SLOW DOWN &

ENJOY LIFE

How to

Life moves a such a fast pace.  It goes by so

fast we hardly have time to enjoy it and by

the time we realize it we're old and gray.   

While we've invented technology to help

save time, we use that time to do more and

more things and in turn our lives are more

hectic than ever.

It Doesn't have to be this way!

Let's start slowing down and enjoying life. A

slower paced life means enjoying things.

Such as your morning instead of running off

to work in a hurry. Taking time to enjoy the

outdoors, actually focus and enjoy the person

you're talking to or spending time with.

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Putting aside that laptop or cell phone, it's

hard but we have to make a conscious effort

to make the choice of single tasking instead

switching between multiple tasks and not

really focusing fully on one of them.

Here's how to do it

1.) Do less

When you're doing a million things it's really

hard to slow down. Make a conscious

choice to do less. Focus on what's

important, what really needs to be done and

just let go of the rest. Put space in between

appointments and tasks so you can get

through your day at a more calmer pace.

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2.) Be present

Slowing down just isn't enough, being

mindful of what you're doing at the

moment. When you find yourself thinking

about something you need to do, or

something that's already happened, or

something that might happen, slowly bring

yourself back to the present moment.

Focus on what's happing now!

Focus on others, your environment, your

actions, and your breathing. This takes a lot

of practice but it's essential. Make a

conscious effort.

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3.) Disconnect

If you carry a cell phone around, which many

of us do, including me, take a moment to

shut if off. We've gotten so used to

checking in on Facebook, Twitter or what

ever that we don't even notice how

consuming of our time it is.

If you work on a computer most of the day

try to take some time to disconnect and

focus on something else. Always being

connected means we're subject to

interruptions.

All the information that's constantly

bombarding us just stresses us out. We're

at the demands of others.

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4.) Eat Slower

It's hard to slow down and focus when we're

constantly being messaged by others.

We all love eating, but cramming food down

our throats as quickly as possible is not good

for us. It can lead to the lack of enjoyment of

food and overeating.

Be mindful of each bite, appreciate the

smells and different flavors. Actually eating

slower doubles the benefit of feeling fuller

quicker on less food and we actually enjoy

our food and the taste more.

Try eating healthy food, use less salt and

sugar and less fried foods.

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5.) Appreciate Nature

Most of the time we're indoors. Working, in

our homes, car or train and we rarely get the

chance to go outside. Even when people are

outside they're on their cell phones.

Really go outside and enjoy nature. It's

proven to relax us. It helps with anxiety and

depression. Go out and take a deep breath,

find some water, a field, go for a walk in a

park or a trail.

Feel the sensations on your skin, the different

smells of nature, the leaves, the grass. Try to

do this everyday either by yourself or with

someone.

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6.) Focus on People

Many times we're spending time with people

such as our friends or loved ones and not

really present. We talk to them but get

distracted by our devices. We start thinking

about other things we have to do. We listen

but only about ourselves and what we need

to say next.

We all do this, but making a conscious effort

you can shut out the outside world and just

be present with the person you're with.

Spending good quality time with your friends

or family and truly listening can go a long

way. It means really connecting with them

and building a true relationship.

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7.) Drive Slower

Driving fast and speeding seems to be the

norm now a days. We're all guilty of it. It's

responsible for accidents, stress and wasted

fuel. Make it a habit to slow down when

you're driving.

Appreciate your surroundings, enjoy your

time alone and contemplate your life and the

things your passing on the road. Driving will

not only be much safer and enjoyable you

save some gas too! :)

8.) Find Pleasure in Anything

This is taking being present a step further.

Be fully present in everything you do and

enjoy every aspect.

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A simple thing as washing the dishes instead

of rushing through a seemingly boring chore.

Really take a second to feel the water, the

soap, the dishes. It can actually be

enjoyable if you think of things in a different

light.

Even washing the car, dusting, vacuuming,

laundry or anything you're doing. Life can be

so much simpler if you learn this simple

habit.

9.) Single Task

Focus on one thing at a time. When you

suddenly feel you need to do other tasks,

stop yourself. Take a minute and breathe.

Pull yourself back.

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10.) Breathe

When you find yourself stressing out and

speeding up just take a second to pause

and breathe. Take a couple more. Feel the

air coming into your body and feel the

stress leaving. By focusing on each breath,

it will help bring you back down to the

present.

Try taking a couple deep breaths now. :)

Here's some of the resources I like to help me

slow down:

- Calm (a free meditation website with

sounds and visuals

- Zenhabits (blog)

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