In today's time, every individual we meet is onto something. We want to eat fast, work fast, go to home fast, finish a YouTube video faster, I can go on and on. SLOW DOWN. Our days are packed with projects, meetings, one work after another and this makes our life so hectic. Not only we want to satisfy ourselves but also satisfy our ambitions, goals and other people in our lives too.
I think somewhere, in this age of busyness and this competition to achieve lots of things in a shorter amount of time has caused so much stress in our lives that we forgot what it means to slow down and appreciate the good things in our life. I happened to read a book this past weekend called "Time Warped: Unlocking the Mysteries of Time Perception" from my local library.
The author, Claudia Hammond acclaimed BBC broadcaster and psychology writer, states that, "We construct the experience of time in our minds, so it follows that we are able to change the elements we find troubling — whether it’s trying to stop the years racing past, or speeding up time when we’re stuck in a queue, trying to live more in the present, or working out how long ago we last saw our old friends. Time can be a friend, but it can also be an enemy. The trick is to harness it, whether at home, at work, or even in social policy, and to work in line with our conception of time. Time perception matters because it is the experience of time that roots us in our mental reality. Time is not only at the heart of the way we organize life, but the way we experience it."
Here are my top 7 tips on how to practice slow down.
1. Me Time
Take a deep breath and do not do anything other than reflecting on your breath movements. Take a detour right into the slow-moving lane of your mind. Allot simply 10 mins of "me time" daily.
Explore numerous methods to invest your "me time". It isn't actually vital just how you invest that time as it differs from person to person. Some individuals could select to simply 'be' while others might pick to practice meditation. Maybe you prefer to talk to a friend or do bird watching, painting, cooking or whatever captures your fancy and also matches your area.
Shut off the TELEVISION, the radio, the phone, all of it. And simply indulge in the harmony of silence. Try it on a daily basis, early morning, noontime, evening or whenever it is convenient for you.
2. Turn Routine into Ritual
We have stuff we do, mindlessly, everyday. We bathe, clothe, make early morning coffee, allow the dog out, and also a loads various other stuffs. Each and every single day. So, as opposed to them simply being meaningless regular tasks, slow down and genuinely concentrate on what you're doing. Notice the smell of your shampoo, how does your sweater feel over your skin. Just how terrific the coffee smells. The noise the door makes when you open it for the pet dog. Anything you do on a regular basis can definitely end up being routine.
You simply require to decelerate and also mindfully do whatever it is you're doing. Your early morning or nighttime regimens if done mindfully can transform the entire flow of your day (or evening).
3. Get Outdoors and Go for a Walk
A recent study undertaken by Cornell University and the University of Maryland found that just 10 minutes a day in nature can have a positive impact on your health.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, some of the health benefits of exposure to trees and green spaces include:
Reducing stress
Increasing energy level and focus
Boosting the immune system
Helping with healing and
Improving mood and sleep
So, leave your phone at home and get outdoors and breathe in that fresh air and recharge your mind.
4. Do What You Love
Clearly, most of us need to do things we do not intend to. There are individuals who absolutely love getting up every day and enjoy doing the task they were assigned, while there are some who absolutely hate some tasks in their daily life and want to call it quits.
So, quit. If you do not feel like going to that picnic or a friends' party, do not. If your kids do not enjoy the sports you have enrolled them into, do not force them. Do stuff that you genuinely enjoy, not the stuff you're obligated to do since you really feel you are bound to do it.
Take pleasure in doing what you like to do and it changes on some days and that's ok. There are days when I like to work on my blog and there are days when I just want to read and relax. Doing what my mind wants me to do helps me relax and makes me happy.
5. Declutter
We have way too much things. It jumbles our minds, it litters our beautiful home, and it costs us our valuable time.
In 2011, neuroscience researchers using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and other physiological measurements found clearing clutter from the home and work environment resulted in a better ability to focus and process information, as well as increased productivity.
Decluttering assists us in eliminating the unneeded stuff to make even more space for the important things we like and also take pleasure in. Start small and slow and build up as you go along. You'll appreciate your life much better.
6. Don’t Multitask
Do one task at one time. It aids you in concentrating on the job available, as well as making sure that its a job done well. So typically we get on our phones, while working on a task, viewing TELEVISION, consuming etc. and so on. Multitasking is usually a "work demand" therefore many individuals discuss it on their resume too.
However, the fact is, multitasking does not make us a lot more efficient. And also it absolutely does not boost our handiwork or our lives. Slowing down aids us to be a lot more effective, as well as enhances the result despite what the job might be.
7. Embrace Boredom
We're never ever bored out any longer, are we? We discover something to load the moment so we aren't tired each and every single time dullness starts embedding in. Yet, our creative thinking truly blooms when we're burnt out of monotony.
So, accept the concept of monotony. Do not grab your phone, do not start the TELEVISION. Sit for a minute and I can assure, you will certainly consider something to do quickly that you in fact take pleasure in.
When you start approaching your day, your work in a slow manner, you start appreciating the work you do and you start to involve with what you do even more deeply. You are forced to challenge with what's going within you while you do that task and that reflective action helps to know yourself better.
Slowing down is a mindful choice and it definitely is not an easy choice but so worth it if you take into consideration its benefits for your mind. In fact, slowing down could actually take you farther. So slow down, and heal you body, mind and soul altogether and thank me later!