Mindful Slowing Down
Mindful Slowing Down
3 Tips on Mindful Slowing Down to Help You Rest and Reset
Hi, y’all,
Over the past week, I have been attentive to conversations at work, coffee shops, and with friends and family about the desire to slow down in what seems like a relentless pace of life these days. Today, I want to share some practical tips to help you intentionally slow down to stay present and regain clarity amidst the blur of daily life.
It’s Here! My new book, Burn Without Burning Out: 7 Micro-Mindfulness Habits for Clear Thinking, Decisive Action, and Recovery from Burnout, is now available. Thank you for sharing the news. You don’t have to be perfect to be present—just start with one mindful moment.
Let’s dive into this week’s newsletter.
First, some easy micro-mindfulness tips – actions you can do in less than 3-7 minutes at a time.
Micro-Mindfulness Tips
Ponder this Quote
Walk without a stick into the darkest woods. ~ Cheryl Strayed
A prompt for reflection and journaling:
What insights are you learning as you venture into the depths of your being?
Mindful Action
Here’s one actionable tip for practicing micro-mindfulness this week – a brief activity you can do in 3-7 minutes. (Thank you to Jim Van Wyck, who created the image).
Soap Bubbles: Blow soap bubbles and watch them float and pop.
Photo Credit: Jim Van Wyck
Journal Prompt
Take a moment to reflect on your day before journaling. Be mindful of what grabs your attention when you pay attention.
Journal Prompt: Reflect on a time when noticing small details brought you joy.
Daniel Schimpke shared a great journaling tip from this prompt: Keep a “joy trigger” list in your notes.
Reflect on One Mindful Thing
Here are a few suggestions for micro-mindfulness reflection and action. Choose one mindful thing or another practice to try this week.
Start your day with a mindful intention: What positive energy do you want to bring into the world today?
Mindfulness is the key to unlocking a world of peace and clarity within yourself. Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.
Living in the present moment is a gift we give to ourselves. Embrace mindfulness by grounding yourself in the now, letting go of distractions, and simply being.
Burnout doesn’t just come from working too hard—it comes from losing connection with your purpose. Spend a few moments reconnecting with your “why.”
Mindfulness is a way of life. Embrace each moment with gratitude and awareness, and watch your life transform.
Insight
3 Tips on Mindful Slowing Down to Rest and Reset for Improved Clarity of Purpose
Slowing down might feel impossible when life pulls you in every direction.
Yet, it’s essential for resetting your focus and finding clarity. If you’re always on the go, your purpose can get lost in the noise of distractions. Mindful slowing down with intention helps you get back on track.
Here are three tips to help you rest and reset.
1. Schedule Micro-Breaks
Taking short, intentional breaks throughout the day is vital to sustaining energy. Try scheduling five-minute pauses each hour. Use these breaks to stretch, breathe, or simply close your eyes and be still. They will help you reset your mind and regain focus.
2. Practice Mindful Breathing
Next time you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to focus on your breath. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four and exhale for four, repeating three to four times. This simple pattern shifts your focus from stress to calm, clearing your mental fog.
3. Disconnect From Screens
Constant screen use leads to mental clutter, making it hard to focus on what really matters. Take intentional screen breaks during your day, especially before bed. This practice can help you decompress and get clear on your priorities for the next day.
Key Takeaways
Reflective Quote: A prompt to reflect on your inner journey, inspired by a quote from Cheryl Strayed.
Actionable Tip: Blow soap bubbles and observe them to practice mindfulness in a simple, engaging way.
Journaling Tip: Keep a “joy trigger” list to capture moments of happiness through small details.
Mindful Intentions: Start your day by setting a positive intention and focusing on the present moment to reconnect with your purpose.
Mindful Slowing Down Tips:
Schedule micro-breaks to reset your mind.
Use mindful breathing to calm your mind and reduce stress.
Disconnect from screens to reduce mental clutter and refocus on priorities.
That's it!
Thanks for reading. I appreciate you being part of the journey. See you next Sunday.
Denise
I'm a former nun who became a big-tech risk manager. I want to help you find stillness in the ball pit bouncy house of life. For more resources on micro-mindfulness, go to denisepyles.com.
Author of A Glowing Ember of Courage—Ponderings, Poetry, and Prayers, the children's book It's Just a Little Rain and Song, and other Books on storytelling.
How I Can Help You
Are you sometimes easily distracted by your thoughts or all the digital shiny objects? If so, you might want to try my course on learning micro-mindfulness practices to help you increase resilience at startmicromindfulness.com.
Are you gaining some traction in practicing mindfulness? Want to take it to the next level of consistency? Consider my 14-day one-sentence consistent mindfulness journaling challenge at 1sentencejournaling.com.
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