We live in such a fast-paced world. Having to get one thing done, after another. Not realizing we are letting life pass right by. We get easily distracted and have an overwhelming amount of responsibilities. We have so many daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals in life and most of the time we think we will be happier once we achieve them all.
So we try to rush and achieve all our goals and to do list as soon as possible. Once we do achieve it all, we feel happy for a bit and then we are on to the next thing. Does that happen to you at times?
I do think to have life goals and getting your tasks done every day is very important. But sometimes we are so rushed and focused on getting everything done that we forget to live in the moment and become aware of what a real blessing it is to be alive right now. So I wanted to give some advice and tips that can help you slow down and enjoy life more. We all struggle with this, so I wrote this for you and myself as well. We all need a good reminder now and then to slow down and just enjoy the simple things in life.
1. Become Aware Of Your Breath
One way you can slow down is to slow down your breath. During the day we are not aware of how fast and shallow, we are breathing. Taking slow deep breaths can help ground you and help you become more aware of this moment. There are many benefits of deep breathing; I will list some of them here:
- Helps calm you down
- Helps ground you
- Lowers your heart rate
- Relieves pain
- Improves your digestion
- Increases circulation
- Helps you sleep better
- Reduces stress
- Lowers blood pressure
These are just some benefits. There are endless benefits of deep breathing. Take the time today to just relax and focus on deep breathing. It will help you become more aware and present.
2. Take On Fewer Responsibilities
I am such a people pleaser, and although it is “good” to want to please everyone, it does become stressful when you accept too many responsibilities and plans. So it has helped me to learn to say no. You are only human; you cannot accept everything that comes your way. One reason why it feels like time flies is because we take on too many responsibilities just because we feel bad saying no.
Learn to say no (in a nice way) and respect your valuable time.
Sometimes we are the ones that push ourselves to get too much done every day.
So what has helped me is to write down three big tasks I want to get done that day and try to accomplish those. Before I wanted to get ten big tasks done a day and when I didn’t get them all done, I would feel unproductive.
But I have learned to accomplish three big tasks every day, and that has helped tremendously. I get to focus and be more engaged in one task at a time, and it’s also more enjoyable.
3. Live In The Present Moment
It takes practice to live in the present moment. It’s something very simple to do, but yet can be quickly forgotten. The only way to achieve this is to practice being present every day by focusing on this very moment. Whether you are washing dishes, working, walking, or exercising. Being fully aware of what is happening at this time.
If you think about it, right now is the only time that truly exists. The past is gone and non-existent, and so is the future. The only way you can truly live life to fullest is to live in this very moment, in the end, this moment is all you ever have.
There will be times when you get distracted and forget to live in the moment. It happens to all of us, but don’t get discouraged! When you realize you are getting distracted, just guide yourself back to this moment.
4. Explore New Things And Places
Life was not meant to be lived in one place. We have the same daily routine every day, so try to mix things up. You can explore around your city; you can travel somewhere far away, or you can do something simple like trying out a new restaurant or making a new meal for your family. There are so many new things you can do every day to keep the excitement in your life.
5. Continue To Learn And Grow
I love reading books, articles, watching videos, and taking online courses on personal growth. Whatever you are passionate about, make time to learn more about it and continue to learn and educate yourself about that topic. There are so many free resources now online that you can take advantage of. Learning doesn’t have to be boring especially if you learn about things you are passionate about. By learning new things, you will not only grow as a person, but it will help better your life! 🙂
Related: 5 Best Books To Read That Will Improve Your Overall Life
6. Be Happy And Content With What You Have
In order to enjoy life more, you need to be happy and content with what you currently have and what you have accomplished until now. Although there might be plenty of things in your life that you wish would be different, there are far more beautiful things in your life you can be grateful for. So think of all your blessings and be grateful for them. Be excited about the future you are building but don’t forget to enjoy what you already have right now.
Life is meant to be enjoyed with vitality every day with the ones you love. Don’t let time pass by and realize you haven’t been living your days to the fullest. Make your happiness a priority and strive to enjoy every precious moment. There is a reason why this moment is called “the present” so get the most out of it!
I agree with every point you made Janett! They seem so simple, but they’re also easy to forget to do, which is why we develop stress overload in life.
Thank you so much, Debrah! Yes, they are so simple but easily forgotten. Thank you for commenting.
I hope you have a beautiful day 🙂
Great tips. I definitely need to learn how to say no! ?
I had to learn that too 🙂 and I am still working on it but I have gotten much better at it and I am sure you can too!
It is true, we should slow down and appreciate what we have. Personally, breathing exercise helps me a lot. Reading and learning are very important as well.
Thanks for sharing this.
Yes I agree, thank you for sharing those great tips with us 🙂
I totally agree… Happiness is a decision not a feeling but sometimes it’s hard work too!
I know what you mean 🙂 It is hard work sometimes but definitely worth it <3
Exploring is definitely one of my favorite ways to slow down!
I LOVE exploring too! It makes me so happy 🙂
Thanks for commenting Amanda.
This post is super useful – I really struggle at times with the “living in the now”, I’m either really caught up in the past or worrying about what is yet to come and I guess some days I end up wishing by accidentally. I need to work on being content and worrying less. Thanks for this!
We can all fall into that trap sometimes so don’t worry. Little by little you will get much better at it 🙂
These tips are great! I think at least one of them will work for everyone. I especially love to travel, but breathing exercises are really useful as well.
I agree 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us Nina! I hope you have a lovely day <3
It is true, we dont spend enough time living in the present. Either we are focused on the past or focused on the future, but what about today?
I love love love this list! I agree with everything you’ve posted, even though I often forget to practice these things. Great post!
My favourite one to do is #4!!! I just want to explore the world and experience everything I can in this life.
Great article 🙂
I love this post and couldn’t agree more!!! I do deep breathing every night before bed and it helps me relax and concentrate on only my breath. Love that you included that!
Great tips! I have struggled with this lately…I am always focused on the next big thing and find I struggle with focusing on the present. Such an important reminder!
Mindfulness and being present are so important for our daily health and well-being! Nice post!
I feel happier just reading your post! xD
Great tips.
Good read! I always feel like I am racing with my age, my time, my responsibilities in life, my accomplishments in life, etc. I need to slow down. I am glad I read your post and think about everything to be in place. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance you are interested on doing collaborations, you can check out the collaborations portal of Phlanx.com and connect with amazing brands!
Xoxo,
Tiffany
This is such a great reminder for when life gets crazy! I’m definitely going keep this with me everyday! Thanks for the post!