Why Can't We Just Slow Down?
So I've been wondering lately, why is it so hard to slow down? CAN we slow down? Or has this way of life taken over for good? Do we need to become monks and isolate ourselves in the mountains of Tibet to find a little peace? Or can we figure out a way to enjoy our lives where we are, even with all of the pressures of modern life? As an eternal optimist (most of the time), I believe it is possible to create a slower-paced, better quality of life for ourselves - we just have to make it a priority. So, in case you're out of ideas for having a rush-free existence, here are a few suggestions:
• Stop obsessing about the past. It's over - move on.
• Stop worrying about the future. Yes, make plans, set goals, but let your life be about this moment. If you want to change something, do it now.
• Start a journal. This is a fantastic way to reflect on your thoughts of the moment and get in touch with who you are right now.
• If writing isn't your thing, take up walking or meditating or cooking. . . anything that forces you to slow down and get perspective.
• Call up a friend you haven't talked to in a while. Notice how much you've changed since you've spoken last. Appreciate how much you've grown.
• Play a video game. Okay, as much as I make fun of my boyfriend for wasting time on silly games, sometimes I think, "wow, that looks like FUN."
• Read a good novel. Get lost in someone else's story for a while.
• Turn on your favorite CD and dance around the house (wait until everyone is gone of course. . . actually, nevermind - just go for it!)
• Get a tivo and record your favorite shows. . . and then watch them without feeling guilty!
• Send out "just thinking of you" cards to your friends and family.
• Get out your to do list and cross off the 5 things you absolutely HATE doing most - without doing them! Just take them off your list.
• Better yet, throw away your to do list altogether! You'll still get the most important things done, I promise.
• Start a "Things I WANT to do list". Include preposterous, it-could-never-happen items like "go skydiving" or "take a trip to Australia". (BONUS: Do at least one a month!)
• Find a new hobby or take a new class (just for FUN! No "professional development" classes allowed!).
• Take a long, hot bath before bed.
• Schedule at least 1 hour into your day where the agenda is "DO NOTHING". Get used to the idea of just "being" and not "doing" so much.
The bottom line: it's okay to take time for yourself. Yes, the pace of the world is getting faster everyday. But that doesn't mean to you have to keep up with it. Create your own life. Stop following all of the rules, and make room for you. Make room for the things you enjoy! As the brilliant Ferris Bueller taught those of us over the age of 20, "life moves pretty fast. If you don't slow down every once in a while, you could miss it."
Related Tags: stress management, time management, life balance, self-awareness
About the author: Sarah M. Schultz, MA, CPC is a certified Personal Development Coach in Park City, UT. Sarah coaches quarterlifers (adults in their 20s and 30s) who want to create meaning and passion in their lives by building lasting committed relationships, creating a fulfilling work/life balance, and managing the stress of major life transitions. Receive your free copy of her Special Report: "Five Steps to Creating a Life You Love!" on her website at: http://www.newheightslifecoaching.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Manners, Aikido, And Ki Moments
In a recent Wall Street Journal editorial, columnist Peggy Noonan discussed the disappearance of man - How To Cope With Being Made Redundant
Being made redundant is not just about money and what money can buy. It is often the psychological e - What Are The Side Effects Of Stress
We live in a fast paced world that never seems to sleep. For many people they try to cram as much ac - Feel Better With Stress Management
Stress may be largely thought of as a mental problem,but it does contain its own material manifestat - Help With Stress - A New Effective Technique For Fast Relief
There are many symptoms that sufferers experience when they are dealing with stress, too many to go - How To Relief Stress When Faced With Challenges In Life
The myriad of issues facing us constantly mean we find a good avenue to relief stress. We live a lif - Anxiety Disorders Symptoms - Treatment For Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders symptoms are diverse and include things such as social anxiety, Post-Traumatic Str - Overlooking Data Revenue Could Kill Your Current Campaign!
Most online marketers have access to data but many don't realize the true value in it. NOT monetizin - The Five Step Approach To Managing Anger
If something happens that makes you feel angry (like not being allowed to go to a party until you cl - How Kinesiology Can Help With Stress
Stress is one of the biggest problems in the western world and may be caused by a variety of differe
Most viewed articles in this category:
- No More Stress: Stress Relief Ideas
I hear it everywhere, read it everywhere-everybody's stressed out. The mad rush of daily activities - Feeling Suicidal
The thought has crossed my mind but I am too optimistic about tomorrow and I can't handle my enemies - Home surveillance equipment - options and tips
Our world is not such a safe place to live in. Crime and robbery is on the rise and hence more and m - Getting laid with organic
The ‘organic movement’ has now entered the bedrooms. Organic bedding and mattresses are - 7 Tips for Relaxation
In modern society there are so many pressures on our time and lives that it can seem difficult to be - Stress - Is It Really As Bad For Your Health As You Think?
It has been known for many years that stress can affect your health but we are only now beginning to - An Older Sister's Coping Secret
Being born as the oldest or older sister in a family seems to have a strong impact on our personalit - Panic Attack Self Help
A panic attack is a time of powerful, often momentarily disabling, sense of extreme fear or mental d - Crisis Intervention - What To Do in the Event of a Crisis? Part 2
A crisis is a window of opportunity for spiritual growth. You don't need to be a social worker or co - Toxic Guilt, Healthy Guilt
