Slow Down To Get More Done. Really.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu

Does your life seem like an endless list of deadlines, commitments, and responsibilities? Have you found yourself lamenting too often, “I wish I had time to unplug and rest for a moment”?

If you are exhausted or overwhelmed, I know how you feel. I’ve been there — worked too hard, slept too little, always rushing through the day. But soon, I realized the hustle-bustle of life today is detrimental to my wellness.

In this fast-paced and technology-driven world, ‘slow’ has become an alien notion. But we need to slow down and make time to enjoy life’s gifts — even when there’s a to-do list hanging over our heads.

“Happiness is not waiting for us; it is within us.”

I am still learning what slow living, through mindful actions and consistent rituals, means for me. But I hope I can motivate you to practice this healthier approach too. 

What is Slow Living?

In our constant endeavors of chasing more, we lose our connection to ourselves, relationships, and nature. On the other hand, if we choose to savor and nourish every moment, we can celebrate life. This mindset shift is what we call ‘slow living’. In simple terms, replace chaos with contentment for physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.

So, how can you utilize the benefits of slow living for work-life balance and productivity? Here’s how you can slow down and get more done.

1.      Make your home a canvas for the life you wish to live!

My “slow living” journey started at my private retreat — my home. This outlook is not about minimalism. It is about working out the things we simply can’t live without.

Your home should be your intimate sanctuary. It should emphasize ‘living in the moment’ and provide you with the fundamentals for living. 

2.      Turn your routines into consistent rituals!

When you wake up, what is the first thing you do? Check your phone, hurry out of bed, and rush to the office? You need to stop doing everything on autopilot. Consider the actual value of your activities and take a moment to appreciate what’s happening around you. If you want to embrace slow living, try transforming your mindless routines into mindful actions.

• Refresh your morning routine.
  Instead of rushing out of bed, have some quiet time to energize your body slowly.
• Create a relaxing bedtime ritual.
  Take a break from technology at least an hour before bed.

3.      Take a wellness break to rest: detox your soul and mind!

Taking a break doesn’t mean a holiday with fully-packed itineraries. Instead, pause, and experience authentic rituals. Indulging in Ayurvedic therapy or meditation is a perfect way to drift away from your worries.

4.      Learn the slow ‘yes’ and the quick ‘no’.

Are you saying “yes” way too often? Pause here. Too many yeses lead to exhaustion. You need to find limits and put healthy boundaries in place.

How do you do this? By balancing your yeses and nos. Remember, when you say “no” to a non-essential, you can say “yes” to the right things. 

Final Thoughts

Slow living is a comprehensive approach towards the wellness of our body, mind, and soul. The best way to reach a work-life balance is to stop agreeing with external cues. They will fuel your anxiety and diminish your productivity.

It may sound spiritual, but the less negativity we engage in, the more our mind will achieve peace. So, try taking things slow, understand the value of consistent rituals, and make small changes throughout your day.