Learn how to slow down life in order to enjoy it more.
It’s hard to slow down. I know it. And I feel you, friend.
Anyone who’s ever felt like they’re constantly running on a hamster wheel knows how hard it is to enjoy life when you’re always rushing around.
It’s tough to relax and take things slow when you’re under constant stress, and it can feel like there’s just no way to get off the ground.
The good news is that it is possible to slow down and enjoy life, even if you feel like you’re always on the go. You don’t have to completely change your lifestyle to make time pass slower.
Spoiler: it’s all about balance.
Also, keep in mind that slowing down doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop moving altogether. In fact, it’s often the opposite. Slowing down can mean finding ways to keep moving while still enjoying the moment.
Reasons why to slow down life
Ok, so we know that slowing down is important, but why?
Here are a few reasons:
- Slowing down allows you to be more productive. This may sound counterintuitive, but it’s true. When you’re constantly rushing around, you’re more likely to make mistakes and miss important details.
- Slowing down gives you time to enjoy life. Slowing down gives you time to appreciate the small things in life. It gives you time to stop and smell the flowers, enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee, to have a conversation with a friend. When you’re always on the go, you don’t have time for any of that. You don’t have time to just enjoy life.
- Slowing down gives you time to connect with people. Rushing around all the time leaves little room for meaningful social interactions.
- Slowing down gives you time to reflect. There’s no doubt that life can be hectic. Between work, family, and social obligations, it can feel like there’s no time to just stop and take a breath. But that’s precisely what slowing down can do for you: it gives you time to reflect on your life and figure out what’s really important to you. Slowing down gives you the opportunity to refocus your energy and make sure you’re still headed in the right direction.
- Slow down helps reset your priorities. We can take the time to think about what is truly important to us. Maybe it’s spending time with our family, pursuing a hobby, or simply taking a moment to relax. Whatever it is, slowing down can help us remember what matters most. (Further reading People make time for what they want)
What does slow living look like?
Let’s take a look at what slow living looks like.
Slow living is about being intentional with our time and our choices. It’s about living with purpose and being mindful of the impact we have on the world around us. By slowing down and making conscious decisions, we can create a life that is more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Quality, not quantity, is at the heart of slow living. It’s about valuing experiences and relationships over material things.
Slow living is about simplifying. It’s about getting rid of the noise and clutter in our lives so we can focus on what’s really important.
Slow living is all about slowing down. Not just slowing down our physical bodies, but also slowing down our minds. It’s about taking the time to connect with ourselves and the world around us.
That is what slow living is about. We should all strive for slow living.
Let’s start with science
What does science say about slowing down?
Take breaks
One study found that taking a break from work can actually make you more productive. The study found that workers who took breaks were more likely to report feeling refreshed and less stressed. They were also more likely to have higher levels of productivity.
Slowing down in this case refers to taking breaks, both mental and physical. This can mean taking a walk, listening to music, or simply getting up from your desk and stretching your legs.
Get out of your comfort zone
Some people believe that slowing down life means staying still in a place and getting bored. According to this scientific article, routines are the once that make time fly by.
This is because our brain becomes more efficient at completing the task, which makes it seem like time is passing more quickly.
So if you want to slow down your perception of time, mix up your routine. Take a different route to work, try a new hobby, or meet new people.
The general rule of slowing down life: take a step back
In our fast-paced world, it can be difficult to slow down.
We are always on the go, and there is always something that needs to be done.
However, it is important to find a balance between the fast pace of life and the need to slow down and enjoy the moment. Sometimes we need to take a step back and just breathe.
So, next time you feel like you’re running on empty, take a step back and recharge your batteries. Take a deep breath and remember that IT’S OK TO SLOW DOWN SOMETIMES, YOU DON’T HAVE TO GET EVERYTHING DONE TODAY.
Life is all about finding a balance between work and play, between responsibility and enjoyment. And when we find that balance, we can live life to its fullest.
How to slow down life?
1. Spend time in nature
One of the best ways to slow down and appreciate life is to spend time in nature.
There is something about nature that has the power to slow us down, calm our minds, and refresh our spirits.
When we’re surrounded by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be easy to forget the simple things that bring us joy. But when we connect with the natural world, we can remember what’s truly important.
Whether it’s taking a walk in the park or spending a day at the beach, being in nature can help us feel more connected to the world around us. And when we feel more connected to ourselves and the world around us, we’re able to appreciate life more fully and really slow down.
So next time you’re feeling like life goes by too fast, take some time to enjoy the beauty of nature. It just might be the reset button you need.
2. Eat mindfully
Mindful eating is the act of paying attention to your food and your body while you’re eating. It involves being aware of the taste, texture, and smell of your food, as well as how your body is feeling.
Mindful eating can help you to appreciate your food more, and listen to your body’s cues so that you can eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full.
It is a great way to slow down because it allows you to focus on the present moment and connect with your body.
3. Disconnect from technology
When we’re constantly connected, we’re always available and on the go. We get these notifications all the time and we have to check what it is. We need to refresh the social media pages to see what’s new.
This can make it difficult to relax and enjoy the moment.
By disconnecting, we can give ourselves permission to take a break. We can spend time talking with friends and family, enjoying nature, or simply doing nothing.
When we unplug, we give ourselves permission to slow down and recharge.
As a result, we can return to our lives feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
4. Practice self-care
We all know that self-care is important, but sometimes it can be hard to find the time to slow down and take care of ourselves.
Life has a way of moving quickly and it can be easy to get caught up in it.
However, if we don’t make time for self-care, we can quickly become overwhelmed and burnt out. One of the best ways to slow down and practice self-care is to schedule regular breaks for yourself.
Setting aside time for yourself can help you to recharge and refocus. And when you’re feeling rested and rejuvenated, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
5. Simplify your life
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to simplify your life.
Don’t try to do everything at once – focus on taking things one step at a time.
Declutter your home and get rid of anything that doesn’t bring you joy. Unsubscribe from emails that you never read, and unfollow social media accounts that add stress to your life.
Instead, make time for the things that are truly important to you, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or just taking a few moments to relax.
By simplifying your life, you’ll be able to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Related: 14 Ways to Simplify Your Life
6. Be present
From work deadlines to family obligations, there always seems to be something pulling us in different directions.
One of the best ways to slow down is to be present at the moment and practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the act of paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and senses without judgment. It can help you to appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and savor the taste of your food.
In addition, mindfulness can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and to let go of negative thoughts and feelings that are no longer serving you.
You can practice mindfulness anywhere, at any time. Just take a few deep breaths and focus on the present moment.
When you’re mindful, you’re able to appreciate life more fully and slow down the perception of time.
7. Take deep breaths
One of the quickest and easiest ways to slow down is to take a few deep breaths.
Just close your eyes and focus on your breath going in and out. Breathe deeply from your stomach, and let the tension start to melt away.
You may not have much time for a full meditation session, but taking a few minutes to focus on your breath can help you to slow down and reset.
8. Appreciate every simple pleasure in life
It can be way too easy to take the simple things in life for granted. We often don’t have time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.
So slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like a cup of coffee in the morning, or the moonlight at the night. Or just watch your child play.
Doing so, you will really feel life slowing down and you will feel more connected to the world around you.
9. Practice gratitude
Gratitude is an important part of slowing down because it allows you to reconnect with what is truly important in your life.
When you are grateful for the things you have, it is easier to let go of stress and anxiety.
Gratitude can help you to appreciate the good things in your life, and to be more present at the moment.
When you practice gratitude, you naturally become more positive and optimistic, which can help to slow down your perception of time.
Homework: Write down 10 things that you are grateful for now. For example, be grateful for those colorful socks that you have, for being alive in this beautiful era of knowledge and technology, and for being able to read this article.
For more inspiration, check out this article on 101 things to be grateful for.
10. Take breaks and remember where you are and what you are doing
It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Use your break time to get up and move around, or to just take a few deep breaths.
It’s also important to remember where you are and what you are doing. For example, if you are working on a project, acknowledge it and give yourself credit for making progress. Instead of rushing to do the next part of the project, take a moment to remember that you are here, not in your mind thinking only about what to do next.
Acknowledge your surroundings and the people you are with. This will help to slow down your thoughts and bring you back to the present moment.
11. Do one thing at a time
Multi-tasking is often seen as a way to be more productive, but it can actually have the opposite effect.
When you try to do too many things at once, it can also be difficult to enjoy any one thing when you’re constantly thinking about the others.
That is why it is essential to focus on one thing at a time and to give your full attention to it.
One way to do this is to make a list of things you need to do, and then tackle them one by one. You’ll find that you can actually get more done this way and that you’ll enjoy each task more as well.
It will really help you to slow down your thoughts because you won’t be constantly thinking about the other things you need to do.
12. Learn to say no
Probably we all know the feeling of being overcommitted and stretched too thin. Whether it’s agreeing to take on a new project at work or saying yes to a friend’s invitation, it can be difficult to say no.
However, constantly saying yes can lead to burnout and leave us feeling overwhelmed.
Learning to slow down and set boundaries is essential for maintaining our mental health and well-being.
When we say no, we are giving ourselves permission to rest, recharge, and slow down. We are also setting the stage for more meaningful relationships and experiences.
13. Use your senses
One of the best ways to slow down and connect with the world around us is to use our senses.
Our sense of sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell are all powerful tools that can help to ground us in the present moment.
When we take the time to really see what is around us, to listen to the sounds of nature, feel the textures of different surfaces, taste the food we are eating, and smell the flowers in bloom, we are automatically slowing down our thoughts.
This can be a great way to become calmer and simply enjoy the world around us.
So next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to stop and smell the roses – literally! – and see how much better you feel.
14. Be present in the presence of others
Being present with others can be a great way to slow down your thoughts.
When you are fully focused on the person or people in front of you, you are less likely to dwell on other things. Instead, you can enjoy the moment and the company of those around you.
Additionally, being present can help you to better understand and connect with others. By listening attentively and responding thoughtfully, you can create deeper relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Put away your phone and just listen. You can also try to be aware of your body language, and make sure that you are conveying interest and openness.
15. Read
There’s always something to do, and it can feel like there’s never enough time to just relax and take a break. But it is inexplicably important!
For me, one of the best ways to do this is by reading. When I sit down with a good book, I can forget about all the other things going on in my life and just focus on the story. It’s a great way to relax and escape from stress.
I recommend giving it a try. Just once a week for 30 minutes can make a world of difference.
16. Journal
We are most of the time in a state of disconnection from our own thoughts and emotions, which makes it very hard to slow down life.
One way to repair this is journaling. It is a great way to slow down and connect with your inner world. By taking the time to write down your thoughts and feelings, you can begin to understand yourself better.
You may also find that journaling provides a sense of calm and clarity in your busy life.
Whether you’re looking to gain insight into your own thoughts and emotions or simply need a quiet moment to reflect on your day, journaling is an excellent way to slow down and connect with your inner world.
17. Do nothing
We are always expected to be productive, and taking a break can feel like a luxury.
Although it sounds boring, when you do nothing, you are able to slow down and connect with your surroundings. You can appreciate the little things that you normally take for granted, and you may even find that your mind is more clear and more focused when you give it a break from constant activity.
So next time you find yourself with some free time, instead of reaching for your phone or turning on the TV, try doing nothing.
Ironically, it might just be the best thing you “do” all day.
18. Make time for hobbies
It’s essential to have hobbies that help you slow down and enjoy life.
Hobbies can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of work and family life. They can also be a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. Best of all, hobbies can be enjoyed at your own pace, without the pressure of deadlines or competition, which makes it much easier to slow down.
So whether you enjoy gardening, knitting, or simply taking walks in the park, make sure to take some time for your hobbies.
They just might be the key to a slower, more balanced life.
19. Move your body
It’s no secret that exercise is good for your health.
But I found out that it can also help you to slow down and enjoy life more.
When I’m out for a run or a bike ride, I have time to notice the beauty of my surroundings. I can also clear my head and focus on the present moment.
The best exercise in my opinion for slowing down is practicing yoga. Yoga requires you to move slowly and mindfully, and it’s a great way to connect with your body and your breath.
So, I recommend giving yoga a try.
20. Enjoy that drink
You certainly have those moments when you go out and stop by a coffee shop or a milkshake place and you buy your favorite drink. Or a moment when you made yourself a tea or coffee at home.
Well, sometimes we drink it without being mindful of it and without enjoying the taste and the warmth/coldness of it.
But if we take a moment to be mindful of it, we can appreciate all the flavors. Just close your eyes and take a sip.
It might sound weird but it can really help slow down time, life, and yourself.
Final thoughts
Everything is moving faster and faster each day, technology, and our life, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t take a pause and enjoy the moment.
We just need to be more mindful about it.
Enjoy your meal, your cup of tea/coffee, take a walk in the park and just be.
Life is beautiful, let’s not rush through it.
Right now, take a moment, close your eyes, and breathe. 6 seconds in and 8 seconds out. 3 times.
How do you feel?
Thank you for being here with me and I hope you enjoyed reading.
Have a slow day!
Cheers!