Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor
In this fast-paced world, it can feel as though there is never enough time to do everything needed and wanted to do each day. Between classes, work, internships, friends, family and much more, it can be overwhelming to anyone. At times, one may ask themself if they’re not doing enough, if they could be more organized or why does it seem like everyone else has it together? Maybe a different question is required — why is there so much pressure to do more?
With never-ending busy lives, one might believe that slowing down in life is a luxury that cannot be afforded. In reality, slowing down is a necessity. As a society, younger generations are already facing major burnout in life. To combat this, it’s important to reconnect oneself to the present moment and relearn how to find balance in an ever-changing world.
1. What are your priorities?
In order to slow down, one has to figure out what’s important to us. Endless to-do lists can distract from what’s really important. By taking time to reflect on the things that bring peace and joy in our everyday lives, distractions can be cut out. If one is unsure on where to start, try looking at relationships with family and friends. Is there anything one would like to do more? Anything less? Once what’s important is identified, it’s easier to release unnecessary stresses that drain energy.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an extremely important skill that everyone can benefit from. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. It includes observing one’s own thoughts, feelings and environment with an open and accepting attitude. It takes time to master mindfulness, but with lots of patience and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.
3. Mindful Breathing
Pay attention to the sensation of one’s breathing as it moves in and out of the body. Try to breathe slowly and deeply, noticing how the air feels as it moves through the nose, fills the lungs and leaves the body. Allow the body to fully relax and feel as if it’s floating among the clouds. This practice can be done at any time, but it is especially helpful when one is overwhelmed or feeling disconnected. By focusing on what’s happening in the present, one can break free from the never-ending cycle of stress.
4. Embrace Doing Nothing
Living in a time where productivity is highly valued, doing nothing seems foreign and wrong. Doing nothing is crucial in restoring mental and emotional selves. Whether it’s simply taking a nap, reading a book or people-watching, doing nothing is extremely vital for recharging one’s mental batteries. Learning how to relax without guilt or pressure is extremely rewarding. One simple “nothing” activity is sitting out at night and looking up at the sky. The chilly air is refreshing and looking at the night sky can encourage one to reflect on their life as a whole. Giving oneself permission to take breaks and rest can lead to a more positive mindset about resting and can result in a higher level of productivity.
5. Reconnect with Nature
Nature has a magical ability to help individuals slow down. It allows for escape from modern responsibilities. Whether it’s in the park, garden or hiking in the woods, reconnecting with nature lowers levels of cortisol — the stress hormone — and improves feelings of emotional well-being. Nature reminds one of the simple pleasures of life, such as feeling the warmth of the sun on our skin or the calming sounds of the wind and water. One such place that encourages one to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world is Peavy Arboretum. It has many different trails and it feels as if one is deep within the forest, when they’re relatively close to Corvallis. For anyone who wants to do this hike, one would recommend hikers to park in the small parking lot on 99W going South.
6. Do Not Disturb
As technology continues to advance, people are relying on this powerful tool now more than ever. Whether it’s the constant notifications from email, Canvas, messages, Instagram, TikTok and more, it can become a distraction and eat up free time. Technology, especially phones, can feel as if they’re taking over lives. Just like any other relationship, setting boundaries is important. Some things one could do to limit the unnecessary stress is to turn off any notifications that are not essential. This simple step can make all the difference. As college students, many rely on our phones and laptops and it can be hard to completely take time away from busy schedules. Other than silencing unnecessary notifications, another important reason to take time away from phones is to strengthen in-person relationships. Spending too much time on phones only increases the feeling of being constantly overwhelmed. Setting boundaries in order to separate oneself from the online world allows one to prioritize important personal connections and experiences.
When life feels like a competition, slowing down can feel unproductive. But slowing down has shown the opposite effect. By embracing a mindful lifestyle, it can allow for the ability to feel truly alive and appreciate the smaller things in life. It is important to prioritize what’s really important in order to create a life that is more meaningful and fulfilling. Life is not about the destination, but about the journey — a journey that should be experienced and enjoyed.
Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu
