At some point, if you’re fortunate, you might wake up feeling a sense of dread.
You may be experiencing anxiety, chronic pain in your back or joints, or discomfort in another part of your body.
And, no, this isn’t an inevitable consequence of aging (let’s hope not).
What you’re experiencing is the result of your nervous system breaking down after years of striving to be the “It” girl or woman. It reflects the years spent hiding perceived imperfections, limitations, and vulnerabilities. For as long as you can remember, you’ve hustled and stressed. Fast forward to adulthood, and you find yourself still hustling—always busy, always pushing through, trying to meet everyone’s expectations, often at the expense of your own well-being.
Now, your body is pushing you to experience the lightness of being hopeful about the future. Imagine you are already the status symbol you’ve always aspired to be: the new “It” girl. In this mindset, you’re no longer troubled by others’ opinions; instead, you emerge as a trendsetter. Your new trend is to prioritize slowing down and embracing periods of deep rest in your life.
This article provides insights on how to slow down, as doing so is essential for creating
abundance in every area of your life. While staying busy may seem productive, it ultimately leads to a scarcity mindset regarding your time, social connections, finances, and health. Slowing down allows you the opportunity to reflect on your life, identifying sources of dissatisfaction that contribute to your anxiety and stress.
Take a Break from Socializing
Step back from the relentless pressure to align with everyone else’s vision of the good life: the weekly happy hours, biweekly dinners, endless brunches, and daily coffee runs. The truth is, you deserve a break from a hectic social life and mindless consumption. When you feel overwhelmed from constantly directing energy outward, it’s time to redirect that energy inward.
By taking this break, you can spend quality time with yourself, learning to celebrate who you are. Your identity is rooted in your thoughts, emotions, values, and aspirations. When engaging in social activities, you may deprive yourself of making conscious choices that align with your dreams because you’re focused on being present for others. The pressure to fit in can lead you to neglect your own needs and desires.
Taking a break will empower you to establish boundaries, confidently saying no to events, people, and experiences that don’t resonate with you. This newfound clarity will open the door to attracting what genuinely aligns with your values and dreams.
Start Journaling Each Day
There’s a reason that the practice of journaling has grown in popularity. Self-reflection offers countless rewards. When combined with goal setting and planning, journaling can provide clarity and help you manifest the life you’ve always wanted.
Writing allows you to perform a complete brain dump, clearing your mind of past and present clutter to focus on your desired future. Journaling acts as a powerful stress management tool, providing an outlet for processing the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings. Additionally, gratitude journaling is one of the most effective strategies for cultivating an abundance mindset, attracting positive energy.
Enjoy the Simple Things
As you recognize that your social life may have become too routine and predictable, you’ll begin to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Realize that joy doesn’t always come from flashy dinners or extravagant outings; often, happiness arises from savoring what you already have, like the comfort of your home. Embrace the things you’ve worked hard for—this cultivates a gratitude that many overlook in their lives.
True happiness and fulfillment often stem from the simplest moments: enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee while watching the world from your window or sitting outside, observing life around you. Knowing that your choices are intentional and essential for achieving your dreams enriches this joy.
Seek happiness in your morning stretch, challenge yourself with a new yoga routine, or explore Pilates and somatic exercises. Dive into that book you’ve always wanted to read—whether it’s “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho or a novel by Jane Austen.
Take a walk in nature or hike your favorite trail; bringing a bottle of wine for when you reach your destination can transform the experience into something memorable.
Take a Break from Social Media
Imagine the pressure social media places on you to conform to a glamorous lifestyle. It’s hard to escape the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and YOLO (You Only Live Once) mindset that pushes you to keep up with everyone else. Whether it’s the urge to travel to Greece, dine at the latest Michelin Star restaurant, or flaunt the newest designer trends, social media is flooded with “EPIC once-in-a-lifetime experiences.” Yet, these posts often gloss over the realities—the traveler’s diarrhea, lost baggage, or the fact that your friend might prefer the company of their significant other over their trip companions.
You rarely see posts revealing that many people leave events feeling isolated or regretful about the debt incurred from “follow-the-crowd” expenditures. Much like you, others are selective in what they share, curating an idealized version of their lives. They share only the flattering images, often taken after countless attempts, while the less flattering ones remain hidden away.
It’s essential to recognize that what people showcase on social media reflects their aspirations, but that doesn’t mean their version of happiness will resonate with you.
If you feel compelled to check social media, remember that “everything that glitters isn’t gold.” If the urge to compete arises, why not focus on highlighting the beauty in your everyday moments? Share the joy of hosting a potluck where everyone contributes a dish or a favorite drink. Celebrate your culinary triumphs, such as the homemade dessert or dinner that turned out stunningly Instagram-worthy. Shine a light on the people who support you throughout your life. Document your gym routine and other small victories as you invest in your personal and professional growth.
Make This a No-Spend Month
Consider setting aside a month for no spending. As you pull back from the social scene and tune into yourself, you’ll likely discover a newfound appreciation for the sanctuary of your home. At first, this may feel unexciting, but staying present can foster a deep sense of gratitude for what you’ve cultivated—even if you share your space. You’ll realize that choosing to relax at home is far more rewarding than chasing expensive social outings or status.
If you’re willing, take it a step further. Assuming you have discretionary income, stash away any extra cash after paying your bills and debts. This not only reduces financial stress but also empowers you to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle often fueled by the need to impress. Consider how liberating it feels to have an extra $250 or $500 at your disposal. Can you envision making this a regular practice? Perhaps every other month? Or maybe you’ll discover that you can enjoy one meaningful outing each month while still saving for future goals.
Focus on Reconnecting with People Who Aren’t in Front of You
In our fast-paced lives, it’s too easy to overlook relationships with those who aren’t immediately present. This neglect often stems from being so consumed in the moment that we forget about friends and family who once held significant places in our hearts.
When you slow down, a world of opportunity opens up to reconnect with those you’ve
unintentionally sidelined. Whether it’s friends living across the globe, in different time zones, or those a few hours away, enhancing these relationships enriches your life. Showing appreciation for the people who matter and reminiscing about shared experiences will strengthen those bonds.
Even if you feel nervous about reaching out after an extended break, take that leap of faith! If a phone call doesn’t work, reach out via Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Time apart doesn’t diminish the warmth of good memories; your attempt to reconnect may be just what they need as well. The worst outcome? They may not respond—but at least you’ve created an opportunity to nurture your relationships and broaden your social circle. As you begin this journey of reconnection and reflection, you’ll find growth and fulfillment waiting for you. Embrace this moment!
Final Thoughts
As you embrace the challenge of stepping outside your comfort zone by taking the time to slow down and focus on your own needs, you’ll find that FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and YOLO (You Only Live Once) have significantly less influence over your decisions. You’ll discover a newfound comfort in taking a break, realizing that much of what you’ve been striving for isn’t as crucial as it seemed, and that many experiences can be revisited at any point in your life. This clarity will empower you to establish boundaries and stand firm against societal pressures to keep up with
others. Even more enlightening, you may come to understand that the life you’ve been aspiring to may not be your own; it could very well be a reflection of someone else’s dreams