Why the Key to Savouring the Moment is Doing Less
Ever felt like your life is a speeding rollercoaster you’re desperately trying to hold onto? Imagine this: you're on a rollercoaster, screaming down the tracks with your hair flying everywhere. As you zoom past your friend, who’s standing at the entrance looking perplexed, they shout, “What’s next?” You, clinging to the safety bar and struggling to catch your breath, yell back, “I don’t know, just hold on!”
Sound familiar? Our modern lives often feel like we’re stuck on that rollercoaster — rushing, stressing, and barely holding on. But what if I told you that the secret to savouring life’s moments lies not in galloping faster but in slowing down and doing less? Yes, you heard that right. It sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? We’re conditioned to think that doing more equals achieving more. But sometimes, it’s the exact opposite.
The Myth of Busy
Let’s get real: our culture worships busyness. If you’re not juggling a million tasks or burning the midnight oil, are you even living? I lived this life and it was great until it wasn’t. I had other reasons – I didn’t want to spend any time with husband or partner because it always led to arguments, stress and tension. This was my way of avoiding it all.
For me, it was as if there was a badge of honour attached to being perpetually swamped. But here's the kicker—doing less doesn’t mean being lazy or unproductive. In fact, it’s quite the contrary. By doing less, we can actually accomplish more of what truly matters.
Imagine this: you’re in the middle of an unrelenting workday, your to-do list looks like it’s written in hieroglyphics, and you’re feeling like you’re going to implode. Instead of spiralling further into chaos, you take a moment for a real, unhurried conversation with a friend. You complete one task at a time with calm and satisfaction. Instead of waking up to dive straight into emails and deadlines, you take a moment to appreciate that you’re alive, you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face and the breath of fresh air is revitalising.
The Power of Slowing Down
Why is slowing down so crucial? It’s not just about reducing stress (though that’s a pretty fabulous perk). Slowing down allows us to truly engage with the world around us, to savour experiences, and to reconnect with what matters most. When we rush through life, we miss out on the small, beautiful moments that give life it’s depth and richness.
- Enhanced Awareness: Slowing down helps us become more aware of our surroundings and ourselves. It allows us to notice the details—the way sunlight filters through the trees, the comforting smell of coffee brewing, the warmth of a hug. Your pup’s excitement at seeing you, your cat purring by your feet, your kids art project or that they learnt how to spell a new word! These details make our experiences more vivid and enjoyable.
- Improved Mental Health: The constant rush can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of overwhelm. Slowing down provides a mental break, helping to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. It’s like hitting the reset button for your brain. Trust me burnout is not a good place, I’ve been there and it took months to recoup and back to some normalcy.
- Deeper Connections: When we’re not rushing, we’re more present in our interactions. This leads to deeper, more meaningful connections with others. Real conversations and quality time with loved ones become more possible and more fulfilling. It’s that thing I talk about all the time – mindfulness. Being present in the moment and not thinking about your to-do lists or your endless chores.
The Beauty of Lazy Days
Now, let’s talk about those wonderfully decadent lazy days. Yes, I’m talking about days where you do absolutely nothing productive and revel in it. I love doing nothing other than read a book, take a nap, cuddle with the pup, savour my tea and I love it. It took me a long time to get here from being a constant busy bee.
Here’s why embracing lazy days is not only okay but actually beneficial:
- Rest and Recovery: We all need downtime to recharge. Lazy days give our bodies and minds a chance to rest, recover, and rejuvenate. This isn’t just about physical rest; it’s about giving ourselves permission to take a break from the constant pressure of productivity.
- Creativity Boost: When we’re not running on a hamster wheel of constant activity, our minds have space to wander. This can lead to bursts of creativity and innovative thinking. Some of the best ideas come when we’re simply lounging around without a particular agenda.
- Increased Happiness: Enjoying a lazy day can lead to a boost in overall happiness. It’s a chance to do things that bring us joy without the guilt of being unproductive. Whether it’s binge-watching a favorite show, reading a novel, or taking a nap, these activities contribute to our well-being.
- Teaching the Future Generation: Our kids learn by example and we want them to have a balanced life and this is the only way they will learn. They see you chillin’, doing nothing and they embrace it too so they aren’t living on a hamster wheel.
Practical Tips to Embrace Less and Enjoy More
So, how do we transition from being a frantic rollercoaster rider to a serene soul savouring the moment? Let’s break it down:
Start Small:
Begin with your morning routine. If your first action is usually to check WhatsApp, messages, email, try something different. Write in a journal about what you appreciate in your life or what challenges you’re facing. Or simply sit quietly and tune into your breath. This simple shift can set a positive tone for your entire day. I love taking my chai outside and simply listening to the birds.
Embrace Mini Breaks:
Throughout your day, carve out tiny pockets of time to savour the moment. A 10-minute walk outside, reading a snippet of poetry, or having a genuine conversation can make a world of difference. These small acts of mindfulness help ground you and remind you of life’s simple pleasures. I take my pup out a few times a day but on short walks. This breaks both our days and I love it!
Plan Lazy Days:
Schedule regular lazy days into your calendar. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—just pick a day and let yourself enjoy it without any pressure. Use it as a time to relax, recharge, and do whatever makes you happy. I will take random weekends or evenings off and make sure my phone is furned off!
Challenge Your Compulsions:
Notice what drives you to constantly do more and be more connected. Is it fear of missing out, failure, or just a sense of emptiness? By understanding the motivations behind your busyness, you can start to make more conscious choices about how you spend your time.
The Sweetness of Less
Remember, savouring the moment isn’t about doing less for the sake of it; it’s about making space for what truly matters. By cutting back on the noise and the frantic pace, you allow yourself to enjoy life’s simple joys. It’s about quality over quantity—fewer but richer experiences. I have added manicures into this because I focus on what the manicurist is doing and nothing else.
Doing less might sound like an easy fix, but it can be surprisingly challenging. We live in a world that celebrates overachievement and constant hustle. It takes courage to step back, slow down, and embrace a different rhythm. But the rewards are worth it. When someone asks “How was your weekend?” “Amazing, I did nothing and I loved every minute of it!” My friends and family have learned not to question it because they know how important these days are to me. Some have learned to do the same which makes my heart sing!
When you consciously choose to do less, you create room for more love, effectiveness, and inner calm. You become more attuned to what you value most and, in turn, become more capable of achieving it. Life’s sweetness is often found in the moments of stillness and simplicity, not in the perpetual race against the clock.
So, next time you feel like you’re on a runaway rollercoaster, remember: the key to savouring the moment is not in holding on tighter but in letting go. Slow down, embrace lazy days, and watch how your life transforms from a chaotic sprint to a serene, enjoyable journey. I can vouch for it!
