You’re always in a rush. Rising in a hurry, rushing to get to work, rushing to cook, rushing to take care of your family.
You’re always in a rush. Rising in a hurry, rushing to get to work, rushing to cook, rushing to take care of your family. Your days feel like a string of to-dos, and even taking a breath requires a special reminder.
I went through that phase too—even washing my hair felt like a luxury. In the morning, I frantically fixed my hair, while my mind raced through meeting schedules, client requests, and my child’s breakfast. Back then, I always thought “slowing down” was a privilege reserved for the idle. Only later did I understand that slowing down isn’t about wasting time, but about regaining control of it.
1. Start with one minute in the morning
For a while, I made a point of setting aside an extra minute for myself every morning. Even if it was only sixty seconds, I wouldn’t check my phone or think about work, but would quietly drink water and listen to my breath. That moment of tranquility felt like a spring carved out of the bustle of the day. Sometimes I’d wear lightweight, glueless wigs, or a half wig which saved me time and kept me looking presentable. The moment I put it on, the curve of my hair seemed to say: See, the pace of life can be so effortless.
2. Breathe in the gaps, not just rest
We often think of rest as a waste of time, but in fact, a moderate pause can actually improve efficiency.
I always keep a scented pen at my desk. Every two hours, I close my eyes and take a deep breath, letting the tension in my shoulders slowly subside.
Sometimes, during a break in a meeting, I quietly listen to a favorite song—those two minutes are like a reminder: “You are not a machine.”
3. Use small rituals to soften the day
I’ve discovered that “slowness” can be a carefully crafted ritual.
At night, after returning home, I remove my makeup, shampoo my hair, and change into soft pajamas. My fingertips gently stroke my silky Burmese curls. As the comb slides along the ends, the tension of the day dissipates.
Occasionally, I light a scented candle or write down a few thoughts in my journal—not to record, but simply to be at peace with my inner self.
4. Don’t wait for time to free up; learn to “create” it for yourself.
Life will never automatically become easier unless we actively create space to breathe.
It could be a ten-minute stroll during lunch break, a five-minute meditation before showering, or simply turning off your phone before bed and listening to your own breathing.
These “slow moments,” though brief, are like scattered stars in life, allowing us to reconnect with the warmth of life.
5. Redefine “Productivity” to Include Your Well-being
For so long, I measured my worth by how much I could cross off my list. An empty to-do list equaled a successful day, but a drained and irritable me. I had to consciously shift my mindset. I started adding items like “5-minute stare-out-the-window break” or “enjoy a cup of tea without multitasking” to my list. Checking those off felt just as victorious, because I was actively investing in my own sanity. Remember, a moment spent recharging is not a deviation from your responsibilities; it’s the essential maintenance that allows you to meet them with grace instead of grit.
6. Find the “Slow” in the Mundane
You don’t always need to create new time; you can infuse slowness into existing tasks. I learned this while washing dishes. Instead of rushing through it, I began to feel the warmth of the water on my hands, notice the shimmer of the bubbles, and focus on the simple, rhythmic motion. That chore transformed from a nuisance into a minor meditation. The same can be done while folding laundry, feeling the textures of the fabrics, or while walking to your car, truly feeling the ground beneath your feet. It’s about anchoring yourself in the physical sensation of the present moment, pulling you out of the frantic race in your mind.
7. The Power of a “Slow” Anchor
Find one small thing that, by its very nature, forces you to slow down. For me, it’s sometimes my hair. On particularly hectic days, the simple act of carefully detangling my silky Burmese curls with a wide-tooth comb becomes my anchor. It requires patience and a gentle touch; it can’t be rushed. In those few minutes, my only job is to care for this one part of myself. For you, it might be repotting a plant, sketching a simple drawing, or kneading bread dough. This anchor activity is a tangible reminder that not everything must be done at top speed.
8. Embrace the “Good Enough”
Perfectionism is the arch-nemesis of a slow moment. We often delay our pause because the house isn’t spotless, the report isn’t flawless, or the meal isn’t gourmet. I gave myself permission for things to be “good enough.” The kids ate scrambled eggs for dinner? Good enough. The emails aren’t all answered? Good enough. This mental shift was liberating. It created pockets of time that were once filled with unnecessary polishing, time I could now reclaim for a deep breath, a chapter of a book, or simply doing nothing at all.
Final Words, Revisited
Sisters, we all strive to live, but don’t forget—being busy isn’t the only way to live. “Slowness” isn’t about falling behind; it’s a kind of sobering gentleness, a quiet rebellion against the tyranny of urgency.
You don’t find slow moments; you create them. You claim them. You defend them fiercely, because they are not a luxury—they are your lifeline. They are the quiet spaces where you remember who you are beneath the roles and responsibilities.
So today, in the midst of it all, I hope you steal a minute. Look up at the sky, take a sip of water, feel the softness of your favorite sweater, and smile to yourself. In that small, deliberate pause, you are not just managing your life. You are living it, fully and on your own terms. And you, my dear, are absolutely worth that moment.
