On the Concept of Slowing Down

Today’s post will be short but sweet. Many of my posts are written in advance or pre-scheduled, which I enjoy doing. But sometimes I want to share how I’m feeling in the moment, which requires some quick thinking and reflecting. So, in the midst of a very busy time in my life, I wanted to reflect on the importance of slowing down.

There’s often a negative connotation to telling someone (or being told) to slow down. It can often imply that someone is moving too fast, or doing too much at the same time. And while that can be true, I’ve learned that’s not always a safe assumption to make. But because of these connotations, slowing down can be hard to do.

I’m speaking from personal experience, but I know I’m not alone in feeling this. When we have a lot to do or change is imminent, it can feel like the world is spinning wildly around us. It can feel like we have no time, and we can’t spare even a moment for ourselves. Well after many years of feeling this way, I’ve come to a conclusion: we can, and we should.

There are so many times in life where we feel like things are going a million miles per hour. It feels like we can’t slow down, that there’s no time for anything. The only way to get through it is to put our heads down, focus, and get it done. But I want to push back on that type of thinking. There is nothing wrong with taking a moment when you need it. Even something as simple as steadying your breathing can have a profound impact on your day. No, we can’t always take that moment when it’s ideal for us, but we do have that time and we should take it.

Attempting to slow down, whenever you have the opportunity, can change your day. It’s making sure your mental wellness is a priority. It’s acknowledging that even though life gets to all of us at some point, we do have control in how we react. And while it might not change what’s happening around us, it can help us for the better.

I’m not claiming to be an expert in slowing down. In fact, I’d say it’s challenging for most people. But the more we try to do so – the more we try to step back and see the bigger picture – the better off we are. Here’s hoping that when you can, you get a chance to slow down. Even if it’s only for a moment, it’s totally worth it.