"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down," Lily Tomlin. American actress and comedian.
What wise advice, and how difficult it is for me to follow! Do you feel the same way? August has arrived; it's a calmer month work-wise, and although I'm not on vacation this year, it's true that August forces me to slow down. But now that I think about it: is it August that forces me, or is it my body? I think it's more the latter, but I use the month as an excuse. This season has been lovely, but it's had many changes, and I must admit that I've met stress in all its forms, that I've fought with it, and that sometimes I haven't known how to get rid of it. I think if you're experiencing any of these things I'm about to tell you, my friend, get off the treadmill and start organizing your life differently.
1. If we are what we eat: say NO to eating in front of the computer
Please, don't throw your hands up in despair! But that's me, live and in person. Orders arrive, we have to label products, we have to take photos... I think any excuse is good enough to see me sitting in front of the computer, eating in 5 minutes and not allowing myself a break. It's curious. I'm a fan of healthy food, I love to cook, and at mealtime, I swallow it as if it were a pill. How inconsistent, right?
Well, I have to tell you that I've started to change this habit. And thinking a bit about it... and, not as a consolation for my attitude, look at how the world works: in many places, fruit is picked early to be sent in refrigerated containers so that the pieces ripen artificially. Of course, then the tomato tastes like nothing, you buy the avocado green, and the next day it's half rotten. On the other hand, in industrial farms, they do everything possible for animals to gain weight as quickly as possible, with the unpleasant consequences this has for our health... If we think about it, the fact that there are more stressed people who gulp down food can lead to an increase in obesity because there is an intake of sugar or saturated fats that occurs without one being fully aware due to the rush...
Similarly, fast food establishments are on the rise, and pre-cooked meals are flying off supermarket shelves.
2. If you're looking for an antidote to stress: DON'T check the time constantly
Let me tell you: I go to bed, set the alarm, and for a long time, I've calculated, "well, not bad, I'm going to sleep 6 hours and 55 minutes today." I wake up, and the first thing I do is look at the clock. I look at it before raising the blind, washing my face, or having breakfast. My most repeated phrase is "I don't know if I'll have time," "I'm in a hurry"... And, although I can't say I've already changed this, I am in the process of doing so, and I will succeed.
And it's true, isn't it, that in any job, we are usually asked to be fast and efficient? The truth is that capitalism rewards speed. The company that responds faster gains customers at the expense of one that takes things more calmly. I've seen people get annoyed if you don't respond to their "WhatsApp" almost instantly... Little by little, without realizing it, speed becomes a companion and ends up being part of us. I read this example in "In Praise of Slowness" by Carl Honoré, and it goes like this: "the first time we drive on a highway at 120 km/hour, we feel like we're going very fast. Then, after a few minutes, it seems routine. If we enter an access lane and slow down to 50 km/hour, the decrease in speed feels irritatingly slow." And seen this way, the truth is that the habit of speed feeds the constant need for more speed.
Therefore, let's take our watches off our wrists and stop being so controlled by the time it is and by time itself.3. Disconnecting is NOT connecting to social media
And here comes the crown jewel for me: "Disconnecting." I love the word, but I practice it so little. I tell myself, "I'm going to disconnect for a while in the mountains." And, honestly, I bring my phone, and if I see a chance to take a cool photo, I do it. Therefore, I enjoy it a little less. And not only that. Sometimes, "oh, I'm going to do an Instagram story for Maminat." So, I'm working when the main goal was to rest, clear my head, or disconnect.
The truth is that technology has allowed us to take many steps forward, saving us time and effort, but in return, it seems to be common to be available 24 hours a day since we can now work anywhere and at any time with a computer or device in front of us. In fact, I'm going to give you data from this Japanese study from Kyushu University, which found that people who work more hours, we're talking 60 hours a week, are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack than those who work 40. This risk can triple in those who sleep, at least two days a week, less than 5 hours.
And I believe the solution begins by being aware of what we do, to then change these routines and, ultimately, work less.
4. And give free rein to leisure: slow leisure
Isn't it true that a meal can be slow and bring maximum enjoyment? That a good book we dedicate hours and hours to seems beautiful? I believe the key is to enjoy leisure without needing to fill it with things and activities.
Perhaps something similar is happening to you, and perhaps August is the best month to realize this if it is. For those of you on vacation: enjoy, disconnect. I will improve on my path to slowing down, and let me not forget to tell you that speed is one of the enemies of our skin's health and beauty.
A hug, Natalia