Learning to slow down

Are you always busy or trying to take on too much? Do you find when you are doing one thing that you think about another? Do you have trouble engaging yourself in whatever you are involved in? If you realise that you aren't experiencing life the way you once did, this can be a warning sign to slow down...

Here are some tips to remember when you have a full day ahead of you or you are having trouble concentrating on the situation.

1. Learn to separate work and fun. When you're out with friends, don't think about work, or to-do lists or projects. Just like you shouldn't bring home to work with you, do not bring work home with you. When your mind wanders to work things, gently pull it back to the present. It is time to live in the now.


2. Try to give at least one activity this week your undivided attention. Try it with two activities, but don't do them at the same time. The point is to let yourself know that it is ok to not think about the other stuff for a while. You'll be able to accomplish a goal faster if you aren't thinking about the other things that you still have to do.


3. Remember that there are worse circumstances to be in than your current one, and be grateful for all the things that you have - health, friends, family. If something upsets you, try no to let it bother you, and just deal with it to get it out of the way.


4. Take 20 minutes every day to sit down and do nothing - turn the phone, tv and computer off and just sit still. This is your chance to focus on your breathing and just let your mind be still. It can be quite rejuvenating! If your mind wanders just let the thoughts drop away as you focus on the movement of your chest - in and out - and breathe. You might also try gazing at a lit candle as another form of meditation . Letting your mind be still is very calming and almost essential for your sanity!


5. Learn the art of saying 'no'. You don't have to be all things to all people. You don't have to be superwoman. It is ok to say 'no' to things that you don't have time to do or simply do not want to do. When we are at everyone else's beck and call we forget to take care of number one and as a result we become stressed out and irritable. Remember it is ok to say 'no' and not take everything on board.

If you can identify the major stressors in your day, you can work around them to accomplish your goals. Remember that any list can be accomplished; all it takes is patience and determination.

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