GCS Insider - Cornerstone

 

Slow Down

By John Holt, Cornerstone Psychological Services

  

I was listening to National Public Radio the other day, and the host was interviewing a successful executive who was stressed out and unfulfilled. He sought the advice of a “life coach”, and they ended up falling in love and getting married. Together, they started a movement to get people to, essentially, slow down.

 

On the surface it seems a bit silly; they sponsor races where the last person wins and give out fake speeding tickets to people who are walking too fast.

 

But I think they have a good point. We are busy, often overscheduled and stressed because of it. We take pride in our ability to multitask. However, for most, multitasking is inefficient and causes us to take more time to complete tasks due to shifting our attention, reorienting and correcting our mistakes. Thus, can lead to feeling even more harried. So slow down, but take comfort in knowing that slowing down does not mean slacking off.

 

We have trouble living in the moment, enjoying what is happening now because we are usually thinking of what we have to do next. So tomorrow, try to take one task at a time, and begin to take at least a few minutes a day to pamper yourself with some “slow time.” Pretend you’re walking on sand and move slower. Notice your surroundings, and use all five senses as you do.

 

Just. Slow. Down. Be leisurely and reap the rewards of slowing down.

 

John Holt
Cornerstone Psychological Services
www.CornerstoneHelps.com

 

John Holt, Cornerstone Psychological Services (CPS). CPS is the district’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers five free counseling sessions per year to eligible employees and/or immediate family members. Call CPS at 540-9400 for information.

 

 

 

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