How to Slow Down and Enjoy Your Life More

Lisa Franchi September 30, 2014

While we all seem to enjoy working like a dog, it is our innermost wish to live a simpler life at some point or another. However, in this fast-paced world, slowing down appears impossible to do. Most of us even choose to multi-task in an effort to juggle with their hectic lifestyles.

Even so, we still have the power to make our life more enjoyable. Whether you’re a full-time mum, a graduating college student, a CEO, or a chief executive, you can still slow down and enjoy a simpler and more mindful life.

The following suggestions can serve as your guide.

Ditch multi-tasking.

You may feel productive when you’re multi-tasking but according to research, only about 2.5% of people have the ability to effectively focus on more than one task at a time. That means for the remaining 97.5%, things are not easier. They become HARDER. By ditching multi-tasking, you can slow down in life and deal with things in a more efficient manner.

Stop trying so hard.

This suggestion might sound strange, but once concept in meditation is that trying to force the mind to do anything is often counterproductive. A lot of people feel the need to get things done perfectly. But you don’t have to. Yes, you must work hard, but not to the point that you’ve become a slave of it.

Practise meditation.

It only takes 10 to 15 minutes, but meditation has a very powerful effect on your mind and body. People who meditate are less stressful and less prone to mental health issues. They are also more productive and efficient at work. What’s more, they are happier and more satisfied in life.

Schedule time for silence.

Silence is a luxurious leisure that doesn’t cost a thing. You can find it in the early hours of the morning, or before you sleep at night. You can experience it a few minutes before starting your car engine, or during that half-hour traffic jam. Do seek silence in your daily life. You deserve it.

Disconnect.

Learn to leave your mobile phone or computer behind whenever possible. If you work in front of the computer all day, have times when you disconnect so you can focus on other things. It’s hard to slow down when you’re always checking new messages coming in.

Appreciate nature.

Take time to go outside and really appreciate nature. Don’t bring your mobile phone, or put it in silent mode. Go to the park. Feel the sensations of water and wind and earth against your skin. Try doing this daily, either by yourself or with your loved ones.

Breathe.

When you find yourself speeding up and stressing out – pause and take a deep breath. Still exhausted? Take a couple more. Really feel the air coming into your body, and feel the stress going out.

Life is more enjoyable when you don’t rush. So take things slowly. Because when you run so fast to reach your destination, you miss the fun of getting there.