Do you feel like you’re always running and never slowing down? Is your life a perpetual whirlwind of activity that leaves you with no time to catch a breath? This is how many Americans are living today in the quest to improve they and their families’ standard of living. Experts have termed this endless quest for faster acquisition of money, power or career progress a speed addiction.
While you may be able to reward yourself with the finer things in life thanks to your relentless grind, living this fast-paced lifestyle takes a toll over the years. People from school-going kids to adults heading to retirement are dealing with mental health issues emanating from stress. The anxiety and depression they suffer also translate into obesity, hypertension and other life-threatening illnesses.
When To Slow Down
So, how do you tell if you’re on this slippery slope to self-destruction? Do you find yourself unable to focus on one task, constantly distracted by alerts of incoming messages on your phone? Or are you constantly scrolling through your social media timelines looking for an interesting post or clever comment?
If you take stock, you will realize that this zombie-like reliance on your smartphone has not only diminished you attention span but it has also eroded your creativity. Instead of taking the time to think up solutions by yourself, you will look for a quick fix on Google or from the people you follow on Twitter.
You may think that quickly jumping from one task to another or multitasking is enhancing your productivity. The reality is that you will accomplish much more if you concentrate on one task and complete it before moving to the next. Trying to mind many irons in the fire will decrease your efficiency and compromise the quality of your output.
It will also get you worked up physically and emotionally. This is why you may find yourself prone to mood swings and stress. Depression and anxiety will creep into your mind if you’re constantly thinking about the glamorous images you see on Instagram and how plain your life seems in comparison.
Your relationships with your family and friends may suffer as a result of your speed addiction. Sending a quick text or pushing a ‘like’ button is much more convenient than making a phone call or taking the time to see someone face to face.
Just the Right Speed
So how do you recalibrate your life to avoid the burnout, stress and mental health disorders that speed addiction brings? How can you snap out of that zombie-like existence and reignite your creativity? Here are some ideas.
Work vs Personal
Strive to create a healthy work-life balance. Work-time is work-time, family time is family time and me-time should remain me-time. Allocate adequate time for each and maintain clear boundaries between them. Putting in more hours in the office does not mean you’re being more productive. But it does mean you’re devoting less of yourself to other important aspects of your wellbeing.
Peer Pressure
One of the most powerful drivers pushing you to live a fast life is peer pressure. Though this phenomenon is commonly associated with teens, it applies to adults too. If you find yourself in a group that is constantly trying to outdo each other, you may need to think about changing your friends.
Unsubscribe from Influences
In the same vein, you need to unfollow social media handles that tempt you to live a fast life, or take a break from your phone altogether. You can fill your spare time with activities that help you relax while releasing your creative juices. Take a walk in the park or find a quiet place to read a book.
Health First
Prioritize your health over the exigencies of today’s fast life. Instead of putting in extra hours at work, or trying to finish an assignment at home, get some rest and attack the task with a fresh mind the following day. Giving your eyes a break from the glare from your screen might reduce your need for premium progressive lenses.
Ensure you take time every once in a while to get away from familiar surroundings to revitalize your body and reset your mind. Try to resist the temptation to take your laptop with you or check your work emails.
Hit the Pause Button
If you feel your life is moving too fast and that you’re not getting the most out of it, you need to hit the pause button. Ask yourself if the price you’re paying to ‘get ahead’ is really worth it. Think about the things that matter to you and your family’s well-being and prioritize accordingly.
