What to Consider When Considering Slowing Down

Do you ever hear your parents or grandparents nostalgically talk of the simpler times? Why was it simpler? Because it was slower.
This fast-paced mode we live by, created a hectic world to live in.
We were taught to multitask to do more, we were told to be fast to finish quicker, we were encouraged to run so someone wouldn’t take our prize. Society values us by our schedules; the busier we are, the more important we are. It brainwashes us to believe we are worth more if we do more. But no one told us we would burn out. No one told us our lives would pass us by. No one told us we would lose ourselves.

We are constantly trying to be better, to accomplish more, but we forget what is important. We are juggling everything, from being the best parent, brother, friend, being the best employee, and having the most successful business. We are making crazy to do lists, we are paying our bills, answering our messages, shopping for groceries, picking up children from school, helping with their projects, homeworks, extracurriculars, taking care of our elders, calling, shopping, visiting, preparing meals for our families, cleaning our houses, exceeding at our jobs and so on. And the worst thing, with all these achievements checked – we don’t even recognize them, we do not see them, we do not enjoy them, we just move on. And another day has passed, another month, another year. And constantly we ask ourselves, where did the time go, where did my life go? We ran through it; that’s where it went.

Have you ever taken a nature ride and missed nature around you? Why am I even asking, of course you did, let me rephrase. Have you ever taken a nature ride and noticed the nature around you? We usually go from A to B, not even noticing the ride, both literally and figuratively.
For years now, my husband and I have been taking the slow roads, avoiding highways and any kind of fast roads, to notice the trip, the present, and ourselves. We take stops, we look around, we talk, we enjoy, we try to slow down whenever we can. And if we can’t, we do it anyway. It’s just about the mindset; we and we alone determine our pace. Yes, there are fast-acting situations we cannot avoid, but they are (or at least need to be) an exception, not the rule.
Slowing down isn’t about laziness or a lack of ambition. It’s an act of self-care, a choice to reclaim your time, energy, and ultimately, your well-being.

Multitasking on a fast track brings us stress, and isn’t there enough stress already in this world of ours? We have panic attacks, anxiety, depression, all of which have one big thing in common – stress. And this is only the beginning; many studies have shown stress to be a cause of many illnesses. We need to take care of ourselves, we need to be happy and healthy, and for that, we need to slow down.

This once again means that we need to break our habits, and we’ve said before, not an easy thing to do, but it can be done. And it’s going to feel so much better than running around, multitasking everything. And your phone? When was the last time you did anything without a phone in your hand? When was the last time you just sat to watch TV without scrolling your phone? Not to mention, we look at them while we walk, while we drive (so many accidents are caused that way), even while we talk to someone, we are fiddling with our phones. They create such unnecessary distractions, and we’re addicted to them. This is a multitask we most certainly do not need.
Let me ask you this. Did you know that multitasking actually makes us less productive? Research shows that multitasking can decrease efficiency and increase, you guessed it, stress level.

If you don’t believe me, let’s try to put it this way: first, I’ll tell you where this crazy pace takes us:

Chronic Stress & Burnout: Feeling constantly on edge, exhausted, or emotionally drained
Irritability & Impatience: Little things set you off more easily
Difficulty Focusing: Your mind races, and concentrating on one task feels impossible
Lack of Joy in Daily Activities: You’re going through the motions without real enjoyment
Neglecting Self-Care: No time for rest, hobbies, or activities that nourish you
Strained Relationships: Busyness leaves little room for meaningful connection

Now you ask yourselves, do you see any or even all these facts in yourself?
Because honestly, at one point in my life, I have seen myself in all of these. I’ve lost myself in trying to create myself.

Choosing to slow down isn’t just about escaping the negative impacts of a too busy life; it’s about embracing a positive transformation. When you intentionally slow down your pace, you create space for:

Improved Mental & Physical Health: One of the most immediate benefits is significant stress reduction. Slowing down calms the nervous system, which can lead to lower blood pressure, better sleep quality, and a stronger immune system. It can also alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Enhanced Creativity & Problem-Solving: A mind that isn’t constantly racing has room to breathe, wander, and connect ideas in new ways. Many “aha!” moments come during periods of quiet reflection, not frantic activity.
Deeper Connections: When you’re not rushing, you can be more present with the people in your life. This means more meaningful conversations, better listening, and stronger bonds with family, friends, and colleagues.
Increased Appreciation for Life’s Simple Pleasures: Slowing down allows you to notice and savor the small joys you might otherwise miss – the taste of your morning coffee, the warmth of the sun, a child’s laughter, the beauty of nature (perhaps in your own garden, as we often discuss here at What2Consider 🙂 ).
Greater Clarity & Intentionality: Stepping back from the rush gives you perspective. You can more clearly identify your true priorities and values, leading to more intentional living and choices that align with what truly matters to you.
Boosted Productivity (Surprisingly!): A slower, more deliberate approach can increase focus and reduce errors, leading to higher quality work and less wasted effort in the long run.

Slowing down is a pathway to a richer, more mindful existence, aligning perfectly with the pursuit of happiness and overall well-being that we strive for.

Ok, so how do we slow down? First, we need to understand that this is a good thing. We need to change our current mindset that tells us busyness equals success. We need to understand that slowing down is not a sign of weakness but an act of wisdom and strength. It’s essential for long-term well-being and sustainable performance. Slowing down allows for more thoughtful, high-quality work and decision-making.

We talked about how hard it is to change habits, especially those that have been implemented in our routine for most of our lives, so take it one step at a time. Start with what is easiest for you.

Maybe enjoy your morning coffee or tea by sitting down and giving yourself time to savor the taste, to notice where you are, and to clear your mind. Or create a similar ritual that suits you best
When it comes to clearing your mind, maybe take a few minutes to focus on your breathing (we talked about how important mindful breathing is for us)
Don’t jump from one task to another. Give yourself a time-out and notice how much you’ve done already, reward yourself for the work you’ve done, and do something that makes you happy
Try being more present in everything you do, eat mindfully, enjoy your meal, not just eating, but also preparing it, don’t rush through your workout, pay attention to your body, listen when you talk to someone, don’t let your mind wander
Give yourself some relaxing time before you go to bed, time to slow down your mind and your body, maybe by reading, maybe by meditating, maybe take a bath, anything that works for you, that leaves you relaxed and with a positive, happy mind

And one more important thing, you must protect your time by learning to say “no”. I know how hard this is, but you need to value yourself and value your time, and then others will too. And those who refuse to appreciate that have no place in your life. Only positivity, remember? 🙂 Make time for people that matter, make time for yourself, make quality time, be present.

Find your way to slow down, your body and your mind will thank you, and you will become a happier and healthier person, leading a more fulfilled life. 🙂

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

– Lao Tzu