If you could use some tips on slowing down and savoring life, read on!

To start with, admit to yourself that you want to slow down. Demands and information overload is real, and creates a momentum of mental busy–ness that is hard to overcome.

There are two primary ways to slow down. The first is by reducing the stimulation you receive. The second is by setting regular time aside to decompress. I recommend you do both. Here are some suggestions for each.

Reduce Stimulation

Here are some typical sources of stimulation:

• TV – Commercial TV and Cable
• Movies, Videos and DVDs
• Computers, Email and the Web
• Electronic Games
• Talk and Music Radio
• Music and MP3 Players
• Newspapers and Magazines
• Phones
• Books

Make sure that what you put into your mind actually fosters the mental state you seek. Imagine if you took a three week fast from all of the above media. How would that impact your peace of mind?

Set Time Aside to Decompress

Small intermissions from the press of life to breathe and relax can quickly contribute to the overall quality of our lives.
Here are four quick ways to decompress. Give them a try. Just three minutes twice a day will have a substantial impact.

Breathe slowly for ten deep breaths. Position your body comfortably, let your eyes close and focus on the sensations of breathing.

Coordinate arm motion and breathe for ten breaths. Move your hands and arms slowly in rhythm with your breath.

Focus on present physical sensations and perceptions. When you drift off to thought, analysis or the past or future, just bring yourself back to simple physical sensations and perceptions.

Connect with your higher power. For a few moments, seek your sense of connection and feel it right now.

Imagine if you rested in one of these exercises for fifteen minutes at the start and end of each day…

Our lives are so busy these days it’s important to protect our sense of peace by making conscious choices about what kind of stimulation we want to allow in and to set regular time aside to decompress.

Wishing you a joy filled life.

Nando Raynolds, M.A.

Nando Raynolds is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Visit his website at www.nando-r.com or contact him at nando@mind.net or 821-6623.