Multitasking has become the new normal in this fast-paced world, and we sometimes forget how to slow down. In fact, it seems as though doing things at a slower pace has become frowned upon. The truth is though, sometimes we need to slow down and live a more focused life. We want to relax, breathe, and focus on the moment we are in.
The problem with that is that many are focused on receiving instant gratification. Many people want things and they do not want to wait to get them. From high-speed internet to fast food, people have taken a liking to things being available quickly.
In fact, our fast-paced lives have seemingly created a blurred line between work life and personal life. This is because technology has made working around the clock, no matter where you are, far more possible. With constant interaction through text, email, and even social media, our lives are becoming dominated by tablets, smartphones, and other devices.
If we want to maintain our sanity, we have to slow down and learn to live a more focused life.
How to Slow Down and Live a More Focused Life
Take on Less
It may seem simple, but taking on less is one of the most important ways on how to slow down and focus. It is difficult to take life in stride when you are focusing on doing several different things all at once.
Make the conscious decision to do less and focus on what is truly important. Let go of the things that do not really matter and put space in between appointments and tasks. This will help you to navigate daily life at a more leisurely pace.
Disconnect
Disconnecting yourself from any means of distraction is one of the best ways to focus. It is important that you are not always connected. If you carry around a smartphone most of the time, chose to turn it off. In fact, learn to leave it behind all together.
While you may work on a computer for the majority of the day, it is also important to have breaks where you disconnect and focus on other tasks. This is also a good way for how to focus on schoolwork.
Being constantly connected means that you are subjecting yourself to interruptions and when you consistently have information coming in, it can stress you out. This is why it is important to disconnect because it is difficult to slow down when you are subject to a constant stream of information.
Be Present
While simply slowing down is important, it isn’t enough. You will want to be mindful about the things you are doing at the moment. This means that when you discover yourself thinking about something that has already happened, something you need to do, or something that might happen, you need to bring yourself back to the moment you are currently in.
Slow down and focus on what is happening in the moment. Take inventory of your environment, actions and others around you.
Slow Down and Focus on Individuals
Sometimes when we spend time with family and friends, we are not really in the moment with them. While this is somewhat the same as being present, it is important to focus on the individuals you are with at that moment.
Do not allow yourself to become distracted by other things and truly listen to those you are with. This means that spending a little connected time with family and friends can actually go a long way when it comes to slowing down and living a more focused life.
Find Pleasure in the Small Things
While this too is related to being present, it is taking it another step farther. No matter what you are doing, find ways to take pleasure in it. This means when performing simple tasks like washing the dishes, find something enjoyable about it.
Feel the sensations of the water and the smell of the dish soap, and enjoy the sound of the water rushing as you rinse the dishes. The same applies to other tasks that you perform. If you take the time to find pleasure in the small things, you will slow down and live a more focused life.
The ways for how to slow down are simple, yet we take them for granted. When it comes to slowing down and living a more focused life, you want to ensure that you take the right steps. Take on less, disconnect, be present, focus on the people you are with, and find pleasure in the small things. In no time, you will find yourself living a slower, more focused life.