Wheww, chile—life has been life-ing lately. This year has been a whirlwind of new opportunities, and I’ve been riding that wave. New job, new accolades, new adventures, new friends—everything coming at me so fast that I barely had time to catch my breath. It’s like every time I finish one thing, another is already waiting for me at the door. And let’s be real, that infamous "To-Do List" has been running the show.
The Need to Slow Down
In the midst of all these new things, I found myself chasing after that high of accomplishment. Each checked box on my list gave me a quick hit of gratification, but it wasn’t long before I felt drained, tired, and a little too anxious. My mind was constantly racing, thinking about the next thing I had to knock off the list. And the more I scratched off, the more it seemed like people were lining up to hand me new tasks.
I’m the type who likes to give 100%—no half-stepping. I want everything I do to be right, and I’ll push myself to make it happen. But I quickly started to realize that giving back-to-back 100% to people, events, projects, and everything else was leaving me empty. I’d joke that I was running on a quarter tank, but the truth was, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. And the wild part? I hadn’t done anything for myself in a whole year. The last time I took a real break was in July 2023, and since then, I’ve been running non-stop.
Recognizing the Signs
The wake-up call came when I went to the doctor, and she informed me that my anxiety was off the charts, and my blood pressure was right there with it. I was always tired, barely sleeping, eating like trash, and losing touch with friends. My life had turned into a cycle of work, checking off the list, and collapsing at home. When I started feeling down more often than not, I knew something had to give.
Acknowledging When You’re Overwhelmed
It took me a minute, but I finally had to admit that I was overwhelmed. I had to confront the reality that I was doing too much and not taking care of myself. It’s hard to slow down when you’re so used to being in motion, but sometimes life forces you to hit the brakes. And that’s okay.
Simple Steps to Slow Down
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about slowing down is the importance of balancing my list. I attended a workshop where I learned a simple but powerful technique: when you say yes to something, it often means you need to say no to something else. This practice has been a game-changer for me. By being intentional with my choices, I’ve managed to ease a lot of the stress that used to weigh me down—mentally and physically. It’s helped me keep my list realistic, filled with things I can truly manage, and taught me the value of saying no to what doesn’t align with my needs or desires.
Here are a few other steps that have helped me slow down:
Breathing Techniques: Focusing on my breath has been a lifesaver. It grounds me and brings me back to the present moment.
Taking Breaks: I’ve discovered the power of stepping away, even if just for a few minutes. It refreshes my mind and resets my energy.
Prioritizing Self-Care: Small, daily habits have made all the difference. Whether it’s a short walk or a few minutes with a good book, these moments recharge me.
Embracing the Slow Moments
The last couple of months have been pretty rough, but committing to slowing down has started to bring back my joy. I can feel the positive impact it’s having on my life. This time, when my to-do lists and responsibilities start to pile up, I’m handling it differently. My mind is clearer, and I can even feel my health improving. When I stopped rushing through life, just ticking boxes, I was surprised by how much more life I had to live.
At the start of 2024, I set a goal for this to be the year of more—more life, more experiences, more opportunities. But what I’m realizing now is that “more” doesn’t necessarily mean adding to my plate. Instead, it’s about slowing down and fully appreciating what’s already in front of me and doing what feels right to me.
Conclusion
Take a moment to find your own ways to slow down. It’s okay to take life one breath at a time.
Commenti