One current issue that I think so many people of countless ages are struggling with is the speed of which the world is going at. What I mean by that is, almost every single aspect of our life is so fast-paced that it’s becoming more and more difficult to embrace each and every moment. Of course we can’t do much about this fast-paced world that we are a part of, but I want you to take a look below at some ideas to SLOW DOWN. Life is hard. School, family, friendships, sports – everything is hard, challenging, and fast to a huge extent. Today, why don’t we take a step back and look at 10 ways to SLOW DOWN.
1. Embrace SLOW mornings:
Now I’m not talking about school days here (where practically everybody is rushed), but instead I’m talking about the weekends. Sure, sleeping in late counts as being “slow”, but what I mean by this method is, instead of reaching out for your phone immediately or rushing to get stuff done, start your day off by doing something relaxing. Such as drinking a cup of tea while sitting in the sun, or going for a walk, or just talking with a family member.
2. MINDFUL eating:
I’m not talking about whether or not you’re eating nutritious food, but instead I am referring to how you eat your food. Instead of smashing food in your face because you’re hungry (which is completely valid because I do that way too often), take the extra couple of seconds to embrace the flavours and the textures. Savour each bite instead of eating on autopilot while your mind wanders elsewhere.
3. Go on a walk WITHOUT a destination:
When the weather is not -30 degrees outside (referring to all the people living up north), go outside and embrace the sunlight. Put on your airpods, listen to your favorite jam, and walk outside. But here’s the catch : You don’t have a destination. We are so used to always having a million tasks to complete and a million places to go and be, so practicing walking without a destination can definitely be a great way to slow down. Pro tip: Don’t get lost in the process. 🙂
4. Do ONE task at a time:
Multitasking has become so regular in our everyday routine. We jump from one task to another in a matter of seconds in an attempt to get everything done as soon as possible. I’m definitely guilty of this one because if I start off with math homework, I somehow end up crying over a thesis statement in a couple minutes. The point is that we should try and finish one task at a time, which will inevitably slow down our hectic lives – just a little bit more.
5. DECLUTTER your living space:
I hate cleaning my room. It’s a collective identity shared by many teenagers. My mom always tells me that, “A cluttered room leads to a cluttered mind” – which she is actually 100% right about (yet I will never admit it). I believe that when your mind is cluttered, every aspect of your life will seem like chaos. Even the smallest of tasks and responsibilities will feel like climbing up Mount Everest. The point is, we should try and take out some time from our day just to clean things up. It doesn’t have to be a full deep cleaning session, because even the smallest changes can lead to huge improvements.
6. ENJOY a hobby without monetizing it:
When I use the word, “monetize”, I mean it as a way of saying that not everything we do has to be productive. If you like doing something, it doesn’t have to be productive and you shouldn’t try to make it productive either. Just try and partake in the hobby just for the sake of pure enjoyment. Not everything has to have a high “Return on Investment”, sometimes the enjoyment is just enough.
7. SPEND a day without a “to-do” list:
This one is quite similar to #3 (which was to go on a walk without a destination). We always have SOMETHING to do in our lives. Whether it’s studying for a test, walking the dog, chores, etc.. . Unfortunately, these everyday tasks will never cease. However, if we plan the time right, we can spend a day without all of this. Not necessarily like a “vacation at Disney World” day or something similar, but instead just a day without a goal to achieve. I bet you could do so many things that you enjoy in that one singular day.
8. Write down your thoughts in a JOURNAL:
Our minds are constantly at work 24/7 absorbing countless pieces of information and making countless connections with one another. Sometimes, when we are stressed or anxious, these thoughts can spiral out of control. Our motor scales (such as writing) don’t work as fast as our brains. Therefore, if we are writing, our thoughts can be more coherent on paper. Take some time to write down what you’re feeling at a given moment in time. Don’t focus on anything else. Just you and your thoughts.
9. Try out some YOGA:
What better way is there to unwind your mind and body than to engage in one of the most relaxing forms of exercise there is? Hitting some fancy poses (the tree pose being a personal favorite) while taking in some deep breaths will slow you down without a doubt. It’s extremely beneficial to both your mental and physical health, while also being very relaxing.
10. DOODLE for fun:
Instead of doodling in your notebook while your teacher is explaining a math concept, doodle on a blank sheet of paper when you have nothing else to do. See where your mind takes you and to what great lengths your creativity will push you. When engaging in the exquisite and intricate art of “doodling”, make sure to concentrate on the process and not the final product. We should take that piece of advice into our daily lives too. Enjoy the moments that make up life, not just the wins, losses, achievements, and failures.
Conclusion:
There you have it folks, here are 10 awesome ways to SLOW down. The world is moving faster and faster as we know it, and even though it might not seem like it, this can be a huge problem for our mental health. Take a few extra hours, minutes, and seconds to embrace the wonderful world around you. You’ve got this.