Taking the time to slow down is critical for our overall wellness. Our minds are always on the next task before we finish the first. We are rarely living in the present moment.
It seems that our so-called modern technology has created this ‘rush rush’ way of living. We expect everything immediately. If we don’t respond to a text or email within minutes, people tend to get irate. We are expected to be ‘at the ready’ 24/7. This is not feasible nor is it sustainable, something has to give. And what tends to give is our wellness – we feel irritable, rushed, anxious, always behind and very, very tired.
Our nervous system needs a break to, the constant stress wears us out – literally. Ideally we are living 90% of the time in rest and repair mode where we are calm and the body and mind are restored. With 10% spent being ‘stressed”, or in the fight or flight response. However, it is often the exact opposite. We are stressed 90% of the time and even when we sleep the mind races and the body doesn’t settle. We wake up tired, yet again.
These are 5 simple ways to take a breather:
- Stop and take a few deep breaths whenever you can: when you are stopped at a red light, washing your hands or brushing your teeth – slow down time for a few rich deep breaths.
- Snuggle time – with your loved ones or animal companions. Bonding this way releases oxytocin, ‘the bonding hormone’ which helps lower your stress level.
- Close your eyes for a few seconds – turn inward and allow yourself to eliminate some of the outer distractions. Take a few deep rich breaths here too. Allow the mind and body to settle and take a break.
- Chew more slowly and sit down when you eat. Your digestive system will thank you and you will absorb more of the nutrients from your food. Savour the flavours and enjoy the time you nourish your body temple with healthy fuel.
- Take a break from your devices, I can’t say this enough! We are glued to our devices and we receive a ‘dopamine” hit each time we get a text or a like on Facebook. Give your brain, eyes and nervous system a break. We are negatively affected by the energies emitted from these devices. They create a lot of angst within us, and negatively affect our brain waves when we are trying to relax before a night’s sleep.
Learn to move through life at your own pace: