Half Speed

When I just can’t shake the stress from a recently completed project I like to go into half speed mode, doing everything at half the speed I normally would, forcing myself to be very mindful. I eat at half the speed I normally would. I brush my teeth at half the speed I normally would. I read at half the speed I normally would.

I’m a recovering multi-tasker so slowing down is something I definitely need but also something I definitely find difficult. Half speed is something I ease into one step at a time. How about if I just walk to the kitchen at half speed and take it from there? Then once I get there I’ll take a cup from the cupboard at half speed. Then fill it from the tap at half speed. Then sip from it at half speed.

Spending one minute at half speed is nice. Spending ten minutes at half speed is even better. Thirty minutes at half speed is amazing. An hour at half speed is oh so soothing. I’ve never been able to spend a full day at half speed, though I’m going to try today, but I imagine it would be luxurious.

It’s a little something I learnt at a yoga class. I found the slow movements really relaxing so I’d try to ride that wave for the rest of my day. I’d walk slowly as I left class. I’d shower slowly. I’d become completely aware of my surroundings and everything I was doing. This slowness really helped me to keep that sense of calm.

The other benefit of half speed is that it really slows down life. Everyone always complains about the days flying by so quickly, moving at half speed makes time sprawl out around you in it’s beautiful infiniteness. Divine.

What do you do to help ease your stress? Do you take things nice and slow? Meditate? Sit and smile and just enjoy the moment?

PS. Have you ever heard of Shinrin-yoku?