Slowing down the pace of life is a concept that often gets overlooked in today's fast-paced society. We live in a world where being constantly busy and on the go is glorified, leaving little room for relaxation and reflection. It seems that the idea of taking a break and slowing down is only given attention during certain times of the year, such as an annual holiday. This raises the question: why do we struggle to prioritise a slower pace of life on a regular basis?
One reason could be societal pressures to always be on the go. Then being nudged to want an upgraded lifestyle with all of it's material trappings. Often being busy is linked to success and slowing down is seen as having a lack of ambition. Additionally, the advancements in technology have made it easier for us to be constantly connected and available, blurring the lines between work and personal time.
From a young age, we are taught to value efficiency and the power of multitasking, which can make it challenging to embrace a slower pace of life. It is quite astonishing that the majority of us settle for a few weeks off work and expect it to magically undo all of the stress and anxiety that we have been carrying around for the remainder of the year. We can sustain it for so long until the perimenopause often has other plans! It can start with gentle nudges or it can stop you in your tracks and force you to slow down. Breaking away from this ingrained mindset requires a conscious effort and a shift in priorities. Taking small steps to embed new habits is the easiest way to create changes in your routine. Don't overfill your diary each day. Leave a larger gap between tasks or social gatherings. Having time each day to simply unwind and relax is priceless. When was the last time you actually felt bored and did not fill that void with mindless phone scrolling?
Embracing a slower pace of life can lead to increased mindfulness, better mental and physical health, and a deeper appreciation for the present moment. From this point we can then take conscious steps to a more aligned path with all of it's abundant rewards. Start with what lights you up and let go of what no longer serves you (with deep gratitude for the lessons learnt).
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