Make Time to Recharge: 8 Reasons to Slow Down and Embrace Intentional Living

In countless conversations, we (humble) brag about how busy we are. At work and at home we fill every moment of the day, packing our schedules and even those of our children. Yet, the breakneck pace takes a huge toll—on our mental health, our physical health, our relationships, and our productivity. 

By slowing down, we can focus on what's truly important in life and let go of the false obligations that distract us. Slowing down can take intentional effort, because our society conflates busy-ness with importance and status. In reality, being busy all the time has more to do with our egos and our inability to set reasonable priorities. A deliberate mindset allows us to take care of our families and ourselves, resulting in happier, more fulfilling lives. 

Your children don't care if there are dishes in the sink when you tuck them into bed. Your boss is unlikely to notice if you stayed late at the office, instead of getting home to have dinner with your spouse. In the long run, you won't remember the Sunday afternoons you spent answering work emails, when you could have been hanging out with friends. To break the cycle of busy-ness, it’s helpful to keep in mind all the reasons to slow down, recharge, and reconnect.