Article: 4 Massive Benefits of Slowing Down

4 MASSIVE BENEFITS OF SLOWING DOWN

25 April, 2022

Does it sometimes feel like you're not achieving your goals or creating what you want as quickly as you'd like? I often feel this way. And for years I lived in constant 'hustle' mode, thinking the more I could do and the faster I could do it meant that I was getting closer to what I wanted quicker. In fact, for me going slowly can feel unnatural -- and as a result, patience is a recurring lesson.

But building foundations and creating what you want takes time. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying...or trying to sell you something. So there's no harm, or shame, in not having it all done now.

In fact there's a lot of science (more and more all the time) that shows that slowing down actually makes you more successful in, both the short and long run. Slowing down can be the difference between success or failure, or between thriving and burning out.

4 Massive Benefits of Slowing Down:

Clarity: If you're constantly moving, working and on the go-go-go, you might miss important stuff. Like knowing where you're actually headed. When you slow down, you gain a lot of perspective - and you can actually be far more productive. You can't see where you're going if you're too busy running fast!

Health: You can't do anything if you're dead, and there's mounting evidence that slowing down is not only good for your mind, but it's much better for your body and well-being. People who rush through life tend to have far more accidents, injuries and disease. From high blood pressure and heart disease and diabetes to head injuries, bone breaks, joint sprains and a litany of other mental and physical health problems arise from living life in the 'hustle' zone. We all have 24 hours in our day, so slow down and use them to your benefit. And remember: self-care is a priority, not a luxury.

Emotional Intelligence: Our emotions are like inner guides that help us take inventory of what's happening in and around us, and how to respond. When you're moving too quickly, you often ignore your feelings in the interest of "getting sh*t done" but you're sacrificing one of the most important aspects of yourself: your inner guidance system. People who move intentionally through life and who manage their emotions are, generally, far more successful because they have a better understanding of who they are and don't allow themselves to be triggered into ineffective behavior or take rash (emotioanlly-based) actions.

Better Decisions: What good is getting a sh*tton done if a single (rushed) decision can undo all the time and effort you've put into it? When you slow down - even take time to meditate or just to be mindful and present to the moment - your mind is able to stop racing and is able to absorb and integrate information far more effectively, resulting in clearer, more resourceful decisions.

So if you have the tendency to be impatient (like me) and are always on the move, try slowing down - even for a day - and see what happens. You don't have to stop completely; in fact, it's best if you don't. There is something to momentum.

So give the slow-down a try. Journal (or just write) about your experience so you can reflect on what works for you, and what you might like to tweak.

You never know, you might even find you enjoy a slower-paced existence. After all, what you can possibly gain definitely outweighs what you get from 'hustling' all the time, which I'm learning is basically a quick hit of dopamine along with a constant stream of damaging cortisol.

Following sage advice like this could even make you a sage. And they're called sages for a reason. 😊