In a big city like New York City, the pace can often feel frenetic. It can be hard to catch your breath in the midst of work, keeping your home clean, and social plans. You need helpful rhythms to help you remember to slow down. You may not live in a big city, but these tips may allow you some more space in your days to let your soul catch up with your body.
Create margin in your days
It’s very easy to fill your days with activities, especially in the midst of summertime. You could go to the beach, the park, have a barbeque with friends, and that’s not even planning a vacation out of town. Do yourself a favor and create margin in your days. It’s as simple as taking a moment when you’re switching between tasks to pause, or it can be as big as making sure you have space in your mornings and evenings and placing your phone on Do Not Disturb.
Margin means that your schedule isn’t packed to the brim. You may have to say no to more things to create this space. It could mean waking up earlier. But creating some margin will allow some time for rest.
Related Post: The paradox of rest in American culture
Open the windows to hear the birdsong
This is a simple tip. Open your windows. We spend so much time inside that it’s a good reminder to open your windows and hear the birdsong. Maybe you’ll even get the urge to step outside for a few minutes and enjoy the gentle summer breeze.
Do one thing at a time
Focus on one thing at a time. Multitasking is a myth—your attention is divided, and ultimately you do things worse than if you had focused on one at a time. Go on a walk without listening to music or a podcast. Drink your morning coffee or tea with no TV showing the news in the background. Be fully in the present moment. We have gotten so used to divided attention that it will be difficult at first, but try your best to do one thing at a time.
Related Post: Saturday in New York City 🚕
Get off your screens
If you want to feel like an embodied human, then the best thing to do is get away from your screens. Go do a puzzle. Or read a physical book (especially since the way we read on screens versus physical books are not the same). Bake a cake. Exercise. Journal.
Do something elaborate
Take your time and do something that takes longer and allows you to settle. For me, it’s reading for a few hours at a time. I gradually let myself fall into the world. For you, it could be making an elaborate meal that will take longer but you know you’ll ultimately enjoy eating and sharing with friends or family. It could be taking the long way home after an outing and enjoying the beauty around you. You could work on a longer term project, like fixing furniture or knitting a sweater or sewing some clothes.
Buy less
For me, this looks like thinking about purchases over the longterm. I have a wishlist on my phone for items that I’d like but want to ponder. The less you buy, the less you have to spend time negotiating this new item in your space and whether or not you will use it. Buying less also makes you appreciative of what you have and gives you inherently more space. Be thoughtful as you buy, and therefore, every purchase will be more meaningful.
Physically move slower
Your body and your mind are connected. If you walk slower, you will start believing and understanding that you have space and time to breathe and move slowly. Resist the urge to be in a rush because that ultimately affects your nervous system. Move as you long to feel – at ease.
You don’t have to live in the countryside to have a slow life. You just have to move more intentionally within your days and stay present to the life you’re living.
Signing off,
Gigi
Studying Life with Gigi 