A Slower Life *
Modernization has enabled us to live life at full throttle. Increased work efficiency via BlackBerry, real-time updates on Twitter, fast food for quick lunch, courtship by speed dating, instant relief medicines for aches and pains, mind-body relaxation through speed meditation, etc, etc.! Our lives literally consist of nonstop races against the clock. Speedaholics are the neo-workaholic of the 21st century, except they exhibit endurance (24/7) and greater range (workplace, home and in between places such as Starbucks).
Modern society may appeal to our need for instant gratification, but the quality of life does not always benefit from technological advances. On the contrary, high-velocity lifestyle takes a toll on our wellbeing. For example, fast eaters are at greater risk of overeating, obesity, and indigestion. People with high stress levels are more likely to experience unhappiness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. When we are busy playing the roles of super-beings, we ignore the fundamental purposes behind the events and activities to which we are speeding. When life is constantly racing in the fast lane, our health deteriorates and aging accelerates. We must slow down before our bodies and minds break down.
Slowing down is about doing things at an appropriate speed, not at a turtle’s pace. Decelerating in life is not about dawdling, but about adjusting life rhythms and sharing experiences with people we care about. Rather than passing through places and events, it allows us to ‘be there’ to connect with what is actually going on around us. Being slow emphasizes building balances between work and life, quality and quantity, tangibles and intangibles, excitement and relaxation, destitution and abundance. Instead of rushing from one task to another, we take the time to enjoy important moments during prioritized activities.
While some people feel nervous about slowing down at the beginning, the “slow impact” will kick in quickly once new behavior patterns are adopted. Not only will our bodies benefit from slowing down, our mental health will be lifted to a more positive and energetic level. The core motive of slowing down is to choose living rather than to simply exist. The following is a list of the most effective slow actions. Put them into practice, and live life to the fullest!
Turn them Off: Turn off TV, cell phone, BlackBerry and radios for a few hours each day. This way, we don’t need to worry about unexpected interruption. We can have these few hours just to ourselves for reading, talking with families, playing instruments, or simply chilling. It’d be the best if we turn off all electronic devices during sleep.
Take a deep breath: Research has found that deep breathing helps calm the mind. Breathing deeply and evenly has an instant effect on heart rate. Especially during overwhelming moments, deep breathing can quickly slow us down.
Do one thing at a time: It is okay not to be an overachiever. Multitasking makes us feel anxious and stressed, and we may end up doing nothing well. Focusing on one thing at a time lets us to finish it well. Better yet, we are able to appreciate what it is from the beginning to the end.
Have leisure time: It is unwise to fill every hour of the day with activities. Having fun is just as important as working hard. There is no need to feel guilty about relaxing. Many studies show that people who make time for sports are more creative and productive than those who do not. Additionally, enjoying leisure time makes us happier and, allows use to develop relationships more easily. BTW, make sure when “leisure” mode is on, we are not worrying about other unfinished businesses.
Pick up a Hobby: Slowing down can be easily achieved by enjoying hobbies. Golfing, yoga, gardening, knitting, pottery, and writing are some examples for soothing and fulfilling relaxation. When we are engaged in interesting hobbies, we set our brains in a new mode that encourages creativity and productivity.
Stay Mindful: Mindfulness is a Buddhist meditation technique. Being present in the moment where things take place is the key of staying mindful. We can really experience all things in the surroundings without making judgments. We apply all of our senses to connect with matters around us.
* This article was first published in Yellow Magazine July 2009 issue.
Modern society may appeal to our need for instant gratification, but the quality of life does not always benefit from technological advances. On the contrary, high-velocity lifestyle takes a toll on our wellbeing. For example, fast eaters are at greater risk of overeating, obesity, and indigestion. People with high stress levels are more likely to experience unhappiness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. When we are busy playing the roles of super-beings, we ignore the fundamental purposes behind the events and activities to which we are speeding. When life is constantly racing in the fast lane, our health deteriorates and aging accelerates. We must slow down before our bodies and minds break down.
Slowing down is about doing things at an appropriate speed, not at a turtle’s pace. Decelerating in life is not about dawdling, but about adjusting life rhythms and sharing experiences with people we care about. Rather than passing through places and events, it allows us to ‘be there’ to connect with what is actually going on around us. Being slow emphasizes building balances between work and life, quality and quantity, tangibles and intangibles, excitement and relaxation, destitution and abundance. Instead of rushing from one task to another, we take the time to enjoy important moments during prioritized activities.
While some people feel nervous about slowing down at the beginning, the “slow impact” will kick in quickly once new behavior patterns are adopted. Not only will our bodies benefit from slowing down, our mental health will be lifted to a more positive and energetic level. The core motive of slowing down is to choose living rather than to simply exist. The following is a list of the most effective slow actions. Put them into practice, and live life to the fullest!
Turn them Off: Turn off TV, cell phone, BlackBerry and radios for a few hours each day. This way, we don’t need to worry about unexpected interruption. We can have these few hours just to ourselves for reading, talking with families, playing instruments, or simply chilling. It’d be the best if we turn off all electronic devices during sleep.
Take a deep breath: Research has found that deep breathing helps calm the mind. Breathing deeply and evenly has an instant effect on heart rate. Especially during overwhelming moments, deep breathing can quickly slow us down.
Do one thing at a time: It is okay not to be an overachiever. Multitasking makes us feel anxious and stressed, and we may end up doing nothing well. Focusing on one thing at a time lets us to finish it well. Better yet, we are able to appreciate what it is from the beginning to the end.
Have leisure time: It is unwise to fill every hour of the day with activities. Having fun is just as important as working hard. There is no need to feel guilty about relaxing. Many studies show that people who make time for sports are more creative and productive than those who do not. Additionally, enjoying leisure time makes us happier and, allows use to develop relationships more easily. BTW, make sure when “leisure” mode is on, we are not worrying about other unfinished businesses.
Pick up a Hobby: Slowing down can be easily achieved by enjoying hobbies. Golfing, yoga, gardening, knitting, pottery, and writing are some examples for soothing and fulfilling relaxation. When we are engaged in interesting hobbies, we set our brains in a new mode that encourages creativity and productivity.
Stay Mindful: Mindfulness is a Buddhist meditation technique. Being present in the moment where things take place is the key of staying mindful. We can really experience all things in the surroundings without making judgments. We apply all of our senses to connect with matters around us.
* This article was first published in Yellow Magazine July 2009 issue.
Labels: deep breath, healthy lifestyle, leisure, mindiation, nurture, slow life
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