We live in a fast-paced society that encourages busyness and demands our time and energy. It can feel counterintuitive to practice slowing down. In our world, I know most people can attest to feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, spread thin, and not having enough time to rest or engage in hobbies or creative outlets.This can lead to a feeling of burnout and exhaustion. If you are experiencing this, I see you and you are not alone.
There are many benefits of slowing down and it can be a gentle invitation to be more present with ourselves and in our lives.
Practicing Self-Awareness
It is important to begin practicing self-awareness while you are working on slowing down. I invite you to notice what shows up for you when you slow down. Often, when we take a pause, it can bring up uncomfortable emotions or thoughts, which can be challenging. For example, if you tend to be a high achiever, slowing down can challenge your innate sense of self worth if you tie your worth to what you accomplish.
Or perhaps you may use busyness as a distraction or avoidance from deeper emotions or difficult problems. Regardless of why it may be difficult to slow down, I invite you to spend time with yourself and allow your emotions to be present. This can help give you a better understanding of your emotions and needs.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
There can be an increase in anxiety levels when we are constantly in a rush or looking forward to the next event. When you are rushing around, it can feel as if everything is an emergency and needs to be attended to right away. This can activate your nervous system, triggering your flight or fight response, and may increase your levels of stress.
When you give yourself a moment to slow down, you are allowing your brain to relax and process what is happening in the present, which lowers your overall stress. It gives yourself a chance to shift back into feeling more connected and grounded.
Appreciation For The Present Moment
If we are in a constant state of busyness, we can often be future-oriented and we may miss what is happening in our lives. There is a gift in slowing down; it gives us an opportunity to be present. It is difficult to appreciate what may be going well in our lives or experience joyful moments if we are in a constant rush.
I encourage you to take a pause and savor the current moment you are experiencing. Notice what you may be grateful for right now.
Responding In Alignment With Our Values
When we are able to slow down, we can respond the way we want rather than reacting because we are overwhelmed or stressed. This means we can identify our emotions, ask ourselves what our emotional needs are, and respond in a healthy and productive way. If we are in a rush, we may not act in alignment with our values. Reacting to our emotions and external cues is not inherently negative, however when we use the lens of responsiveness, we have more agency in how we respond.
In a world that is captivated by being on the go, let us practice the gift of slowing down in order to live a values-based life that is full of intentionality and meaning.
Compassionate Affirmation: “I can allow myself to slow down to notice the beauty of the present moment.”
Additional Resources:
I love this poem titled Right Here by Dane Anthony, especially these lines:
Learn to trust the resilience.
It would be treason
to move quickly – left or right –
from this place. It is alright to be exactly
what you are, who you are, where you are.
Right here, right now.
Creating Empathy and Culture of Kindness Guide: This comprehensive and evidence-based guide provides you with tools to nourish empathy and kindness in your children. This guide helps you model kindness, set boundaries, and practice co-regulation techniques at home. You can get this guide here.
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
Laura
LPC-MHSP, CEDS-C, ACS, NCC
Owner + Director
Laura is committed to guiding individuals along their path to mental wellness and has carefully gathered a team of skilled, knowledgeable, and committed therapists at Anchored Counseling Co. to assist in this mission.
The professionals here create an environment that is supportive and affirmed, informed by an understanding of trauma. At Anchored Counseling Co., there’s a shared belief in the fundamental worth of each person, and therapy is delivered with warmth and empathy. The therapeutic philosophy here is built on the premise that every client has the natural ability to enact meaningful and enduring change in their life.
To connect with a therapist who aligns with your unique needs, please contact our office at 615.510.3797 or contact us here.
