TOP 10 TIPS TO SLOW DOWN

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition offers us the following TIPS TO SLOW DOWN. These exercises are meant to help us enjoy life more, and focus on the important things.

It’s never been easier to connect with someone on the other side of the world, yet it’s so easy to feel disconnected from the people closest to us. We have more tools than ever to simplify tasks and accomplish more things quickly, yet our to-do lists have never been longer. Life is short, and time flies, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Use these tips to be able to slow down and take time to “smell the roses”, be present & enjoy the now.

TAKE THE TIME TO PRIORITIZE DAILY OBJECTIVES.

This seems pretty logical but by focusing on the most important tasks to get done, we eliminate the stress of trying to accomplish everything at once. After making your to do list, pick 2 things that HAVE to get done today. Focus on doing those two first and if the rest of the day falls apart, you know you have still been successful. You got at least 2 things done that had to get done today.

CUT PERSONAL INTERNET USE IN HALF.

This one is scary to some. But lets face it, technology has become a major element in most of our lives. Social networking, email, and web surfing hinder our ability to focus by throwing hundreds of ideas at us.

Reduce your Internet use by 50% and use that time to explore new hobbies, exercise, or meditate. Or, only do social media while walking on a treadmill or working out.

ENJOY NATURE.

This one is HUGE. Take a 5-10 minute break to step outside and breathe fresh air. Disconnect from the rest of the world and admire the beauty of nature. Walk on the earth shoeless. This will help you ground. Research grounding and the benefit of earthing. They are vast from reducing inflammation to eliminating bodily and metal stress.

EAT SLOWER.

A lot of us speed through meals, missing the chance to appreciate our food’s textures and flavors. We eat standing up or at our desks.

Start to chew slower and fully experience the smell, taste, and texture of your food. Be present with your food. Give gratitude for the nourishment it offers. Don’t multitask. Eat peacefully.

CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

We all want to spend quality time with close friends and family, but how often do we get to truly listen and connect? Put away the cell phones and steer clear of noisy environments. Connect on a deeper level.

MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF.

When did you last spend valuable time with yourself? Take a night to find a new book, watch a favorite movie, try yoga, meditate, pray or cook a new recipe.

GIVE YOURSELF MORE TIME.

Some of us like to stick to a tight schedule and plan all our daily events. Next time you’re jotting down new tasks in your planner, factor in a few extra minutes when estimating how long things will take. This will help you not rush through daily tasks.

When planning to get to an appointment… give yourself extra time to get there so you are not rushed. This would be a good practice for getting to work too. Imagine ow nice it would be to have 10-15 extra minutes of “cushion”. How much less stressed could you be getting to your destination?

This works especially well when we get in the car and realize we need gas. Ever have that happen? If you have extra cushion time, stopping to get gas is not a big deal. If you don’t the realization that you need gas ends up in a “oh crap” stress response which isn’t healthy for our bodies.

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE.

Next time you’re driving somewhere, take the scenic route. Driving through open fields, mountains, or in view of a city skyline can be very relaxing. Especially if your travels usually have you stuck in traffic!

SIT FOR A MOMENT WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED WHEN YOU START YOUR COMPUTER.

Even just a few moments of meditation can set the tone for the rest of your day. Try to empty your mind and take deep breaths before jumping into your tasks.

REMEMBER YOUR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS.

Each morning when you wake up, take a few moments to think about your life goals and aspirations. Recall the milestones you’ve already reached in your life, and your drive to achieve new ones. Try doing this for five minutes before getting out of bed to start your day.

ENJOY FRIENDS

Get together with your friends. Ladies are different then men. Men need their time with their kind to be gruff and be men…. whatever they do. Women in contrast can’t expect their men to be like their girlfriends. You get something very different from your pals then you do your spouse. So, enjoy time together. Whether sitting outside by the fire pit or inside playing a game or simply sitting around the table chatting. What soul filling fun can occur when you just plan to be present with friends.

Life moves fast enough. Give yourself a chance. Keep your body stress free. Good health is about more than good nutrients. It’s about living toxin free, in good relationships, adding laughter, play and love to each day.

If you need it… just ask Mama Frat for little help in this area. (Single coaching sessions are available, 3 & 6 month programs too. )

June 15, 2017