As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks and responsibilities. While this time of year typically brings excitement, it can also induce significant stress. Rather than just pushing through the end of the year, perhaps it’s worth considering the benefits of slowing down, reflecting on our experiences, and making thoughtful plans for the future.
Could it be time for us to take a step back and breathe?
5 SIGNIFICANT SIGNS THAT IT’S TIME TO SLOW DOWN
1. YOU CAN’T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME YOU TURNED OFF YOUR PHONE
Making a habit of turning off your phone is essential, yet many people neglect to do this. I still remember when I took a break a few weeks ago and switched off my phone. Upon turning it back on, I found a message from a friend.
Friend: “Why aren’t you answering? Are you okay?”
Me: “Sorry, my phone was off.”
Friend: “Oh, it died?”
Me: “No, I just turned it off.”
Friend: “…why?”
It’s alarming how attached we are to our devices. Whenever I’m out, I see people absorbed in their screens, neglecting their surroundings. Consider turning your phone off periodically to reclaim your time. You’d be surprised at how much more you can accomplish without incessantly checking your social media or emails. If switching it off is too daunting, try disabling notifications for an hour or two instead.
2. YOU HAVE TROUBLE FALLING ASLEEP
Stress can lead to insomnia, even for those who usually have no issues sleeping. If you’re tossing and turning, struggling to find rest, it might be a sign that you need to slow down. Nighttime anxiety indicates stress, which can hinder your ability to fall asleep. Establishing a calming bedtime routine that includes winding down with activities such as journaling or meditating can significantly help.
3. SELF-CARE, WHAT’S THAT?
If you often feel guilty about treating yourself, whether it’s to a cozy coffee shop experience or taking time for a long bath instead of dinner with friends, it’s time to change that mindset. Prioritizing self-care and learning to recharge is vital, especially now when so much attention is often placed on others. Reflect for a moment—when was the last time you did something nice for yourself? If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these self-care activities.
4. YOU’RE CONSTANTLY IN A RUSH + RUNNING LATE
Are you perpetually hurrying from one thing to the next, to the point of rushing through meals? This is one of the clearest indicators that you need to pause and reassess. Ironically, when in a rush, the instinct often is to push harder rather than to slow down. Taking time to sit down, plan, and establish a morning routine can help create more space in your day and incorporate mindfulness.
5. YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED
Have you ever felt so inundated with tasks that you didn’t know where to start, resulting in doing nothing at all? This common experience is often fueled by a lack of planning. Juggling multiple tasks can dilute their effectiveness. Organizing your thoughts and projects can help maintain focus. For me, utilizing time-blocking techniques has proven effective. If distractions are a challenge, I recommend giving it a try.
HOW DO I FIX IT?
First and foremost: prioritize planning. Use your mornings wisely, allowing ample time for yourself to avoid daily rushing. Reflect on your “to-do” list—what’s truly important, and what can wait?
Secondly: ease the pressure you place on yourself. Strive for a balance; some tasks can take precedence over others. It’s perfectly fine if not everything gets done at once. If you didn’t manage to run errands today, you can always order takeout. Don’t be too hard on yourself and let go of unrealistic expectations.
Eliminate multitasking. From my own experience, attempting to juggle multiple tasks often leads to poor results. Focus on one task at a time to enhance productivity and avoid the need for costly corrections later.
Listen to your body. Are you feeling stiff, sore, or experiencing headaches? Prioritize your well-being. Even in your busy days, take breaks—keep healthy snacks accessible, drink water, and stretch regularly if you’re desk-bound.
There are numerous strategies to help you learn to slow down; consider what best fits your lifestyle. Reflect on the stressors that heighten your anxiety or overwhelm and think about how you can reduce or eliminate them. Formulate a plan and make a commitment to stick to it. Remember, prioritizing yourself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
