Why I’m on Mission Slowdown
OUR AWARD-WINNING HEALTH AND WELLBEING EXPERT
When Covid first hit we all spoke about the lessons to come out of this terrible time. The main one was slowing down. For the spring and summer of 2020 many of us found the slower pace of life a godsend. I ambled on our daily walks instead of rushing to get back for deadlines, and I quite literally stopped to smell the roses. But in 2021 the scramble to return to ‘normal life’ felt overwhelming. I found it hectic, disorganised, busier than ever.
Did we not learn anything?
It is my mission in 2022 to slow down which, according to
Alister Gray, a coach to top executives, actors and performers, is proven to make us more efficient, creative and organised. He gives these tips to his clients…
Do you ever feel that if you don’t post that letter, email the kids’ school and send back that Zara delivery right now the world will end? Alister says that instead of listening to what our brain is shouting at us to do immediately, sit for a minute to think beyond the noise. ‘What would make your day more fluid and graceful?’ he asks. ‘What would create significant change? What would you like to achieve? Think of the two biggest things that matter the most and do them first.’ It is a way of prioritising what really needs to get done.
Alister recommends sitting for five minutes every morning and focusing on your breath or on a mantra such as ‘I am calm’ or ‘I am strong’ (whatever helps you feel positive). Your brain may throw up lots of noise but don’t worry about that. Alister says it’s important to reflect on what does come up and to write it down. ‘This way you are removing some of the noise from your mind which can cause racing thoughts and blockages,’ he says.
SIT CALMLY SO YOU CAN THINK BEYOND THE NOISE
Alister’s clients say this is a gamechanger. When one task is finished, we all too easily reach for our phones. Instead, pause and breathe deeply before deciding how to act next. Will you put your phone down and be present with the kids or decide not to blow up at your boss? Alister says that a few minutes, five times a day, will calm the cortisol in your body and help you make better decisions.
If we are working while feeding the kids and taking a phone call, then we won’t be doing any of it to our best ability. Alister says the most effective thing to do is focus on one thing at a time, which will not only get done well but you will actually enjoy it more.
This point is my own, as creating space around things stops the feeling that we’re chasing our tails.