A season for slowing down…
Fall tends to be the season where life “picks back up post summer.” The air is crisp, school has started again, work starts to get busy again-overall it has a more “fast paced” energy to it. And while I think the energy is exciting and inspiring, the on to go culture we have been sold on can often lead to burnout, feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.
This year I am proposing that fall be a season to slow down.
First, I’d like to define what slowing down means to me.
The act of mindful and intentionally going about my day. An increased awareness of myself and my surroundings.
Now, let’s discuss some of the benefits of slowing down.
Reduced anxiety: when we slow down, we use tools to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which allows us to feel more at ease and calm.
Increased happiness: when we slow down, we are often able to appreciate the smaller things in life more fully. Gratitude = increased happiness.
Improved relationships: the more we slow down, the more present we can be with others.
Avoids burnout: when we engage in tools and practices to slow down we are more likely to engage in rest and take back a sense of control over our life. When we are out of control and doing “it all” we can often easily start to feel burnt out.
Stronger mind body connection: anything that causes us to come into ourselves, reflecting on our actions and build tools increases the mind body connection.
You may be thinking- that all sounds great but where do I start?
Start small: pick just one way in which you want to practice slowing down (i’ll include a list of some ways below).
Schedule it into your day: look at your calendar and notice the times where you can make some space for some slow down activities. Maybe you choose to set your alarm a little earlier in the morning so you can take your time instead of rush. Maybe at night, before you go to sleep, is the only time you can make space. Maybe it’s in the middle of the day, on your lunch break. It doesn't matter. Bonus-set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.
Practice having grace and self compassion: habits take time to build, especially ones that have been engrained in us for so long. So I encourage you to practice having self-compassion, to know that not every day will feel like a “win” but know that over time the small moments will add up-and you get a fresh start every day!
Last, some ideas on ways to slow down:
breath work
movement
meditation
art-making
journaling
For the rest of the month I am holding a SEPTEMBER SLOW DOWN CHALLENGE to help bring tools, tips and information on slowing down and how to succeed in building habits to do so. It’s not too late to join!
Follow me on @integratedhealing_ and send me a DM with 💜 to join the accountability group. Engage with the community and be entered to win a FREE session of your choice with me. More information on @integratedhealing_.
