Slow down in a fast paced world

In this season of New Year's goals and resolutions, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the things we should be doing. 

I should be getting more exercise. 

I should be cooking in healthier ways. 

I should manage my time better. 

I should budget more efficiently.

Any of those ring true for you? We live in a society that values being busy. People take pride in how productive they are, how many family activities they are involved in, and attending various social events. Those things are worth valuing, but at times staying busy can become a detriment to yourself and your relationships with others. 

Our inner dialogue may encourage us to stay busy: 

If I am busy, I am using my time wisely. 

If I am busy, I am valuable and worthy. 

If I am busy, I am creating a better future. 

If I am busy, I matter. 

For many of us, it may feel uncomfortable, even distressing to relax and take a break. 

Selina Wang of Harvard Univeristy writes a terrific article, "Why are we so busy?" highlighting the "frenzy of productivity." She writes, 
"The frenzy of productiveness is a safe haven where we are so busy that there is no time to question the motives of what we are doing, or to wonder what to do with a moment of reprieve. Filling up every second gives us a sense of securtiy that we are beign successful and working towards something." 

We need space to do the things we enjoy. We need time to spend with the people and things we love. We need opportunities to take a break, disconnect our minds, and experience the world with curiosity and wonder. Wouldn't it be nice to spend a few moments doing nothing? Here are three simple things you can easily incorporate into your busy life to take it easy.

Unplugged Challenge: Put down your mobile device

Lemon Cheesecake
with Raspberries

Recently I stumbled upon an article in the New York Times on the idea that culturally we're disengaged from being in the moment. I originally thought it was going to be an article on how cool it is to document your life. Although it didn't take that spin on things it was inspiring enough to bring attention to how to create space in your life to stay connected to those around you in real time, in the real moment, face-to-face...like our grandparents and parents did.

On New Year's Eve, my husband (Dr. Bitar) and I (remember, we're married) went to dinner and spent a lovely 2 full hours talking, eating, and only picked up our phones to take a photo to, well, document the evening. Just look at that dessert. Could you blame us?

Reflecting on that evening, we concluded that being in the moment together was a lost art and a lost joy. Conversation was engrossing, especially when there was no "ding" sounding from our phones to distract or interrupt us. I loved it! Being unplugged was awesome.