As we head from summer toward the cooler days of fall- I can feel it in the air already, I bet you can, too- I am reminded of how a change in season often brings about a change in mindset.<\/b> Fall tends to be about winding down, getting ready to go to sleep and wait out the winter.<\/p>\n
Now is the perfect time to consider how each of us might need to slow down in our lives<\/b>, as well. What could you change or eliminate altogether to make your life less hectic? Is there anything you think that you need to do or have that maybe you really don’t? Sometimes re-evaluating your priorities is what it takes to determine what really matters and what you can let go of.<\/p>\n
So in the spirit of trying to help you find some time to contemplate and enjoy life more, below are some tips you can use now to start getting slow:<\/b><\/p>\n
– Leave your watch or cell phone out of reach. Turn off the ringer and take your eyes off the screen for a bit.<\/p>\n
– Check non-work email only twice a day, and give Facebook or Twitter a break.<\/p>\n
– Take the scenic route on travel trips-as long as it doesn’t waste gas!<\/p>\n
– Light candles before you start to cook dinner, and eat by candlelight sometimes.<\/p>\n
– Make up rituals, either on your own or with your family and friends.<\/p>\n
– Say a silent word of thanks and make eye contact with people at the table before you start eating.<\/p>\n
– Let the phone ring several times before answering, or don’t answer it all.<\/p>\n
– Make a handmade present for a friend, or do something with them as a gift.<\/p>\n
– Set aside one night a week all for yourself, or even just a few hours. Don’t let anyone intrude and don’t feel guilty about it.<\/p>\n
– Spend as much time outdoors in nature as you possibly can. Sunshine and some fresh air are good for you!<\/p>\n
– Pay attention to cycles of the moon and the shifting seasons. Notice your moods and feelings as they change, and realize any connections.<\/p>\n
– Sit for a moment with your eyes closed before you start or get on your computer. Breath quietly for a bit.<\/p>\n
– Take a few moments before you climb out of bed in the morning to remember your dreams and think about what you want from the day. Put a positive impression in your mind, and believe you can handle whatever comes.<\/p>\n
– Factor in an additional 25% every time you estimate how long something will take.<\/p>\n
– Always jump at the chance to play with a child or a pet.<\/p>\n
– Never pack your schedule so that there’s no room for a short walk or meal times.<\/p>\n
– Take a left where you generally take a right. And most of all, enjoy the ride!<\/p>\n
Adapted from an article by Marco Visscher and Jay Walljasper. Ode Magazine, Issue #15.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As we head from summer toward the cooler days of fall- I can feel it in the air already, I bet you can, too- I am reminded of how a change in season often brings about a change in mindset….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":181,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n