How to Escape from the Busy-Ness of Life
Modern life is built on a “go, go, go” culture. Perhaps those “go”s should have exclamation points, such is the relentless pace. Yoga and meditation retreats might make it seem like you need to take a week’s holiday to relax. But moments of stillness are always within our grasp – and they’re often completely free. Slowing down might seem like a distant dream when we’re in the middle of juggling appointments, video calls, and taxiing friends and family members. But it doesn’t take long – especially if we can build a regular practice (whatever that may look like: meditation, yoga, walking in nature, reading, or anything else where we truly slow down). If we can manage to find more of these moments of stillness, whether for two minutes or thirty, we can escape the busy-ness of modern life.
Embrace nature
The benefits of nature are well-studied and there are several, including the potential to reduce anxiety and stress. In Japan, Shrinrin-yoku – literally meaning forest bathing and referring to mindful time in nature – is a widely recognised health practice. Dr. Qing LI wrote for Time that Shinrin-yoku is simply about being in nature and noticing our senses. Dr. Li is the author of Forest Bathing, a book about how time in nature can help us find health and happiness, The things we see, hear, taste, smell and touch all offer invitations to be mindful.
If we’re walking under trees and listening closely to the bristle of wind on leaves, we aren’t thinking about the past or future. We’re not thinking of our phone’s Calendar app and what we might’ve double booked, or what we might have said wrong in that conversation last Tuesday. We’re in the here and now – and that has major benefits. Mindfulness has been linked with improved sleep, pain management, focus, quality of life, and reduced anxiety, depression, stress, as well as slower brain aging. Qing Li noted that it doesn’t really matter what you do in nature, as long as you’re there: you could be walking, practicing yoga, eating, meditating, taking an art class, or simply observing the plants. And you don’t need a forest – you can practice in a park or in your garden.
Slow down at home
Our homes should be places we can unwind and let go of stress – whether it’s with meditation, a meal with family or friends, or a relaxing bath. Hot baths have long been linked to health, and there are amazing health benefits. According to a Healthline article, medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, hot baths may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, help manage blood sugar, lower blood pressure, relieve pain, and improve our mood and mental health. Dr. Mark Khorsandi, a migraine surgeon, has said that stress causes our muscles to contract, and a hot bath can keep muscles relaxed. The gentle current from a whirlpool baths massages tired muscles, and helps to ease tension after a long day. Stretching and moving gently in water serves as a low impact workout to help with muscle and joint discomfort.
Yin yoga
Unlike higher intensity yoga classes with countless warrior poses, squats, and even push ups, yin yoga emphasises gentle and therapeutic poses. Many people find seated breathing meditation difficult, and relaxing yoga poses – like child’s pose, and legs-up-the-wall pose – can be an easier introduction to mindfulness. These poses encourage the same things as a more “formal” meditation practice: slowing down and a focus on breath. This way, we activate our “rest and digest” mode, or our parasympathetic nervous system. There are many free yoga videos on YouTube; you can search for terms like “yoga for relaxation” and “yoga for anxiety”.
Takeaway
We needn’t book a week’s holiday to Tuscany every time we need to slow down (thankfully, as not many of us can afford such expenses!). There are always opportunities to slow down and find ourselves again. And when we’ve managed to do that, we’re often more productive afterwards. Just a few minutes spent outside of the “go-go-go” mindset can restore our energy, focus, and mood.