How to SLOW DOWN a Busy Day…
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Life can get busy AF, can’t it?
AND I’M SURE I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS FOUND THEMSELVES CAUGHT IN THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE BUSY AND WONDERED HOW I JUST FIND A PAUSE BUTTON, RIGHT?
But that can be super challenging. Not only having the ability to slow down but just getting yourself to take a moment for yourself when there are so many tasks and responsibilities demanding your attention can be really really challenging, especially for high-achievers. So, here are some really practical, tangible tips to do just that: to help you take control of your day and find peace in the midst of chaos. Let's explore each of these tips in more detail:
01. Focus on one thing at a time.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m working (especially when I’m working on my business), I can inevitably end up with a split screen where I’m pulled between two different windows. Hell, sometimes it’s multiple different tabs. We all know—well, at least logically—that multitasking can actually make you less productive and more stressed. Yet, I still find myself doing this all the time. So, one of the ways I’ve tried to slow myself down and find more respite and relaxation in a busy day is to restrict myself to one thing, sometimes even one tab at a time.
When my brain isn’t ping-ponging between things on my computer, I feel less chaotic, and less overwhelmed, even when I’m super busy.
02. Double how long you think each task will take.
If you’re someone who does a lot of time blocking—which I’ll admit, I’m not— then this is going to be a good one for you. I love the Tony Robbins quote that says, “Most people overestimate what they can do in a year and they underestimate what they can do in two or three decades.” I think this same premise applies to our day-to-day work, too. We overestimate what we can do in a day and a big reason why we do that is we underestimate how much time things actually take. That can become a significant source of stress, especially when you fall behind schedule. So, this is something I’ve tried before with great success: double your estimates. Give yourself more time to complete each task! This includes things like commute times. That way, if you get ahead, you pleasantly have an extra pocket in your day where you can do some bonus work OR just get ahead and finish your day early.
03. Turn off your phone or disconnect from the internet.
This really comes down to one simple thing: when we’re inundated with unnecessary, excess information, we get distracted. And it doesn’t matter if that information is coming from the internet or coming from our phones, we get distracted by that.
Now, I know that this tip is ONLY applicable to certain types of work and, I’ll admit, for most of my work, I need to be connected to the internet. But, if you find that you’re someone who is still particularly susceptible to distraction, you’ll find workarounds. As I’m writing this, I feel like I need to be connected to the internet because I’m writing it within the browser of my website editor. What I could easily do—which is actually how all of my blog posts get their start anyway—is to write it inside of my Notion space. Even then, though, one of Notion’s few drawbacks is it doesn’t have the ability to work offline. So, I would still be connected to the internet. Well, if your Notion (or insert productivity app here) is too much of a distraction, move your blog post writing into a text editor like Word or Pages.
Another pro tip if you can’t disconnect, try working on an iPad. I actually find that sometimes I’m more efficient and focused when I work on an iPad purely because of the iPads slightly reduced functionality and the fact that it’s much harder to multi-task on an iPad. Sometimes that works to my benefit. So, that’s an alternative here as well.
04. Take breaks and check in with yourself.
This is one that some of us (raises hand🙋🏻♀️) may not be very good at. This is also one that some of us (raises hand🙋🏻♀️) may have less control over in our regular, more corporate day jobs. This is totally something that I run into and I GET IT! I have to have back-to-back meetings. I have no control over whether or not I do because my meetings aren’t always scheduled by me. In fact, they rarely are. Sure, I could cheat the system to ensure that my availability builds in breaks, but the result of that means MUCH longer days for me and I’m not sure I want that.
So, what I’m saying is I get that this isn’t always possible, as much as we might know that we “should” or need to take regular breaks. So, what do we do in these situations? I think it’s about making the breaks count. The 5-ish minutes I have between meetings in my day job, I try (and not always successfully but try is the keyword here) to make sure I get up and away from my computer during that time. Sometimes that means refilling water bottles, grabbing a snack, using the bathroom, etc. When I had a balcony on my apartment, it used to mean going outside for a quick sunshine break, which, I’ll admit, I occasionally miss. Another thing I try to do (but sometimes fail at—again, I’m imperfect) is to make sure I take lunch away from my desk.
So, even if you can’t take more legit or substantial breaks, I guess it might just be about focusing on taking breaks better.
In terms of checking in with yourself, just ask yourself: What do I need to feel better? In this moment, what matters most? What am I feeling right now? That might give you some insight into what you need to give yourself in that situation.
05. Say no when you need to.
We’ll keep this short because this is one I know you know. We need to set boundaries. It's easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to everything, even when it's not in our best interest. Don't be afraid to say no when you need to prioritize your own well-being. Setting boundaries can help you avoid getting overwhelmed and stressed.
06. Change your environment.
Sometimes we need to hack our environment to create an environment of calm and focus. We can do this with lighting, scent, and sound. Creating a more comfortable and supportive environment can help you stay more centered and focused throughout the day.
But another way we can change our environment is by getting outside in some fresh air. It can help clear your mind and what I love about us getting outside, is not only does it relax me and center me, but it gets me away from a lot of the technology and things that are stressing me out. Plus if I couple my going outside with something like a walk, it helps me process whatever stress is in my body.
07. Take a daily mini-vacation.
I used to talk about daily mini vacations all the time and for some probably stupid reason, I stopped. What a daily mini vacation is—and this came from a book but I can’t for the life of me remember what book it was—is 5-10 minutes everyday where you just take a moment to savor something. Enjoy your morning coffee, light a candle, or take a few minutes to meditate or do something you enjoy. My favorites are a moment in the sunshine or a great song. These small moments of relaxation can help you start your day on a positive note and maintain a more balanced perspective throughout the day.
08. Make lists.
You might have tried journaling before, but, frankly, when I’m in the midst of busy chaos, journaling is one of the last things I want or feel like I can do. That’s why I like the idea of listing. Whether it's a gratitude list, a bucket list, puppy names, places you want to travle, or a list of things that bring you joy, writing things down can help you feel more positive and in control. This simple practice can help you stay more focused and centered throughout the day.
09. Develop simple rituals.
This is the one that I know I want need more of in my life: rituals. It has always felt like there’s just something different about a routine vs. a ritual. I’m not knocking routines. But routines just seem very, well, routine. They’re almost monotonous, robotic things we build into our lives. But rituals? They feel more nourishing. Purposeful. Intentional. Hell, maybe I’ll start calling it my morning ritual just because the notion of a ritual just feels so much better. But this is a way we can create pauses for ourselves. Whether it’s a ritual of lighting a candle to start or end our day, the ritual of making your pour over or French Press coffee, etc. it’s all powerful. Create small routines that help you feel grounded and centered throughout the day. Whether it's a morning yoga routine or a simple meditation practice, these rituals can help you find peace and balance in the midst of a busy day.
By incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine, you can slow down and take control of your busy schedule. Remember to prioritize your own well-being and take time for self-care. With a few simple changes, you can find peace and balance in the midst of a busy day.