By Grace Through Faith

I think it is easy for us to lean more into that hustle mode with life as we start to fill our calendars with activities, events, and deadlines. As we start to add more things to our plates, some other tasks and habits get deleted from the to-do list.

It tends to make me question – how can I find the balance of productivity and calmness? There has to be a way to slow down, get tasks done, and not feel so pressured and tired while doing so.

If you feel that you struggle with burnout, constantly feeling late or rushed, or just want to know how to be more present with your daily life, I hope this helps and encourages you a bit.

First off, you’re not alone. We all face these seasons and routines where it feels like we are weighed down and do not know how to catch up. We feel like we aren’t able to enjoy the hobbies we used to. Or don’t feel at ease with the routines we have. I think sometimes we want more time in our days, but maybe we need to reframe it in changing our perspectives with our hearts and our minds.

I personally do not enjoy being in a rush. I hate the way it makes me feel in the moment, and I tend to not love well when I am feeling in a hurry. I become more irritate or frustrated because I feel like I am running out of time to do something. Or I feel that I am disappointing those waiting on me to hurry up. However, this is a mental battle I am facing. So I have to ask myself, what practical ways could I implement into these times to where I would not be in a rush? Maybe, that means leaving earlier for appointments to attend. Or setting alarms to help you feel structured during the day with your time.

That also may mean letting go of pressures to be quick or timely. I usually think of the times when I am at the grocery store in the self-checkout section. Man, I so do not enjoy it because I feel like I am being slow, I am holding up the line, or I have too many groceries to scan in a timely manner. But all these thoughts and worries I am placing on myself have led me to feeling rushed which then can lead me to feeling aggravated. Are there times where you could let go of certain expectations or pressures? Take them off yourself to enjoy more of the present moment.

I think it is also a heart posture too. Reminding ourselves that time on this earth is a gift from the Father. Being intentional with our time and finding gratitude with our time.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” – James 4:13-15

Each day, we get to invite the Holy Spirit to give us ease, peace, and comfort, even as we use our time. Slow living allows me to practice patience, find more joy in the blessings around me, and be more present with the Lord as well as my loved ones.

Maybe you’re wondering how you can incorporate some new habits or activities in your lifestyle to slow down, be present, and live with more ease. Here are some that I am trying to incorporate more into my lifestyle to give you an idea:

1. Be present with others, grab a meal or coffee
2. Spend 10-20 minutes reading or journaling before bed
3. Meditate for 5 minutes (I personally love using insight timer)
4. Enjoy nature – take a walk outside
5. Disconnect from your phone for a day – no social media
6. Drive slower & leave your house earlier for appointments
7. Listen to podcasts – learn something new
8. Make a cozy music playlist
9. Open your blinds & let some light in during the day
10. Get creative – do a puzzle, paint, or draw some art

With love,

Claire