The Art of Slowing Down: How Less Hustle Brings More Joy
For years I’ve been living life in the fast lane, or so it feels. I have a full-time job – and sometimes a part-time job (or two) on top of that. I’m a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend… And those relationships are important to me. They deserve time and nurturing. But there are only so many hours in a day, right?
As you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking, “Ya. You’re preaching to the choir.”
I know I’m not alone. And ironically, as a mother-baby nurse, I’m constantly educating new parents about the importance of taking care of themselves so they can take care of their baby. That message can stretch so far, to include just about everyone. Maybe not to take care of a baby, but to be able to take care of “life,” we must take care of ourselves.
So why does it feel so hard to slow down?
As I sat at a red light, rushing around town to finish my errands before all the stores closed tonight, I was thinking about what tasks I wanted to work on later (I wasn’t even taking that short moment to BE in the moment, maybe just listen to the radio until the light turned green). I was thinking ahead.
With laundry to do and a house to clean and so many ideas for sharing here with all of my fellow wanders here on Wander for Days, the possibilities felt unlimited. Then it occurred to me, slowing down really does bring joy, and where I learned that more than anywhere else was on a recent trip to Europe.
Slowing down in Spain
After spending ten days in Portugal, we had a 36-hour layover in Madrid before heading home. Wanting to see as much of this beautiful city as we could in such a short time meant we would always be on the go. We knew we wouldn’t have time for wandering through museums or getting outside the city, but with so much to see in and around Madrid’s Gran Via, we were okay with that. What I didn’t plan for were all the leisurely meals that we’d enjoy along the way.
There are two ways to eat:
1. Quickly and efficiently: This is how I eat every day. I eat to satisfy my hunger and nourish my body. Too often, I eat while I work. I don’t eat to enjoy.
2. Slowly and purposefully: This is how it’s done in Spain (and probably many other wise places around the world!). Taking time to appreciate and enjoy the meal.
It was hard for me at first to embrace this notion of eating slowly and sitting still after my meal, simply enjoying the satisfaction of good food and good company. But then I started to feel the joy in slowing down.
I started to notice the little things around me… The sounds, the sites, the smells. I gave my full attention to Todd, reminiscing about the wonderful time we’d had in Portugal and Spain. For a short time, I felt at peace in this big, unfamiliar city. I slowed down enough to let myself become a part of the city in that moment.
So many of us struggle with wanting to belong (me included). Giving myself (and my husband and favorite wanderer) the gift of time, removing my self-imposed need to hustle, brought so much joy.
tips for slowing down and embracing the joy in life:
Get up early and sit in the quiet, watching the sunrise
Enjoy meals together – without work or the TV or your phone (social media can wait)
Get outside – soak up the sun, take some deep breaths of fresh air
Look around you, what do you see? Be present in the moment
Stop and smell the flowers
Reach out to someone you haven’t heard from in a while. They just might be missing you as much as you miss them (whether you realize it or not)
And, especially when in Spain, sip that extra cappuccino, wait a little longer to request the check and slow down long enough to find joy.