“Exhaustion is not a status symbol.”

This recent Washington Post headline caught my eye…probably because I, like so many of us, sometimes measure my worth by how “busy” I am.

When did being in constant motion become our default? It’s not even about stress anymore; it’s like we’re avoiding life or something.

What if we took just a few minutes to actually experience life instead of distracting ourselves with to-do lists and electronic task masters? I don’t know about you, but “crazy busy” can become an energy-sucking habit fast if I’m not careful.

If you ever find yourself in an endless go-go-go loop of “what’s next?,” read on for four steps to “getting slow.”

  1. Give yourself permission. Or, if it makes you feel better, consider this post me giving you permission to SLOW DOWN! 🙂
  2. Develop an “I need a break alarm.” What happens in your body when you feel stressed out or overwhelmed? What physical symptoms do you notice? They’re different for everyone – headaches, feeling spacey, losing focus several times in an hour. Tuning into them is a good way to “self correct” when you get sucked into the “I’m soooooo busy!” vortex. Stand up. Take a walk. Get some fresh air. Have a glass of water.
  3. Create – and honor – boundaries. Get clear about your limits around work, social engagements, and family responsibilities. You’re just one person – it’s okay to say “no” sometimes. In fact, I want you to actively practice saying no this week. Because I know you…you try to take care of everyone else first, right? (Just admit it.)
  4. Make slow a habit. Pick one or two “get slow” habits to cultivate during the holiday rush. Some ideas:
    • Each time you estimate how long it will take you to do something or go somewhere, add a third.
    • Make Saturdays “Screen Free Saturdays.” No TV. No computer. No smartphone. (It’s just one day!)
    • Light a candle while you’re cooking dinner.
    • Instead of feeling rushed and pressured to get to the yoga studio, do a class in your living room with YogaGlo. (It’s my new yoga addiction.)
    • Take a random turn down a street you’ve never explored.

What habits will you use to help you take it down a notch this holiday season? Tell me in the comments.

P.S. For those in the U.S., have a very Happy (and slow!) Thanksgiving!

P.P.S. ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT in my One-On-One Health Coaching program this year! If you’d like my support to reach your health goals, now’s the time – my rates increase on January 1. Schedule a consultation with me TODAY – by phone, Skype, or in-person in Seattle – and find out what it’s like to have me as your biggest cheerleader. 🙂 (No pom-poms. I promise.)

xoxo,