For the Busy & Restless Leader — 3 Tips for Slowing Down

1. If sitting still isn’t your thing, then keep moving

Slowing down can also be done with movement. The trick is to do this mindfully. Set yourself a timer. For the next 5-10-15 minutes, try to really focus on your movement. How does the movement feel in your body? What pressure points can you feel on your feet? What sounds do you hear? Without going into analytical thought about your observations, pay attention to the surrounding sights, the colours, the textures, the shapes. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to focus fully on your movement or your surroundings. Being fully present to enjoy this moment gives your mind some rest.

2. Be curious about the experience

What's going on that's making it easy or difficult for you to slow down? If you're feeling restless, what might that restlessness be telling you? "I still need to do X, Y and Z!" or "I need to be social" or "It's selfish to take time for myself". If you have these thoughts, ask yourself: What's true about this? Challenge the thought that says you need to be busy. Tell the restless saboteur to take a walk! As my teenage daughter says, you have every right to chillax, even if it's just for a minute or two.

3. Feel gratitude and wonder

Take a moment to soak in where you are, who you are with, or what you are doing. See the beauty of a sunset, hear the birds chirping in the trees, appreciate the stillness of an art museum, smell the delicious food on the barbecue. Noticing and being grateful for all these little things helps us to slow down.

Set yourself an intention to try one of these tips! Let me know how it goes.