Let’s Slow Down Together, Intentionally

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.
– Lily Tomlin

Especially in the month of January, we are told to make & do. Make the lists, and then do what’s on them. And if we keep completing our to-do lists, can we add on a few more tasks to be even more productive? 

Can we go to work and be on carpool duty? Can we scale a business and put away the laundry, and pick up groceries? Can we remember the birthday, purchase the birthday gift and remember to mail it? In time? 

The old idea is to move fast: The faster we complete the assumed multitasking roles, the sooner we can slow down. But what if in 2022 (+ beyond), we go faster .. by slowing down?

Here are 5 ideas you'll need to answer to get you started. 

1. Express yourself.

When people create, their brains can subconsciously solve problems or generate original ideas. Placing words to paper allows for freedom of thought and the ability to exercise ideas out loud. Are you finding time to just daydream? Here are some ideas to help you brainstorm:

• Painting (canvas, makeup, nails, paper, walls, etc). 
• Writing (letters, postcards, essays, poems, morning pages).
• Singing (in the shower, in the car, karaoke, “Alexa, play Shania Twain”)

2. Go to Sleep.

According to the Mayo Clinic, adults should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Research shows that people who sleep so little over many nights don't perform as well on mental tasks as people who get closer to seven hours of sleep a night.

Figure out what time you want to wake up in the am, then work backwards 7-9 hours. Ideas to help get you ready for bed:

• An hour + before bedtime, dim your lights.
• Switch electronics to night mode.
• Take a warm bath or shower. 

3. Let’s try meditation. 

Meditation practice helps us have a much healthier relationship with ourselves and others, opening an important dialogue about our thought patterns and behaviors.

It’s “practice” because we need to learn how to recognize when our minds are doing their normal everyday routine, and perhaps pause to be aware of such routines will be more selective of what we’d like to focus on. It’s about slowing down and paying attention. 

Woodhull Wellness can help you get started here.

4. Find space to Daydream.

When you daydream, your mind is unconstrained. While you can’t change your physical reality, you can go wherever you please in your mind. So maybe the next time you take a drive, turn off the music and save the phone call for later. Or while you’re sipping your afternoon tea, maybe take ten minutes to just be and see where your mind wonders. 

Research confirms that daydreaming causes measurable changes in the brain linked to greater creativity and problem-solving abilities. It allows for sparking of new ideas and in a judgement-free zone.

5. Keep your calendar a little more free. 

A Friday night, to yourself? Ever heard of her? COVID-19 made us cancel our plans which forced us to rethink our social activities. But has your calendar filled back up again? Are we overwhelmed with 2022 weddings? 

Ashley Vincent, nurse at the Christ Hospital and her son, Everett remind us the beauty of slowing down and the perks of a slower social life. 

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