In today’s fast-paced world, the notion of being constantly busy can feel like a badge of honor, but there’s a deeper truth to consider. Our relationship with busyness has been normalized but slowing down is essentially, especially for those who have experienced trauma.
As a trauma specialist, I have encountered the reality of how being perpetually occupied often serves as a coping mechanism. A thought-provoking quote I once read suggests that relentless busyness is, in fact, a trauma response. For individuals who have faced significant challenges, avoiding space for thoughts and emotions can manifest in a tendency to engage in busy work, which temporarily steadies the mind and distracts from deeper feelings. When we neglect to make time for processing our emotions, it can impact every aspect of our lives—our behaviors, sleep patterns, and even the content of our dreams can be affected.
In the practice of EMDR, there’s a saying: “the past is in the present.” This illustrates how, in moments of trigger, we may be reacting not just to our current environment, but also to past experiences that linger beneath the surface.
The allure of hustle culture is something many have experienced, where we strive to cram 25 hours of productivity into every 24-hour day. Before the rise of what is now known as “soft life” culture, hustlers felt the cultural pressure to keep moving. A vacation shouldn’t be the only time we grant ourselves permission to pause.
While it’s true that the demands of today’s world require us to work to live, it’s vital to carve out space for deep breaths and moments of tranquility. I try to engage in strategies to slow down during my day, such as making a conscious effort to sit while eating. When rushing becomes the default, even sitting down can feel like a rare luxury at lunch time. Upon returning home, instead of succumbing to the pull of technology, I try to prioritize activities that nurture relationships or the soul—reading a book, cooking, playing music, or spending quality time with my beloved puppy, The Illustrious Princess Peanut.
Although slowing down isn’t always feasible, for those who resonate with hustle culture or hyper-independence, there are small yet impactful ways to invite calmness into daily life. Making the effort to slow down can also help in managing cortisol levels, which our bodies produce during stress as a survival response. Elevated stress hormones not only disrupts sleep but, over time, can hinder the body’s natural healing processes.
Here are some gentle suggestions to help anyone step back from the chaos and foster moments of stillness:
- Disconnect from Technology: Set aside specific times of the day to unplug from devices, allowing your mind to rest from constant notifications and screen time.
- Create a Morning Routine: Start your day with intention by incorporating slow, mindful activities such as stretching, sipping tea or coffee, and setting positive intentions.
- Take a walk in nature without your phone to reconnect with the world around you.
- Limit Multitasking: Focus on completing one task at a time to enhance your efficiency and reduce stress.
- Journal about ten things you’re grateful for to cultivate a mindset of appreciation.
- Spend a moment gazing at the stars and embracing the night air on your face.
- Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature and the changing light, fostering a sense of calm and presence.
- Prepare a nourishing meal that delights your senses and supports your well-being.
- Enjoy lunch by the water, delighting in the moment and leaving distractions behind.
- Practice mindfulness to ground yourself in the present.
- Take Short Breaks Throughout the Day: Set a timer to remind yourself to pause every hour for a few minutes to stretch, breathe, or simply reset your mind.
Incorporating any of these practices into your routine can create a more balanced lifestyle and offer a much-needed respite from the busyness of daily life.
