18 Simple Ways to Slow Down

One of the things that has dramatically improved my life for the better this year was learning how to slow down.

It wasn’t a change I planned on making.

I didn’t want to go slow. I was like most people, always in a rush, wondering where the time had gone. I wanted results and I wanted them now! And I was willing to work for it – staying up late nights, sleeping barely a few hours a day, working, working, working…

And I thought I could do it, I really did…until finally one day my brain just completely shut off. It went haywire. Little sparks of dopamine and whatever other brain chemicals that make you lose your mind are went flying everywhere.

Instead of making all the progress I wanted to make, I found myself instead in a hospital with people telling me I couldn’t do what I had been doing the same way. Their exact words: it’s okay to get back on the horse, but no racing for you.

I had to slow down, whether I wanted to or not.

Fortunately, I’ve found that slowing down is actually much better than being in a hurry or a rush all the time.

When you slow down, it means living in the present moment, noticing the beauty of the small details around you, and enjoying life to the fullest.

Slow down and you get to experience so many beautiful things you may have otherwise had missed.

Here are 18 simple ways to slow down and enjoy life more:

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness will help you enjoy each and every moment to the fullest. Think about the five senses with everything you do. Try to fully experience what you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste with every action you do.

Do One Thing at a Time: Multi-tasking might make you feel like you are being more productive, but it can actually cause you to be less focused and take longer to complete tasks. Instead of trying to do everything at once, only try to do one thing at a time.

Eat Slowly: Eating slowly has many benefits. You’ll find that it helps you taste the food better, as well as help you avoid overeating. Take one small bite at a time and you’ll be surprised at how soon you feel full and how much more enjoyable a meal can be. Don’t eat while you watch TV or do other tasks.

Drive Slower: Not only does this help you slow down, but it is also safer for you as well. Go the speed limit at all times. Slow down near pedestrians, animals, and on tight roads. Listen to some relaxing music while you drive. Let other cars in front of you. Leave 15 minutes before you actually need to leave to assure you drive without hurrying.

Unwrap Gifts Slowly: I always take time to appreciate the wrapping paper and bows on a gift when I receive one. I very slowly and carefully unwrap the present, to fully enjoy the moment. It adds to the anticipation and excitement to unwrap slowly.

Unplug: Technology is designed to make everything faster and fuels our desire for instant gratification. Unplug the computer, disconnect the internet, turn off your phone. By disconnecting electronically, it opens up more opportunities to connect with others in reality.

Daydream: It’s okay to get lost in your own thoughts and daydream once in awhile. Set aside some time each day to daydream and visualize what you want to do. This will not only help you slow down, but also helps manifest what you daydream about into real life possibilities.

Spend Some Time in Nature: Taking the time to be in nature will always help you slow down. Notice the plants growing, the insects crawling, the rocks, the leaves, the trees. Try to spend at least one day a week in nature or enjoying the great outdoors.

Take Notes: Taking the time to write down your thoughts and ideas as soon as you get them will help ensure you never forget a good idea again. Keep a small notebook handy in your purse or pocket so when the moment arises you can jot down that good idea. If you’re reading a book, always take notes to highlight the most important information.

Breathe Deeply: One way to help you slow down and bring you back to living in the present moment is to take long, deep breaths. By breathing deeply and slowly, it helps you recenter your focus.

Connect With People: You should always make the time to connect with others. Go out to lunch with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile, make the phone call to someone you haven’t talked to lately, and of course cherish every moment spent with your family.

Create: You should try to make something every day. Whether it’s a home cooked meal, an art project, making music, or writing a poem, you should try to create something every day. It will help you feel productive, as well as help you slow down and explore your creative side.

Organize: Are you rushing around trying to find things that are misplaced? Take the time to organize your belongings so they are neat and easy to find.

Take Baby Steps: Instead of trying to take giant leaps forward in getting your projects done, break them down into tiny, easy to accomplish steps. By taking baby steps, you will do a better job and be more productive at the same time.

Spend One Day Alone Each Month: It’s important to give yourself some time and space to unwind. Spend one day completely alone to give yourself a much needed chance to recharge.

Stop Watching the Clock: Try going a day without a clock. With no set time to be anywhere or do anything, it can help you slow down and enjoy the experiences you have more. Do activities that make you lose complete track of time.

Have a cup of tea: I love a good cup of tea, and drinking it can be very therapeutic. A cup of tea can help you slow down, as it takes time to prepare the boiling water, brew the tea bag, and drink the tea. Reflect about the things you are grateful for or the moments in the day that made you smile while you take slow sips.

Reduce the To-Do-List: I used to make to-do lists that were so long there was no way I could possibly ever finish all of the things on my list. What I do now is make a list of 5 things I wish to accomplish each day – no more, no less. By limiting myself to doing only 5 things a day, it helps me prioritize what is really important, as well as make sure I am spending my time on activities that are truly important to me. It also saves me from having to rush around in worry that I won’t get everything done in time!

What about you? Are you always in a rush or have you learned it’s better to take things slow? What slow activities do you enjoy doing?