Move with purpose

Slowing Down to Speed Up: Present Productivity

Why We Rush

    We live in a world that promotes and celebrates always being busy. If you’re not hustling, multitasking, or crossing off to-do lists, it can feel like you’re falling behind. But what if slowing down isn’t about doing less, but about experiencing more?

    As a mom of 7 in this crazy society, I fully understand the pressure to be busy. I have always felt if I'm not doing something I'm failing. If I'm not doing everything, I'm failing. If I can't do things fast enough, I am yet again failing. Over the last few years though, especially this year I have found that although I  love getting things done, but I am slowing down to enjoy the journey and smell the roses.  My kids are growing to fast that the grass can wait to tomorrow, my time with them has passed so fast. In the blink if an eye and in another they'll all be fully grown and gone. The high demand from the world to constantly be on the go and productive, treats us like robots instead of the humans we are. You are allowed to breath, take a break, and relax. You aren't a set of numbers you are a beautiful soul existing on this planet.

    Slowing down to speed up, is being mindful. Being intentional in your actions and present in the moment you are in. Moving with purpose while also allowing yourself space to breath and relax. Most people don't see that the price of always being busy outweighs the benefits of go go go. You might get many things done but as the cost of yourself and your loved ones.

The cost of constantly being busy

• Always rushing = stress, burnout, and missed moments.

• Our minds stay in the future (what’s next) instead of the present (what’s now).

• Even achievements lose meaning if we never pause to savor them.

The Benefits of Slowing Down

• Clarity: When we pause, we can see what truly matters.

• Joy: Small moments — like sipping tea, watching the sunset, or listening to laughter — bring deep happiness.

• Productivity: Paradoxically, slowing down often helps us focus better and achieve more.

• Connection: Relationships deepen when we give people our full attention.

    In a world where we are burning ourselves out constantly for someone else's goals and dreams, it's important to stop and prioritize ourselves, our health (mental and physical), and our own goals and dreams. We start by slowing down.

Practical Ways to Slow Down

• Mindful mornings: Start your day with a slow ritual such as journaling, breathing, or stretching.

• Single-tasking: Do one thing at a time. Enjoy the process instead of rushing to the end.

• Digital pauses: Step away from screens and devices. Reconnect with nature, silence, and creativity.

• Breathing breaks: A few conscious breaths can reset your nervous system instantly.

• Unplug evenings: Create space before bed to read, reflect, or rest without rushing. Leave phones and devices away from the bed, turn off the tv. To allow you the time and space to re center yourself.

A Gentle Mindset Shift

    Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It means you’re living with intention. Productivity becomes more meaningful when paired with presence.

Mindful Exercise

    Next time you eat, put away distractions and eat slowly — notice the textures, flavors, and gratitude for the meal. This small act is a practice in presence.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a horse master. He told me to go slow to go fast. I think that applies to everything in life. We live as though there aren't enough hours in the day but if we do each thing calmly and carefully we will get it done quicker and with much less stress.

Viggo Mortensen

    Life isn’t a race. When you slow down, you don’t lose time, you gain it back in presence, meaning, and joy. This week, choose one area of your life to intentionally slow down, your mornings, meals, or conversations. Notice how it shifts your energy and focus.

Get your free Slow living checklist here!