If there’s anything I’ve learned during the past two weeks, it’s that slowing down is an art form. I know everyone is tired of hearing about my broken bones. I get it. I’m tired of it, too. But this is my reality. And in the here and now, I’ve learned a few things about the art of slowing down.
For starters, it’s not natural. It goes against everything we know. Let’s face it, we are a list-making, multiple hat-wearing, get ‘er done people. BUT. There is NO multi-tasking with a broken wrist. Everything I do takes three times as long. Unload the dishwasher? Whew. It’s a big thing moving one clean dish at a time to the cabinet. (#Slowpoke).
If you are injured, recuperating from illness, or an exhausted new mom, slowing down can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your health. But here’s the other thing to consider—slowing down can benefit everyone, even the most healthy and vibrant person reading this. Don’t wait until you are so “busy” and distracted you trip and fall and end up immobile. Incorporate a few of my tips for slowing down now. Maybe your overall sense of well-being will soar.
7 Tips for Slowing Down:
Allow people to help. This is a biggie. Friends and neighbors and family reach out and offer to bring food, run to the grocery store, walk the dogs. It’s what community does. I say yes! Friends want to do something, or they wouldn’t offer. And I need the help. Later, I’ll pay it forward. Playing the martyr is not an attractive role on anyone.
Listen to your body. Our bodies will guide us if only we will pay attention. When I first did my less than graceful swan dive from the front porch, I almost waited to go to the doctor. For a few minutes I considered waiting to see how I felt after a night’s sleep. But I KNEW my wrist was broken. So I didn’t delay. During the two plus week’s after, I’ve taken cues from my body and not pushed myself. This is the time to rest and sleep. Soak in the tub. Ice your injury. Nurture yourself. There are benefits to a daily siesta, especially during a healing phase.
Stop dwelling on what you’re missing. It’s easy to deep dive into full blown pity party mode. I didn’t get to go to the lake with my family. I can’t go to the gym. I can’t even pull on jeans and button them! There are lots of things I can’t do right now because who knew so many things required two hands? Just stop. A negative mind serves no good purpose now, later, or ever.
[tweetthis]A negative mind serves no good purpose now, later, or ever. #positivity #quote[/tweetthis]
Concentrate on what you can do. All those photos on my computer? This is the perfect time to organize them. Those audio books I’ve downloaded? That HBO series I want to binge-watch? The stack of books staring at me so intently I can almost hear the words inside the covers? Now is the time. I can sit on the porch and watch rain splatter against the sidewalk. Write in my journal. (My right hand works just fine, thank the good Lord.) Do those easy calming things that in a normal life we don’t give enough attention.
Cut the Crap. Don’t fall victim to the junk food demons lurking in your pantry. I’m a believer in moderation, and yes sometimes I eat ice cream and cheese dip (not together). This is not the time to binge on potato chips. You aren’t burning many calories lying on the couch watching HGTV. You already feel unproductive and irritable. Don’t add a sluggish sugary mind to it. Keep making healthy food choices even though peeling a carrot is mighty slow going.
See the humor in it. Oh, the jokesters come out of the woodwork with cracks about falling off the porch, growing old, breaking bones, drinking too much wine, and so on. Yes, once the shock of it passes, it will be funny. There’s also a bit of irony considering last year I swore that this year I would slow down. This would be the year I would savor the moments. Turns out, this mantra was a self-fulfilling prophecy. And if we can’t laugh at ourselves…you know.
Focus on simple. These sort of accidents and events put everything in perspective and provide a time to regroup. Believe me, there’s plenty of time to focus on the simple things that are important. Health. Relationships. Future goals. The year’s half over. No time like the present to think about next year.
Not to mislead anyone—often the whole thing is exasperating. I’m cranky and so ready to move past this. But patience is a virtue, or so we’re told. And I know, this too shall pass.
What are your tips for slowing down? I hope you’ll share your ideas with me so I can make them part of my healing.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]7 Tips: The Art of Slowing Down #simplify #recovery #health[/tweetthis]
P.S. For comprehensive tips on health and well-being, check out certified wellness and running coach, Suzy Oakley’s website, To Well With You. Suzy provides encouragement and authentic ways to live a better, more well-rounded life.
Seems like you’ve covered the territory on tips, and it’s good advice. I’m glad you are letting people help you. I feel better about you now that I’ve been there. Having had the same injury, I’m living proof that T”his, too, will pass” is true.
Slowing our pace in life is good for all of us, injured or not, Talya. You’ve shared some great tips here! Speaking of slowing down, I was in the middle of leaving you a comment here last night when our power went out. Talk about interrupting the best laid plans! Lol – It was, indeed, a dark and stormy night.
Blessings!
Hoping you feel better soon…it is good to slow down every now and then. I have had to also with my recent cataract surgeries… Hugs!
Oh my, embrace it and get strong wristed again soon!
My husband broke his ankle 2 years ago. Turned out he says his recoup was the best 6 weeks he had in years, reading 10 books and watching Game of Thrones and really physically not able to walk around forced him to stay put. It was lousy time of year so it was easy to stay indoors and it was his right foot so he couldn’t drive until all casts/boots/surgeries were done. A lot easier for him.
You almost said what I would say, when you mentioned stop stewing and look on the bright side. Good points, but we are called to be thankful. To give thanks in and for everything. I would add that. <3
Also, find a way to exercise. Once you have a cast, doing lifts will be meaningful.
Last, actually, slow is normal. We are too speedy–so speedy that we have lanes for those who are speediest, and force those who stick to 70 on highways to travel in the "slow lane". Be normal for awhile. <3
Loved your tips. Good, sound advice – and I’ve always believed in stopping to smell the roses and savoring the rich aroma, not to mention soaking in the beauty all around us. I’m so sorry you are having to go through this ordeal – but you aren’t wasting the opportunity to learn something, which is always a blessing in the end. As I often say – we never get too smart or too old that we can’t learn something new. I know my ‘situation’ isn’t typical but I’ve tried to stay positive and push the negative thoughts out. To fail to do so would have not been pretty – and we have to always – and in ALL WAYS keep a sense of humor. Without mine, I’d definitely went off the deep end long ago. And though – my personal story of “this too shall pass” didn’t ever completely pass – I’ve learned to adapt and have refined my own personal resiliency. So thankful your injuries weren’t worse and glad you’re slowing down to take a breather. Hang in there, cousin! 🙂
Can’t button or sip them pants? Now is the time to get some lovely sundresses!!
I do have lots of skirts!
“Don’t push yourself” is such good advice. Listen to your body when it tells you it’s just tired and needs to stop for a while.
Talya, when I had rotator cuff surgery, I started doing the adult coloring books. I use gel pens instead of pencils. I colored enough pages to put together “Juniper’s Pretty Picture Book”. It was a gift to my great-niece. I put each page into a sleeve and put them in a binder. She will be 2 in January and the binder is one of her favorite books to flip through. Plus, I can continue coloring and add more pages periodically.
Great idea Robin!!
Enjoyed reading all of this! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Sherlie! Nice to hear from you.