5 Ways to Actually Start Slowing Down

How often do you catch yourself saying  “I'll get to this when things slow down”?

This phrase comes up a lot for many busy and hard working people. Many of us repeatedly say things like when “things become less busy” or “when life slows down” with the full intention of making the changes and adjustments needed for our self-care. But more often that not, the pace of life rarely slows down naturally.

And instead of waiting for life slow down on it’s own, it may be time for you to initiate the deceleration. On the burnout recovery journey, intentionally slowing down may be a key part of you living a life that feels more easeful, less stressful and less centered on constantly doing.

To get you started, here are 5 ways you can intentionally start slowing down: 

Notice how often (and when during the day) you feel rushed

When do you feel the most pressed for time? In the mornings? In the middle of the work day? In the evenings? All the time? It could be time to examine the habits, routines and systems needed to slow your life down. Take a moment to reflect on questions like this:

·      Is a new routine needed to make sure you (and your household) can get out of the door on time each morning?

·      Is an automation needed to take care of more mundane work, so you have more time to yourself?

·      Does one task need to be delegated to ensure that you’re not constantly rushed?

Take stock of just how often you are rushing to see if any sustainable changes can be made to slow this part of your life down.

Choose to monotask (instead of multitask)

I know it’s tempting to want to put energy into multiple tasks at once, but the truth in that multitasking on a regular basis can not only be overstimulating and draining for your brain health, but it also isn’t as efficient as it seems. Swap doing multiple things at once with putting your effort into one task at a time. Gently challenge yourself to shift out of multitasking by body doubling and/or using a pomodoro timer to focus your energy on one thing at a time.

Leave a few minutes in-between each daily appointment.

Always feel like you’re rushing from one appointment to the next? Consider how your appointments are scheduled. Many of us schedule appointments on the hour, to the hour (i.e. 2PM -3PM, 3PM-4PM). To help you slow down, consider adjusting how you’re scheduling your appointments to leave a few minutes in-between. Maybe scheduling an appointment 15 minutes after the hour gives you some wiggle room to take your time, grab a snack or listen to that podcast episode you’ve wanted to listen to for some time.

Practice intentional ways to stay in the present.

Sometimes slowing down looks like truly capturing the current moment that you’re in. When life is moving at an unsustainable pace, it can feel like you’re constantly living in (and for) the future. But what about right now? Consider trying a reflective practice like journaling, meditating or deep breathing to mindfully begin making the most of the present moments instead of constantly putting energy towards the future.

Proactively take time off and routinely use your PTO.

It’s important to schedule the slow down! Quarterly and/or monthly, check to see how many PTO hours you’ve accrued and coordinate opportunities to use them. You have your choice of planning for extended vacations and/or half-days at work, maximize the opportunities you have to be labor-free.

In my workshops, Productive Time Management and Resourceful Task Delegation, I help exhausted, hard-working people discover practical ways like these to not only recover from burnout, but begin designing the well-rested lives they were always meant to live.

Interested in taking part in these workshops one-on-one or with your group? Click here to request your workshop!