Slow Down and Live
By Barrington H. Brennen, June 11 2025

 

Are you always busy? Always on the go, rushing here and there? In today’s world, unless you have a real sense of discipline, you will push yourself and collapse, because you are being dictated to by a fast-paced lifestyle.

Drivers rush to places that are not far away. Some drivers end up "talking" to light poles, and brick walls in excruciating ways they never thought they would have done before.  Hospital emergency rooms are overcrowded facilities due to people’s fast-paced lifestyles, which means easy-to-make high-sugar foods, alcoholic drinks, food saturated in fat and salt, and gallons of high-sugar drinks, to name a few.

Adding to the conundrum, the constant diet of viewing fast-paced movies and listening to rhythmic music with tempos always above 100 beats-per-minute and even going as high as 200 beats-per-minute (the resting heart rate is about 60 beats per minute) are weakening the immune system or increasing high levels of stress hormone that can “poison” the body in the long run. No wonder many people continue to struggle with management of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Another problem is that many people are too busy working for the church, thinking they are working for the Lord. They are driven to a church meeting almost nightly, but cannot attend the Parents Teacher Association (PTA) meeting for their children. Yet, they drag their children with them to their meetings, leaving them to do their homework while sitting in the back pew. No wonder so many people feel stressed, lethargic, and even hopeless, and so many families are falling apart.

If only people would slow down and live.

Some people do not take vacations or enjoy relaxing on national holidays. They are always on the go. We must learn how to slow down or at times be still in the presence of a chaotic world.

Motivational speaker, In Iyer, in his 2014 TedTalk presentation, said this about the art of stillness, “In an age of acceleration, nothing can be more exhilarating than going slow. And in an age of distraction, nothing is so luxurious as paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is so urgent as sitting still.

“Slowing down will help you avoid unnecessary stress and burnout. Slowing down will give you the opportunity to take care of your physical and emotional health. Slowing down will help you prioritize what matters.”

Focus on mindful awareness, prioritize self-care, and make conscious choices to appreciate the present moment. Incorporate activities that bring you joy and allow you to disconnect from distractions, like walking, reading, or spending time in nature. The following are a few tips to help you do all of this by psychologist Tammy Strobel in her book “Twelve Tips to Help You Slow Down.”

Cultivate mindfulness: Pay attention to your breathing – regularly observe your breathing to ground yourself in the present moment.

Practice gratitude – focus on the things you appreciate in your life, big and small. Slow down your meals – mindfully savor your food and appreciate each bite.

Meditate – even short periods of meditation can help quiet the mind and reduce stress.

Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities you love – engage in hobbies, creative pursuits, or anything that brings you joy and helps you relax. Learn to say no – don’t feel obligated to take on everything. Prioritize your well-being and boundaries.

Create a peaceful environment – arrange your surroundings in a way that promotes relaxation and calm. Embrace simplicity and intentionality. Simplify your to-do list – focus on the most important tasks and avoid over commitment.

Disconnect from technology – limit screen time and create technology-free zones to enhance your focus and presence.

Take intentional pauses – create space for reflection and contemplation throughout the day. Practice mindful movement – engage in activities like walking, yoga, or other forms of exercise that encourage awareness of your body and surroundings.

Create a slow living mindset: Shift your focus from speed to quality – embrace a slower pace and prioritize experiences that bring you joy and meaning. Be present in the moment – notice the details around you and savor each experience.

Connect with nature – spend time outdoors to reconnect with the natural world and reduce stress. Share your life with loved ones – prioritize quality time with family and friends, building meaningful connections.

Please, slow down and live.

Barrington Brennen is a marriage and family therapist and counseling psychologist.  Send your comments or questions to question@soencouragaement.org or call 327 1980 or visit www.soencouragement.org