Slowing Down In A Fast-Paced World

It’s an irony of our modern lives that while technology is continually invented to save us time, we use that time to do more and more things, and so our lives are more fast-paced and hectic than ever.

Life moves at such a crazy fast pace today that it seems to pass us by before we can really enjoy it. Weekends go by even faster. No?

You know it doesn’t have to be this way.

Wouldn’t it be great if we started a Reduce Our Hectic Lifestyle Revolution and slow down to enjoy life more? Sign me up. I’ll take a Ladies Medium t-shirt please.

A slower-paced life means we get to enjoy our mornings, instead of rushing off to work or school or wherever in a frenzy. It means taking time to enjoy what we’re doing — to appreciate the sunrise, the smell of coffee, to actually focus on whoever we’re talking to or spending time with — instead of checking our laptop or iPhone before wiping the sleepies from our eyes.

It means shifting to single-tasking rather than multi-tasking — I’m calling this attention deficit focusing. Or why you just might leave home with two different shoes on your feet.

Here’s a few starter suggestions for how to slow life down:

1. Narrow the “To Do” List.

It’s hard to slow down when you are trying to do a million things. Nobody really does “a million” things. Can we strike this from our vocabulary please?

Instead, make the conscious choice to do less. Focus on what’s really important, what really needs to be done, and let go of the rest. Put space between tasks and appointments so you can move through your days at a more leisurely pace.

2. Clear Your Mind Path.

It’s not enough to just slow down — you need to actually be mindful of whatever you’re doing at the moment. You know, not yakking on your cell phone while eating a doughnut and jay-walking at the same time. When you find yourself thinking about something you need to do, or something that’s already happened, or something that might happen … gently bring yourself back to the present moment. And for God’s sake, hang up and stay in the crosswalk.

3. Unplug and Disconnect.

Your phone and computer isn’t connected to you like an umbilical cord. Or is it? Hmmm…You won’t die if you cut it off for a few hours. Better yet, learn to leave it behind when possible. If you work on a computer most of the day, have times when you disconnect so you can focus on other things.

We’re constantly stressed about information coming in. And often at the mercy of the demands of others. It’s hard to slow down when you check for new messages every five minutes. Being connected all the time means we’re subject to interruptions — beeps and dings and YouTube videos of cats riding skateboards.

4. People First.

Too often we spend time with friends and family, or meet with colleagues, and we’re not really present with them. We talk to them but are distracted by devices. We’re enjoying a glass of wine and sharing Nachos Grande (appetizer of the day), but our minds are on things we need to do before the end of the day, tomorrow and next week.

Can you hear me now? We’re sort of listening, but we’re really thinking about ourselves and what we want to say. None of us are immune to this, but with conscious effort we can shut off the outside world and just be present with the person we’re with.

This means that just a little time spent with your family and friends can go a long way — a much more effective use of your time, by the way. It means we really connect with people rather than just meeting with them.

5. Appreciate Mother Nature.

Many of us are shut in our homes and offices and cars and trains most of the time, and rarely do we get the chance to go outside.

And often even when people are outside, they’re talking on their cell phones. Instead, take the time to go outside and really observe nature, take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy the serenity of water and greenery. Stop and smell the roses; really live the words we post and share from all the pretty graphics.

Exercise outdoors when you can, or find other outdoor activities to enjoy such as nature walks, hiking, swimming, etc. Feel the sensations of water and wind and earth against your skin. Try to do this daily — by yourself or with loved ones.

6. Chew Your Food.

Instead of cramming food down our throats as quickly as possible — leading to overeating and a lack of enjoyment of our food — learn to eat slowly. Note the presentation on the plate. Even a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich can be artfully displayed. Be mindful of each bite. Appreciate the flavors and textures. Eating slowly has the double benefit of making you fuller on less food and making the food taste better. Plus you get to sit and linger with your table guests longer (yep, family counts).

7. Ease Up On the Lead Foot.

Speedy driving is a bad habit in our fast-paced world, but it’s also responsible for a lot of traffic accidents, stress, and wasted fuel. Instead, make it a habit to slow down when you drive. Appreciate your surroundings. Make it a peaceful time without phone distractions.

Or turn on the music and sing. Driving will be more enjoyable, and much safer. And if you sing, you’ll be cheap entertainment for the rest of us when the traffic comes to a standstill.

8. Find Pleasure In Everything.

This is related to being present, but taking it a step farther. Whatever you’re doing, be fully present … and also appreciate every aspect of it, and find the enjoyable aspects. For example, when washing dishes, instead of rushing through it as a boring chore to be finished quickly, really feel the sensations of the water, the suds, the dishes. Think of how lucky you are that you didn’t need to walk a mile down a dirt road to get the water.

The same applies to other chores — washing the car, sweeping, dusting, laundry — and anything you do, actually. Am I must be the only person who gets pleasure in ironing a wrinkled shirt?

9. Do One Thing At A Time.

Many of us wear our “multi-tasking badge” with pride. Really it dilutes every one of our tasks. It’s like juggling a dozen balls. You can do it for a while, until you drop one. Then another. And so on. You’re better off focusing on one thing at a time.

When you feel the urge to switch to other tasks, pause, take a breath, and pull yourself back. Being mindful of a single task at a time gets a job completed. Otherwise there are two extra screws sitting on the floor of the bookcase you’ve just put together while talking on the phone, add air to the tires and sifting through a junk drawer.

10. Breathe.

When you find yourself speeding up and stressing out, it’s a signal to take a break. Take a few breaths. Take a walk. Really feel the air coming into your body, and feel the stress going out. By fully focusing on each breath, you bring yourself back to the present, and slow yourself down.

11. Check Out.

Sometimes the best thing is to do nothing. Do this on purpose. Give yourself a break to relax, chill out, take a nap.

Slowing down is a conscious choice, and not always an easy one. But with practice it leads to a greater appreciation for life and a greater level of happiness. And leaves us all “feelin’ groovy.”

BE F-G AWESOME TODAY!

Original graphic: Stephanie DelTorchio

Content: Paraphrased and enhanced from Leo Babauta’s book, The Power of Less.

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