The Secret To Slowing Down

It can be challenging to turn on rest & relax mode especially if you’re drowning in To Do’s or going through a difficult time emotionally.

It’s exactly in those times when you need to put on the brakes even if it’s for a few moments.

Your brain’s telling you “I’m too busy to slow down” because you're in fight or flight mode.

It doesn't think it's safe to slow down.

It's your job to give it the cue to calm down.

Your Relaxed Body & Brain will bring more clarity and emotional regulation so you can actually be more productive. 

You’ll feel, move, communicate, and perform better.

From Restless To Relaxed

Here are 4 Strategies to help you tap into your Relaxed Body and cue your brain that it’s safe to slow down:

• Make Space- Declutter your space- what do you need to let go of in your home, office, phone, relationships, and even thoughts? What can you donate, throw away, or rehome? What can you delete or delegate? At the very least, get it on paper and out of your head. Pick one thing that is nagging you the most and get it done.  
• Move Your Body- movement is the best way to complete a stress cycle and signal to the brain the threat (real or not) is over and it’s OK to calm down. Experiment and play with different moves to see which ones help you turn on your rest & relax mode. Try and shake, shout, sing, or stretch a few minutes. Or find exercise your body loves moving and doing for 20 minutes before you rest. 
• Music- listen to or play some calming music to help you slow down.
• Mindfulness Practices- find activities that help you become more present. 

 
Mindfulness is moment to moment awareness without judgment.
 
Start small by paying attention to your breathing, drinking your cup of coffee, or eating a meal. How does it look, smell, taste, or make you feel?

Expand into being mindful during cleaning, cooking, or baking activities. 

You don’t have to practice for hours to get the benefits of mindfulness, but you do have to practice. The more you do it, the easier it is to find your flow.
 
I find connecting with nature to be a great way to practice mindfulness and it always helps me slow down. 
 
A walk outside usually does the trick for me. 

No phone or podcasts. Just exploring the beauty around me.
 
For you it might be gardening.

I'm starting to become a birder.
 
Last week we took a group Birding with Virginia from Birdability and we observed 13 species!

The Red-bellied Woodpeckers are just gorgeous.

Each time I go, I find it more fun and relaxing. 
 
Looking and listening for birds requires you to be in the present moment.
 
It definitely helps going Birding with an experienced guide but I’m using the Merlin Bird ID App more on my own walks. It'll tell you what a bird is when you record it singing.

I do want to invest in some better binoculars.
 
The fall is a great time to do some Birding if you want to give it a try.

Birding at Richard Moya Park with Virginia from Birdability & my colleagues from Collage Home & Community Rehab. Virginia has a passion for making Birding accessible to all & her programs have spread all over the country.

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OVER TO YOU:

If you struggle to slow down, test out one of the strategies: Make Space, Move Your Body, Music, and/or Mindfulness to help you turn on your Relaxed Body.

Listen to your body. It’ll tell you what it needs to slow down. It’ll not only feel calmer but also help you tap into more of your intuitive, creative, and happiness vibes.

P.S. Want more strategies to slow down? Grab your FREE Relaxed Body Toolkit here.