We often long for peace. However, slowing down turns out not to be that simple at all. Even when we are off or on vacation, our minds often keep going.
Why is that, actually?
And more importantly: how can you experience more peace step by step?
Our minds are used to being 'on'.
A clear mind and alertness help you in daily life to function well. But when there are few moments of recovery, our system remains active. As a result, relaxing can actually become more difficult.
We live in a world full of stimuli;
Just think of your phone giving notifications all day long, social media, a busy job, a family, a full schedule, or perhaps caring for a parent or partner. Our lives constantly demand our attention.
Being constantly available and having to make choices—‘just quickly do this’—can cause unrest; mentally and physically.
Research shows that prolonged stress affects, among other things, our concentration, sleep, mood, and physical recovery.
And when you have a moment of rest or when you slow down, this can feel uncomfortable.
Why rest sometimes actually causes unrest
Many people think: “If I have rest, I feel calm.”
But it is precisely when things become quiet that thoughts arise. Thoughts you might rather not have right now.
Your body is still in action mode. If you then suddenly do nothing, it hardly gets time to shift gears. This can actually cause restlessness.
Almost no one manages to go from 100 km/h to 10 km/h. It is simply far too big a transition. People then think they cannot relax, and that can trigger frustration and even anxiety. But your body is still slowing down; it doesn’t go from 100 to 10, or even 0, in one go.
What you need are small steps in between.
Slowing down can help during that transition phase.
Slowing down doesn't mean you don't have to do anything
For me, slowing down doesn’t mean I have to sit still. Quite the opposite. I actually notice that doing things mindfully calms me down. From inspiration and attention, not from restlessness or the feeling that I have to do something. Like gardening, making something, or taking photos. My hands are busy, while my mind actually gets more space.
By consciously slowing down, more attention to what you are doing at that moment often arises naturally. Perhaps you recognize something of mindfulness in this: being present in the moment, without immediately moving on to the next thing.
It doesn’t have to be grand. It often starts with a small moment when you give yourself permission to take it down a notch.
Small ways to slow down more
There are quite a few ways that can help you. I think it is also just a matter of trying out what works for you.
Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Switch off mobile data or internet after 6:00 PM
This way, you will no longer have internet, but you will still be reachable by phone.
Walking without a phone
Leave your phone at home for a change or put it on silent. Look around you, feel how you walk, and notice what you see and hear along the way.
Read also – the power of walking meditaion
Do a short breathing or relaxation exercise
There are many different breathing and relaxation exercises that can help you slowly get out of action mode. Be sure to choose an exercise that suits you and feels comfortable.
Read also – savasana relaxation exercise
Do something you enjoy
Gardening, reading, knitting, cooking, or whatever, but at a slower pace and again without your phone, or for example put it on silent for 15 minutes
Drinking tea or coffee consciously
Je kunt daarbij bijvoorbeeld een timer op vijf minuten zetten waarin je verder niets anders doet dan genieten van je drankje. Zie ook blog (link blog mindful thee drinken?!)
Read also – exercises in mindfulness – drinking
Treat yourself to a treatment
A massage or Reiki session can help you literally sink more back into your body and calm your mind.
This can be 1-on-1 or a online Reiki session
Go slowwww
So, slowing down is not the same as doing nothing. It is paying attention to what you are doing at that moment, at a pace that suits you. Sometimes that starts with five minutes. Sometimes with a walk. Or simply by putting your phone away for a moment.
Paying attention to the little things that make life just a bit more beautiful.
My name is Jolinda. With Flow Spirit, I guide people towards more peace, balance, and connection with themselves through energy work, intuitive coaching, and Reiki.
In addition, I enjoy sharing inspiration here with my blogs, about conscious living, herbs, nutrition, relaxation, and the little things that make life just a bit more beautiful.
Do you feel this resonates with you, you are very welcome to contact me.