, calling into question this obsession with “being busy”.  And with good reason.  One thing many of us learned through the COVID lockdowns is that slowing down isn’t so bad.  It has a calming, relaxing feel to it.  We tend to sleep better, feel better, interact with others better, etc.  So many reasons why slowing down is the better way to go. 

With all that being said, let’s take a brief look at the top 5 reasons we feel you should invest in a little “slowing down” time…

• Slow down to enjoy life more – living life at that hectic pace pushes us through things in our lives at a speed that prevents us from ever really enjoying them…we go through the motions to check off the boxes without really being present and enjoying the moment.
• Slow down to reduce stress – that constant hectic pace creates a state of chronic stress for us and for our bodies, which in turn leads to an increase in chronic illnesses as discussed in #3 below.
• Slow down for the sake of your health – linked to the chronic stress caused by that hectic pace of life that doesn’t let us breathe and relax, and that chronic stress takes a toll on the body in very physical ways, leading to chronic illnesses that are otherwise preventable.
• Slow down to be more mindful and present – as mentioned in the first reason above, when we go through life at such a fast pace, we are not present to what is happening…we get to the end of an event or a special day and barely remember it happening…this robs us of the joy of the moment, of precious time we can’t get back with loved ones, etc.
• Slow down to be more productive - in the long run, you will get more done, and done well, if you slowdown to take care of yourself…your focus is on point, you are more mindful of the tasks you are performing, and you are more engaged with the people and tasks themselves.

So, the next time you feel the urge to hurry up and get more done or feel unworthy when comparing yourself to someone who seems to run circles around you with their hectic pace, take a moment to catch your breath.  Look around and see if that is really in the best interest of you, your relationships, your work, your health, and your life a as whole.  Just because “everyone else is doing it”, doesn’t mean it is the right thing for you.

Be well friends.  Namaste.