Slow Down? I don’t have time for that!
Time is the asset. It’s finite and it can be fleeting. We often take the time we have for granted and then get frustrated when we don’t have enough. I am constantly looking for ways to maximize my time, and yet what I realized is that even the best multi-taskers are exhausted. Once you get good at maximizing your time, it is very easy to fill the void with more things to do. The real task is learning how to press pause and engage in the current moment.
Where can I find that pause button?
It all starts with planning. We have heard the saying, “just make the time,” and that usually mean a sacrifice of precious rest or sleep; which doesn’t work for everyone. Making time for things that matter means starting with a vision of what you want and working backwards to make it happen. The tool is scheduling.
- Schedule valuable time. Whether it’s a date night with your spouse, a lunch date with your best friend, reading time with your kids,or a long walk with your dog – schedule it. Book it on your calendar. Block the time. The more you have to commit (i.e. book a babysitter, buy the concert tickets, reserve the table, etc.) the more reasons you will have to follow through. Whatever relationship you want to improve, make the vision, schedule the time and then go do it. This energy builds on itself, and you will find that all of a sudden the joy of moments together comes naturally.
- Know your distractions. We have so much going on throughout the day, that all it takes is one notification on your phone and the next thing you know you’ve lost an hour to social media. So, if that pop up is going to get you, turn it off or turn your phone on silent. Focus on the people around you. Simple changes like no phones at the dinner table or no phones in bed will do wonders for your focus and time spent with others.
- Breathe. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale and exhale. Open your eyes and take in all the colors around you. Revel in the sound of silence. Can you feel the softness of your clothes against your skin or the weight of your feet against the floor? Scan all your senses and breathe in one giant breath of Gratitude. This is the beginning of many meditation practices. Slowing down, taking inventory of your senses and igniting the memory storage and recall parts of your brain. Meditation is also an active separation of the world around you. This may be the greatest pause button within us, and the best news is it is available for you to push anytime you need it. It also helps if you schedule it!
All of this is to remind you that your time is precious and you can take control of the ways you spend it. Take a moment to practice these simple things – scheduling, being aware of your distractions and breathing and it will help you slow down and be present. Some of my favorite resources to help in each of these areas are:
Resources:
Meditation: Ziva Meditation – Founded by Emily Fletcher, offers a multi-course technique to learn meditation and mindfulness. During the pandemic she offered her courses free to healthcare workers. Regular members pay $399 for access to her courses. Her approach keeps the education aspect of learning meditation fun and she delivers on helping those that have struggled getting on board breakthrough.
For those not wanting to dish out several hundred dollars, some great apps are:
- Headspace – $12.99 per month, $69.99 annually, 14 day free trial
- Calm – $14.99 per month, $69.99 annually, 7 day free trial
- 10% Happier – $99.99 annually, 7 day free trial
Creative Ways to Spend Time Together.
The Adventure Challenge – $48-$158. The Adventure challenge books take the thinking out of creating fun, memorable activities. Scratch off the activity, follow the directions, record the memory in the journal. Family, Solo, Couples, In Bed, Friends. Discounts and bundles available on their site.
Record a Memory
Create a message in your Wonder Capsule. Send it to a loved one. Everyone appreciates acknowledgment. Imagine how special it will be when the recipient has that message to open, even if it’s just a Wednesday. Taking that moment to create a memory is one of the most beautiful gifts. Some other ways you can record some memories are:
We would love to hear ways that help your slow down and be present. Please feel free to share any comments, recommendations, suggestions at info@wondercapsule.com and we will share it with an update on this post.
