Simple Ways to Avoid Rushing Through Life

BY: Lee McCalla

We live in a culture that at times can make rest seem like a bad thing. We measure success based on how “booked and busy” someone is and often view those who don’t have much going on as being boring, unproductive or lame.

However, lack of rest can have damaging long term effects on one’s physical and mental health. Rather than mounting stress and waiting for burnout before prioritizing rest, I challenge you to embrace slower living in order to give your body the rest it needs to function in a more sustainable way.

Slow living is a movement that focuses on simplifying one’s schedule, environment, and career choices in order to savor life’s moments and prioritize what matters most so you can actually enjoy your life rather than rush through it.

Especially now with the holiday season in full swing, learn how to carve out time to give your body rest with these helpful ways to minimize stress and maximize joy to the world this winter!

SLOW DOWN: HOW STRESS AFFECTS THE BODY

Stress is natural. It’s a normal response the body has to certain triggers in the environment. It’s part of our survival instinct as human beings and it can help us to deal with intense situations. However, we are not made to live in a chronic stressful state.

When the body encounters a stressor, the central nervous system kicks into gear by releasing hormones from the adrenal glands. These hormones called adrenaline and cortisol get blood flowing and help the body prepare for the perceived threat or danger. When the danger passes, the central nervous system sends signals to the adrenal glands to relax and stop releasing hormones.

However, long term stress wreaks havoc on the body. The body stays in fight or flight mode, and elevated cortisol levels lead to issues like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and heart disease. Chronic stress can also lead to headaches, shortness of breath, anxiety, stomachaches and other issues. Therefore, developing healthy ways to cope with stress and pace yourself is vital to leading a healthy and productive lifestyle.

This is the joy of slowing down.

1. Foster a greater sense of mindfulness

Slowing down and pacing yourself is not just an action; it’s a state of mind. Just like your body needs to prepare for a stressful situation, your body also needs to prepare for rest and relaxation. Slowing down can be as simple as meditating for 5-10 minutes a day or lingering around during your coffee break and taking a moment to enjoy each sip. Spending just a few extra minutes savoring the taste and smell of your coffee can actually have a positive impact on your mood. Make a conscious effort to live in the now rather than always concerning yourself about the future or the past. Finding time to enjoy the little things you do during the day is a great way to avoid rushing through life so you can start appreciating it.

2. Pencil in your breaks

The key to slowing down is understanding where you’re at in life and the things you need to do to feel more comfortable and at ease. For example, if your mental health is a priority, schedule time to relax after (or in between) fulfilling your duties. If rest for you means getting alone time, then schedule a few minutes each day where you put away your phone and focus on just that.

3. Declutter your schedule

Write down a list of what you consider as meaningful and a priority in your life. Next, create a game plan so you will prioritize these things above all else.

Taking inventory of your daily tasks, duties, and responsibilities helps tremendously with putting things into perspective and highlighting areas that may require some change. For some people, decluttering your schedule may require that you say “no” more, step down from certain commitments, delegating, or making a conscious effort to not overextend yourself going forward.

Evaluate where you can incorporate some changes into your daily, weekly, or monthly routine that allows you to slow down your pace. Then take action. Following these tips is key to helping you find fulfillment and joy, slow down and avoid rushing through life