4 Simple Ways You Can Embrace a Slower Pace of Life

Somewhere along the way we seem to have been taught that the more we achieve in a day, the more valuable we are. So, much so that most of us see how busy we are as some kind of measure for our own our self-worth. Take it from someone who did that for years, that kind of thinking only leaves you feeling empty and frazzled!

Perhaps you’ve never thought of the alternative – slowing down. And by that I mean taking a more natural pace, leaving room in your day to take a breath and appreciate more of those ordinary moments that make life what it is.

You’re probably wondering ‘well, if I slow down then how will I get everything get done’? I thought the same, which is how I got stuck on that busy hamster wheel for years! But, with a few small changes comes a sense of clarity, this helps you focus on the important things and achieve everything you need to as well as create time for yourself – sound good?...

Here are a few ways you can get started today…

1: STOP MAKING LONG TO-DO LISTS AND FOCUS ON THE 3 ESSENTIALS…
Again, our self-worth is not connected to how long that daily list is and let’s be honest do you ever complete everything on it anyway? I never did, but I know that seeing a half completed list at the end of the day always made me feel like a failure; cue the negative self-talk and inner critic and I was stuck in a cycle of constant defeat.   

I have no doubt that you know the feeling. And the solution will feel strange at first. The key is to get that list down to the absolute essentials and then find the top 3 things that make the most difference to your life, that help you on your path.  Of course you might have a few other things on there but those top 3 are what you’ll focus on completing first.

After completing them, resist the urge to rush around with those smaller tasks. Once they’re done, pause and take a moment for yourself – linger over a cup of tea, meditate or take a short walk – try at least 10-15 minutes.   

Believe me, it helps you feel much more connected and in control of your time.     

2. LEARN TO APPRECIATE THE MOMENT AND STOP WORRYING ABOUT THE FUTURE…
Ok, so this sounds easier said than done.  Years of conditioning means that most of us spend too much time worrying about the future.  It reminds me of that quote by Mark Twain “I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”

And, when you think about that, most of what you worry about probably won’t happen. Even if it does, would worrying about it have changed anything? I know how easy it is to get so lost in your worries that you forget to pause every once in a while and see the beauty around us – those small every day moments - the sun rising, the cold morning air, the birds singing, a strangers smile – the list could go on and on…

Try pausing today to look up from whatever you are doing and find something in that moment to be grateful for, it’ll transform your day, I promise.       

3. STOP ‘PEOPLE PLEASING’ AND LEARN WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY…
Ah, yes the people pleasers amongst us might find this one a challenge and I won’t deny that it can take a bit more work to get to the core and eliminate this one for good.  But, on a very basic note, it’s time to do what makes you happy. For some of you, you might not remember what that is. But, there should be clues; when are you the happiest? What would your ideal day look like? What could you do for hours and never get tired of? Make more time for those things and let others take care of themselves for a while.

4. LEARN TO VALUE YOUR OWN OPINION AND NOT CONCERN YOURSELF WITH WHAT OTHERS THINK…
You’ll have friends that want to rush around and compare their busy lives to yours. Learn to feel comfortable with that, we all have our own life choices to make and you’re making a different one – it’s ok for you to both live differently.

Sure, you could face a little judgement, but we’ve all been there and while it’s uncomfortable, it doesn’t kill us. People will always have an opinion on what you do, whether they voice it or not. But if they do, learn to let it wash over you, do not engage with them or try to justify your decisions. I’ve always found the best response is simply a smile…     

You deserve days that leave you feeling purposeful, calm and in control. I’ve used everything I’ve written about here to help me create more positive and meaningful days that have a slower pace to them and yet achieve no less than those old days full of long lists and multi-tasking! I’ve always believed that change is easier when done in baby steps and so take one of these points and think about what you can do today to slow down and enjoy much calmer and purposeful days. 

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.