There's so much to do these days. The to-dos on our to-do lists seem to multiply like rabbits. Trying to keep up with everything can be overwhelming.
The thought of everything that hasn't gotten done and everything that needs to get done can totally stress a person out. As a result we try to move faster to get it all done. We usually end up even more stressed out.
Because far too many of us rev ourselves up with caffeine. We forgo meals because we don't have time to eat. We don't take bathroom breaks even though we're about to pee our pants because we think there's just no time for such things. We go to bed later and get up earlier so we can get stuff done.
We end up overcaffienated and hangry with our bladders feeling like they're about to burst. And oh yea... we're tired. We're so very tired.
We end up not taking care of ourselves. We end up missing out on life because our to-dos just gotta get done. All the rushing around takes us away from now. We end up everywhere and nowhere.
It's a hard cycle to get outside of because the longer the cycle goes on the more speed it seems to pick up. And it's tough to get off a merry-go-round that's going at warp speed.
So how can a person slow it all down?
Well, you've got to be willing to be good to yourself and create the shift by slowing down.
Make the choice to intentionally add some speed bumps --go slowly moments-- into your day.
These speed bumps can happen by issuing yourself short time-outs throughout the day so you can step off the to-do merry-go-round. Yes, I know it's easier said than done. But just do it anyway. You're more than worth it.
Your time-out might be for a few moments of mindful breathing or it might be taking yourself for a walk. Maybe it'll be to finally go to the bathroom. Maybe it'll be to eat a meal or a healthy snack. Whatever your time-out speed bump activity is just use it to slow the "bleep" down.
Maybe do some simple movements like cross-crawls. Maybe spend a few minutes humming. Maybe do a few hook ups. Maybe put on a favorite song and waltz around the room.
And if you're talking with someone and notice you're talking way fast or the other person is talking way fast -- simply slow your speech down a bit. Slowing down your speech will help to slow your nervous system down and will create space for you to breathe. And it might just help the other person slow down too.
Slowing down is truly a powerful antidote to stress. You just have to be willing to do it.
And once you create space in the rhythm of your day to slow down you'll find yourself being able to be more in the moment. And once you're in the moment you'll be better able to focus on the task at hand when you get back to your to-dos. You'll also be better able to pivot to another task when you need to.
Slowing down -- getting off the warp speed merry-go-round of to-dos -- also allows you opportunities to take better care of you. And by taking better care of yourself you'll have more energy to get things done. It's a solid win-win.
Slow down or not. It's your choice.
I'm hoping you'll choose some slothful moments for yourself.