I have been writing and sharing a lot about embracing a “slow-living lifestyle” recently. Taking the time to rest, be present, take care of yourself, and enjoy the present moment is so important, even more so when you have an autoimmune condition – Hashimoto’s disease or Celiac disease for example – that flares up with stress.
The benefits are easy to understand. However, some of my clients and readers have expressed three concerns in particular that I want to address.
- Fear of Reduced Productivity
Concern about reduced productivity and its impact on your professional life is completely understandable. However, embracing aspects of slow living doesn’t necessarily mean compromising your productivity or professional standing. In fact, it could potentially enhance them. Here’s why:
- Quality Over Quantity: Slow living emphasizes the quality of work over its quantity. When you slow down, you’re more likely to produce higher-quality work. When you are mindful and focused, your work often turns out to be more creative, accurate, and thoughtful, leading to better outcomes.
- Increased Resilience: By incorporating rest and mindful practices into your routine, you become more resilient against stress and burnout. This means you might become more capable of handling work challenges effectively, reducing the likelihood of extended periods of absence due to illness or burnout.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: Slow living can improve decision-making skills. A calm and rested mind is more adept at critical thinking and problem-solving, which are key skills in any professional setting.
- Setting a Positive Example: By prioritizing a balanced approach to work and health, you might become a positive example, at home and work. This can change workplace culture for the better, making it more supportive and sustainable for everyone.
As stressed in my previous articles, slow living is not about doing everything at a slow pace; it’s about doing things at the right pace for you. It’s about finding efficiency in calmness, and about understanding your own rhythms and working in harmony with them. Your health and well-being are invaluable, and taking care of them can lead to better, more sustainable professional success.
- Feeling Guilty if You Prioritize Self-Care
It’s absolutely natural to feel guilty about prioritizing self-care, especially when you have so many responsibilities, both personal and professional. However, it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is beneficial to you as well as to those around you. Here’s why it is so crucial to take time for self-care:
- Self-Care is Not Selfish, It’s Essential: Think of self-care as an essential part of your routine, just like eating or sleeping. It’s necessary for your mental and physical health. When you are well-rested and taken care of, you are better able to take care of others and fulfill your responsibilities effectively.
- Setting a Positive Example: By prioritizing self-care, you’re setting a positive example for your family, especially if you have children. You’re teaching them the importance of self-respect and self-care, which are valuable life lessons.
- Improved Relationships: When you’re less stressed and more rested, you’re likely to be more patient, kind, and present in your interactions with others. This can contribute to building stronger and more fulfilling relationships, both at home and at work.
- More Productive and Efficient: Taking time for self-care can make you more productive. When you’re well-rested and your needs are met, you can focus better and work more efficiently. This means that the time you spend working or with family is more effective and meaningful.
Remember, self-care is not about neglecting your duties or indulging in luxuries; it’s about giving yourself the necessary care and attention you need and deserve. By taking care of yourself, you’re ensuring that you have the energy, health, and mindset to give your best to your job, your family, and all the other aspects of your life.
- Fear of Being Unable to Incorporate Slow Living into Your Busy Schedule
I totally understand because I also was afraid of not being able to incorporate slow living practices into my life. It might seem daunting at first. However, I then understood that integrating slow living doesn’t require an all-or-nothing approach. It only requires finding small, manageable ways to infuse calm and intention into your daily life. Here are some suggestions:
- Small Steps: Slow living is about small steps and gradual changes. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. All you need to do is dedicate a few minutes each day to mindfulness, enjoying a quiet cup of tea, practising some gentle exercise, or just pausing to breathe deeply. These moments can create pockets of tranquillity in your day.
- Tailor It to Your Life: Slow living isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding what works for you. It could mean setting boundaries at work, prioritizing tasks differently, or identifying times when you can slow down without impacting your responsibilities. It’s perfectly fine for your version of slow living to look different from someone else’s.
- Acknowledge Your Progress: Every step you take towards a slower pace is an achievement. Whether it’s saying no to an additional commitment, delegating a task, or simply taking time to reflect, these are all significant results in your slow-living journey.
- Flexibility is Key: Of course some days will be better than others. Slow living is about adjusting to the rhythm of your body and life. On good days, you will have more energy for activities; on tougher days, it’s okay to step back and rest.
- Ask for Support: You’re not and should not be alone in this journey. Sharing your goals with family, friends, or colleagues can help them understand and support your slow living choices. They might even join you in this lifestyle shift, creating a supportive environment.
- Celebrate Small Victories: Every time you manage to find a moment for yourself, celebrate it. These small victories add up and can make a significant impact on your overall well-being.
Sow living is more about the quality of your experiences than the speed at which you live. It’s about living intentionally and mindfully, and this can be done even amidst a busy life. Your health and well-being are worth every effort, and by taking steps towards slow living, you’re acknowledging and respecting your needs and limitations.
Warmly
If you are interested in introducing Slow Living into your life and in thriving despite your autoimmune condition, subscribe to The Bridge Sunday Newsletter for weekly well-being insights.
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