Are You Too Busy? Find Balance and Slow Down
Our modern world often pushes us to move faster, cramming more into our days. The result? Our health, happiness, and relationships can take a hit.
The Myth of Busyness
Most people I know say they’re “busy” when asked how they are, even though they may not be working 16-hour days. In truth, much of our busyness is self-imposed. We fill our schedules with activities and distractions, and now even children are overscheduled, running from one class or playdate to the next, arriving home just as tired as their parents.
Remember when free, unstructured outdoor play was the norm? Many of us now mistake busyness for productivity or success, but in reality, it often masks feelings of emptiness, like unfulfilling jobs or strained relationships.
"Busy" is the New Sick
Dr Suzanne Kovan, from Harvard Medical School, describes an "epidemic" of excessive busyness, noting symptoms like:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Digestive issues
- Weight gain
These symptoms lack a clear medical diagnosis but are easy to recognise as the effects of being too busy.
The Power of Balance
Life should be a series of sprints, followed by rest and recovery. Taking time to slow down lets us reflect on life’s bigger picture—our goals, our relationships, and how we’re living. By balancing periods of busyness with downtime, we can recuperate, refocus, and regain control.
"There is more to life than increasing its speed" - Gandhi
Enter the Slow Movement
It is a cultural revolution against the notion that faster is always better. The Slow philosophy is not about doing everything at a snail’s pace. It’s about seeking to do everything at the right speed. Savouring the hours and minutes rather than just counting them. Doing everything as well as possible, instead of as fast as possible. It’s about quality over quantity in everything from work to food to parenting.
For most of us to effectively deal with our ever accelerating pace of life we have to deal with what's going on inside our heads. We have to change the way we think. Technology and electronic communications push information to us putting us under pressure to think and act quickly. The result is reaction rather than reflection.
The brain can work wonders in high gear, but it will accomplish much more if given a chance to slow down from time to time. Slowing down and having time to reflect can result in better health, calmness, enhanced concentration and the ability to think more creatively.
British psychologist Guy Claxton says the brain has two modes of thought: Fast Thinking and Slow Thinking. Fast Thinking is rational, analytical, linear and logical. It's what we do when under pressure. Slow Thinking is intuitive and creative. It's what we do when the pressure is off, and we have time to let ideas simmer at their own pace.
Relaxation is the precursor to Slow Thinking. Research has shown that people think more creatively when they are calm, unhurried and free from stress.
The smartest and most creative people know when to let the mind wander and when to knuckle down to hard work. In other words, when to be slow and when to be fast.
Key Ideas of Slow Thinking:
The brain has two modes: Fast Thinking (rational, logical) and Slow Thinking (creative, intuitive).
When under pressure, we rely on Fast Thinking. But giving ourselves space to slow down fosters creativity and better problem-solving.
Relaxation is crucial to tapping into this slower, more thoughtful mindset.
Focus on Efficiency, Not Multi-Tasking
Rather than multi-tasking, which often leads to average results, try focusing on one task at a time. Reduce distractions by turning off your phone or email and setting specific times for these activities. Work in time blocks, and give yourself enough time to complete tasks well, reducing the stress of rushing toward deadlines.
Slow Strategies for Balance
Stretching:
Gentle stretches before bed help relax your body and slow your mind.
Slow walking:
Take a leisurely stroll around your neighbourhood and chat with a neighbour.
Slow weekends:
Avoid rushing around—do something just for you.
Slow food:
Enjoy a long, leisurely meal with friends.
Slow gardening:
Spend time in the garden without rushing, taking in the beauty around you.
Slow thinking:
Sit in the park or your garden, slow your thoughts, and simply enjoy the moment.
Relax your body, slow your breathing, and clear your mind.
Summary
Slowing down isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for our health and happiness. By embracing a more balanced pace, we can improve our focus, creativity, and well-being.
Start by trying a few "slow" strategies to help you reclaim your time and restore balance.