Slowing down to enjoy life in the modern, fast-paced world is essential. However, the busyness of life never seems to stop. Most people are occupied from waking up until they set their heads on their pillows. Ironically, technology, meant to make our lives easier, contributes to this hectic existence.
But how does being “productive” and “effective” affect your life? After all, it comes with the much-needed adulation, promotion, or salary increase. So is slowing down necessary?
Why slowing down is essential for enjoying life
The problem with keeping up with a hectic schedule is that you’ll always feel the pressure to keep going faster to avoid being left behind. You keep going until you exhaust yourself or realize too late that you’ve missed the best parts of your life.
The first benefit of slowing down is staying healthy mentally and physically. More and more people are on anxiety and stress medication because they have overloaded their brains in a bid to achieve everything. Another gain is the boost of productivity and effectiveness because you start focusing on the essential aspects of life. Lastly, slowing down helps you build stronger relationships with the people you love since you can now spend quality time with them.
Slowing down
1. Reduce your screen time
A large part of slowing down is to reduce or remove distractions, such as your phone, laptop, or gaming console, for an hour, half a day, or even a day. If it’s essential to work, schedule time to check your email or project updates—especially after the set working hours.
Most of us spend several hours on our devices, especially social media. Not everyone can do without social media, but finding ways to use it less frequently is important. The constant barrage of news, celeb gossip, friends’ updates, or ads may increase your anxiety by making you feel like you are missing out on life.
2. Do less
Most people have dozens of things on their to-do lists every day. Experts recommend finding the most essential things on your list and focusing on doing them perfectly. You can narrow the list to three or four things, and once you finish one thing, move on to the next.
Avoid multitasking. Our brains are good at single-tasking, not multitasking. This way, you accomplish your tasks effectively and feel more productive.
3. Say ‘no’ more often
If you feel that overstretched, say no to taking on more responsibilities. Volunteering to help may score points with your employer, friends, or family members, but there’s power in saying “no” to things you don’t enjoy.
You probably want to help and make a more considerable difference in other people’s lives, but know and accept your limitations. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference you make when reenergized and focused on things you say “yes” to.
4. Focus on the people you are with
Most of us are guilty of spending time with friends or family, yet our minds are elsewhere. We hear what the person is saying but are not listening because we are distracted by our phones or thinking of a reply before listening. It takes conscious effort to become an active listener, but it’s one of the foundations of building robust relationships.
Spending quality time with the people you love and learning their secrets, fears, and ambitions is essential. The warmth that radiates from these beautiful moments is vital for joy and love.
5. Find a hobby
Can you paint, sing, or garden? Find time to pursue a hobby that will help boost your creativity and happiness. Hobbies should rejuvenate you, so don’t be pressured to pursue activities you don’t enjoy, which will leave you mentally exhausted.
You can also join a group or community of like-minded people interested in mastering slowing down and making life more meaningful. They may offer support when things don’t go your way, help you with your hobby, or share educational and inspirational material.
6. Find time to enjoy the little things
Most people wait for that big magical moment when everything will fall into place, and then they’ll start enjoying life — it may never come. Every moment can be enjoyable if you let it. Start by enjoying the sunrise or sunset, the laughter of those around you, the aroma and texture of food, the burbling sound of a stream, or the feeling that different seasons bring. In short, your senses can bring you immense joy.
7. Find time to be lazy
If you’ve been working tirelessly, give yourself a break by slowing down and doing nothing. Of course, this is challenging for some people, but you can use the time to reconnect with your inner child. Do some coloring, find your mementos and reminisce, watch a silly movie, skip a pond, practice silence, or find something that brings happiness.
8. Embrace nature
Nature has a calming effect on our minds and bodies, and outdoor activities are a reprieve from the enclosure of our homes, offices, or means of travel. So, find time for hiking, nature walks, swimming, or outdoor exercises.
Learning to enjoy life more
Most surveys have shown that the top three things that people regret most on their dying beds include: “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard,” “I wish I had lived a life true to myself and not what people expected of me,” and, above all, “I wish I had spent more time with my friends and family.”
Slowing down lets you be present, mindful, and enjoy life more. So let go of the need to rush and savor each moment as it unfolds.
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