It's Time To Slow Down

Over the past few years, I seem to feel like everything's on fast forward. The days, weeks and months feel like they're just flying by somehow, and I feel like I'm constantly in a rush. I'm not sure what's caused this shift, but others seem to be feeling the same way.  It could be due to the fact that as mothers, who work full-time, we feel internal pressure to just get through the day, without any interruptions, on full-speed and with a smile on our faces. From the time my alarm goes off in the morning (which is usually around 5.30am), to the breakfast club race, train commute into London, busy work schedule and all the way back home and to bed, it's a big, fat, rush. 

Over the years, this constant rush has led to things like burnout for me. I would hit burn out, dust myself off and just keep going somehow. This happened not so long ago but this time, I decided enough was enough. It was time to slow down and make a change.   

I took a step back from my full-time role in the digital marketing space and decided to spend quality time with myself and my family. I went freelance. 

Here's what happened when I slowed things down. 

 

1. I Started To Think Clearly

No longer was I thinking about work projects or deadlines daily, instead I was thinking about the things that really mattered like what we should be eating for dinner, which stories to read together. I started appreciating time, I slowed my daily schedule down and made sure to include 'me time' before the school run. Perhaps it was because I had less to think about, less project work and tight deadlines to deal with on a daily basis. Perhaps it was less of the morning rush with the commute into London, whilst feeling the guilt of leaving your kids at a breakfast club they don't really enjoy. Less on the daily list gave me clarity and calm. 

 

2. My Priorities Changed

Gone was the focus of climbing up the career ladder and in was the focus on getting myself and my kids overall wellbeing up the ladder. New routines consisted of outdoor play, nature, cooking, baking, reading and connecting. It was slower - filled with quality moments, not fast forward snippets. 

 

 

3. We Talked More

We used to talk before but there never really seemed to be much time to have a deep, daily check in. We would try and come up with quick fixes to help fix something which may have needed deeper connection and empathy. It also meant that devices and digital content exposure was reduced significantly. 

 

4. We Laughed More

With deeper connection and talking came laughter. We played more board games, music and family games. The giggles and laughter became the new norm. 

 

5. My Kids Were Happier

With more laughter came more happiness - naturally. Less exposure to digital content also made a massive difference to overall happiness levels. 

 

6. We Didn't Rely On Digital Content

With more of the above came less and less digital content consumption. They knew mum had more time for them and would want to talk more and connect more. There wasn't as much of a need to go online to connect. 

 

Now, do I miss my full-time role? At times. But, I know that my new role is much more rewarding and is nurturing my children to grow into healthier, young adults. I'm hoping one day, when I look back and measure my life's successes, I'll be able to smile and nod YES to the most important question of 'Are my kids mentally and physically happy and healthy?' 

So go on, give it a try. Slow down, even if it's a little. Could it be time to reduce your hours, work less days a week or even change what you're doing? Your mental health, physical health and family will thank you for it.