Letting Go of the Hustle: Why Slowing Down Might be the Most Productive Thing You Do
Have you ever stopped to see the way the sunlight filters through the trees on a bright spring day? If you look close enough and the light is hitting it just right, you can see the actual rays of sun as they magically touch the ground, as if dancing along the Earth. Or, are you too busy powering through your day and when you do get outside, so you are wrapped up in the busyness of your day and what’s next on your to-do list, that you don’t even notice the sun or the trees?
Maybe it’s time to breakup with burnout and instead redefine productivity through presence, rest, and self-kindness?
When you take time to slow down it can actually boost your productivity by reducing the mental clutter and improving your focus.
Here are five tips you can test out to try to slow down and become more productive.
Practice mindful awareness: Whether it’s engaging your senses or actually meditating, try tuning in to the here and now. Instead of rushing through your next meal, take time to actually taste the food. Your taste buds will thank you for it.
Try single-tasking: I know we all think we are experts at multitasking. In fact, we take pride in our ability to juggle all the things. But in reality, multitasking reduces productivity and increases stress. Instead, try focusing on one thing at a time and really tuning in to maximize your efficiency.
Set boundaries: Oh this is a tough one for sure. Saying “no” is often one of the hardest things for us to do. We feel guilty or like we are letting other people down. But it’s important to protect your own time and energy. Give yourself some grace and prioritize what really matters.
Take breaks: Sometimes we feel like we need to hang in there and plow through until a task or project is complete. But taking a short break will help recharge your mind and body. Focus on doing something that is restorative and enjoyable.
Focus on quality over quantity: It’s not always about how long your to-do list is or how many of those tasks you check off in a day. Identify the most important tasks and focus on completing them with excellence.
You don't have to earn your rest, and you don't have to prove your worth by how much you get done in a day. Life isn’t meant to be a race to the finish line — it’s meant to be lived, savored, and felt. Slowing down is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. It’s where clarity, creativity, and true joy are waiting for you.
So please, give yourself permission to breathe. To notice the way the sunlight dances through the trees. To live a little softer, love a little deeper, and trust that the most meaningful parts of life happen when you're not rushing through it. You deserve that.
-Laura
Live Fully. Love Deeply. Laugh Often.
