The Art of Slowing It Down
We live in a world that’s constantly moving, and it’s hard to deny how easy it is to get swept up in the rush. For years, I’ve been a ‘rusher,’ quick to react and fill up my calendar to the brim. Growing up in the city, I learned early on that speed was essential—the faster you move, the easier it is to keep up. There’s no room for pause when everything around you is constantly in motion.
But here’s the thing: the rush, the chaos, the constant hurry—it becomes overwhelming. It’s not just about the pace we move at, it’s also how we build our lives. Especially when you live in the city, everything feels urgent. Yet, when we step away—on holiday or a weekend getaway—there’s an effortless shift. You can saunter to breakfast, take your time by the pool, and move through the day slowly and mindfully. So, why is it that when we return home, the rush picks up where it left off?
Slowing down is one of those things that sounds easier than it actually is. I’ve been trying to ‘slow down’ for years without much success. It’s simple to say, but the how is much more complex. But instead of just ‘saying’ I am going to do it, I am going to start implementing firm boundaries to ensure that I begin to actually make this a reality in my life.
So let’s explore how we can begin to slow down, together:
Do One Thing at a Time
This one is particularly challenging for me. I’m often juggling multiple things at once—walking and listening to a podcast, tidying the kitchen while watching TV, checking my phone while I work. Rarely do I focus on just one thing at a time. But this is where change happens. Instead of the good old multi-tasking, let’s commit to focusing on one task at a time. When you’re working, writing, or reading, set your phone aside. Minimise distractions and give yourself permission to be present in just this one activity. It's more difficult than it sounds, but it trains your brain to slow down. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the task and repeat. The more you practice this, the easier it becomes as your brain learns to crave less chaos.
Ground Yourself in the Present
This one is easy to forget, but grounding yourself in the moment is essential. Bring awareness to your breath, feel your feet on the ground, and remind yourself that you’re here, right now. By focusing on the present moment, you remind yourself that this is where you belong—here, in this task, not lost in thought or distracting or numbing with something else. Just be. This is a hard one, as it’s easy to forget in the moment, so throughout the day, find small ways to remind yourself to ground back into the present.
Put Space Between Tasks
Creating space between each task in your day is a simple yet powerful way to slow down. It’s not just about taking a breath—it’s a chance to reflect, reset, and reconnect with yourself before moving on to the next thing. We often get lost in the rush, forgetting why we’re doing what we’re doing. Adding space allows you to check in with yourself and realign before diving into the next task. In order to do this, I would recommend putting this space into your calendar as a 5–10 minute break between tasks. Don’t go on your phone or screen, but take time away. Make a cup of tea, do a quick dance or stretch, or create real space by sitting with yourself if you feel you can. Set a 5-minute timer, allowing the thoughts to flow, coming back to the breath, coming back to the present.
Use Music to Set the Mood
Music can be a powerful tool to slow down the pace of your day. While it may seem counterintuitive, connecting with music—whether it’s calming, soothing, or simply uplifting—can help center your energy. Let the rhythm soothe your nervous system, helping you focus on the moment instead of reaching for distractions like podcasts or TV. Music can be a simple but effective anchor to help you stay in the moment, focus on the task at hand, and most importantly, stay in the present.
Cultivate Stillness in Your Environment.
Our environment plays a significant role in our pace. A cluttered or chaotic space can increase stress, while a clean and organized environment helps promote calm and focus. To slow down, create spaces that support your intention, whether it’s a quiet reading nook, a tidy home, or a mindful workspace. When your surroundings are calm and purposeful, they encourage the same mindset, making it easier to move at a slower, more intentional pace. By curating your environment, you’re setting the stage for stillness and presence in your life.
