Intro

Our last blog was about Fasting, so this one should be about “Slowing.” Slowing isn’t really a thing but maybe we can make it one!

My Thoughts

Among the biggest challenges to mental health in general is the fast pace of life in the world that we live in.  The amount of information alone that we are exposed to is incredible whether through our phones, laptops, or even the old fashioned television!  And it’s not just what we choose to watch.  It’s almost impossible to go anywhere in public and not be surrounded by inputs on screens in every direction.  One of the ways you might notice this is your level of patience for having to wait - for anything!  We want and expect fast downloads, fast traffic, fast service, fast drive through and on and on.  Running at such a high level of processing input is basically not good for our brains and it is important to take care of ourselves through some intentional habits of slowing. Similar to fasting, these are intentional choices but also habits to develop that become so much of a part of your routine that you don’t even think about them.

Conclusion

Here are some ideas.  Come up with some of your own.

• Practice breathing well - more on this in the next blog.  Slow.  In through the nose, out through the mouth.  A little longer on the exhale than on the inhale.  A couple of minutes of intentional breathing will help slow your system down.
• Build in slowing transitions.  Find five or ten minutes to sit and just think or meditate/pray in between one activity and another.  Maybe when you get home.  In between classes if you are in school.  
• A slow walk outside can do wonders to bring calm to your system.  Five minutes if you have them.  If you don’t, find them.  No phone - or at least no using it.  You can make it five minutes!
• If you already journal you will know this one, but either way, take a few minutes to write.  Writing is a strong activity to integrate our brains.  If you don’t like journaling, consider taking time to write a letter or a note to someone.
• Have intentional bedtime routines that slow your thinking down.  No screens 30-60 minutes before bed.  Read a book.  Journal.  Have an intentional conversation with a family member.
• Listen to a calming piece of music or look at an amazing piece of visual art or read a meaningful poem.

Practicing “slowing” will give us a resource to lean into when things get fast!  You will be better able to manage your stress and anxiety with effective slowing!