t seems contrary to our natural thinking to contemplate “slowing down” when our calendars become fuller and fuller each day. We all have times in our life when we are busier than normal, and this is not the time to neglect the art of slowing down.

We have two trips planned in the next few weeks. Ever since the trips were set in my calendar, I’ve been trying to plan ahead and get organized early enough so my business, my home, my dog, and my life in general, are all being taken care of. While planning ahead is essential to a busy life, in the last few days, I feel like I’ve been speeding up to “get everything done.” The pace these last few days has made me think: Am I trying to make things too perfect? How are all the preparations affecting my stress level? Should I slow down a bit?

I learn the lessons I need to learn, dear readers, by writing and sharing my thoughts with you. It appears that it is the perfect time to remind myself (and you) to slow down, even when you feel like you shouldn’t.

Here are 10 ways to slow down when life speeds up:

1. Read this article slowly, not rushing through it to get to your next task.
2. Schedule down time in your schedule (it won’t happen by itself).
3. Create a morning routine and be consistent with it, even if it is simply 5 minutes of quiet time, drinking your tea and planning your day. And while you are planning, remember to schedule down time!
4. Write out a “stop-doing” list. Write that before your “to do” list. Eliminate any unnecessary things that truly don’t need to be done, or can be done by someone else.
5. Leave some time to rest and relax on weekends if you are really busy during the week, or vice versa.
6. Create an intention to slow down, and then check in regularly and make sure your inner monologue is supportive of your intentions.
7. Do less. Simply make the conscious choice to do less.
8. Eat slower. Sit while you are eating, and savor every bite, unattached to your smart phone or media.
9. Talk slower and remember to breathe.
10. At the end of the day, be grateful for what you’ve accomplished, be kind to yourself, and let go of what didn’t “get done.”

Remember that things always get done and everything always works out. It may not be perfect, but the peace of mind you carry with you will make the events in your life more enjoyable, less rushed, and much more meaningful.

A handy tip: Slow down! Print this list and attach it to your planner as a gentle reminder.