Are You Rushing Through Life? How to Slow Down
Time is one thing that always seems to be in short supply. Your personal and professional responsibilities can add up to the point of feeling overwhelming, causing you to miss out on the tiny moments of joy that comprise life. How do you overcome a mindset that prioritizes “busyness” in a culture where multitasking has become a virtue? Here are five tips to help you slow down.
1. Morning Meditation
Too often, we eat breakfast and have our morning coffee on the go as we rush out the door. When this happens, we don’t take time to enjoy the meal and be grateful for the nourishment it provides. Instead of scarfing down a bagel or muffin in the car on your way to your next commitment, turn your breakfast into a meditative experience. Savor your food and every sip of your beverage. Mindful eating can make any meal a calming ritual you’ll look forward to.
2. Stop Multitasking
Have you ever felt rushed because you bit off more than you can chew? Contrary to what you might believe, multitasking doesn’t make you more productive. Instead, trying to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously can leave you drained and mentally fatigued. Know your limits, and don’t agree to more than you can realistically manage. That might require you to learn how to politely say no to your colleagues, family members and friends.
3. Limit Screen Time
Your smartphone is convenient, but it shouldn’t rule your life. If you find yourself reaching for your phone whenever you hear the ping of an incoming alert, you might be over-reliant on your device. By the same token, if you mindlessly reach for your smartphone whenever you find yourself in an idle moment, install an app that logs your screen time to help make you more aware of how often you use your device.
Instead of thoughtlessly scrolling through social media if you’re bored or trying to relax, limit your consumption to 15-minute intervals, then sign out once your time is up. Impose a curfew for web browsing, and avoid the temptation to immediately answer incoming emails. By instantly responding to every message, you’ll “train” people to assume you’re available around the clock, which will cut into your leisure time. When you don’t have your face buried in your phone every spare second, it will help you slow down and be more present in activities.
4. Prioritize Your Work
If you often find yourself with a disorganized task list, or struggling to determine what to tackle first, the solution might be to arrange your daily responsibilities more efficiently. Not everything you need to do has equal urgency or magnitude. Instead of making the standard to-do list, put your priorities in order of importance, without trying to cram in too much at once. Pick three to five tasks that you need to get done every day, and allow yourself ample time to give each your full attention.
Don’t let yourself get distracted or sidetracked by anything that’s not on your priority list; if it’s less relevant, it can wait. Focusing on doing one thing at a time without rushing will help you learn to slow down and finish your assignments to the best of your ability.
5. Keep a Journal
Journaling is another habit that can encourage you to slow down and take a more mindful approach to life. Set aside a few moments each day to write some observations about your feelings and anything you’re feeling grateful for. Your journal can remain private, so you can feel free to maintain it without fear of judgment from others.
Learn Techniques to Help You Slow Down
The chronic stress associated with rushing through life can cause long-term damage to your mental and physical well-being, and lead to unhealthy habits like substance abuse. At our accredited addiction treatment center, your therapist will help you learn to slow down and uncover the root cause of your addiction. After long-term residential treatment, you’ll enjoy a joyful, fulfilling life without the burden of substance use holding you back. To verify your insurance coverage, reach out to our admissions advisors today.