How to Slow Down in Life

In our fast-paced world, we tend to react very quickly to things. Why has everything become rushed? How can we slow down? 

The need to slow down has been on my mind lately because I’ve felt rushed about the things that I do. To be honest, I have no reason to feel the way I do, but there’s an underlying feeling of anxiety I have of needing to get something done so I can move on to the next thing. 

In his article “Why You Should Stop Rushing (Your Brain Is Tricking You),” Patrick Buggy wrote, “Rushing adds stress and anxiety to your life. Over time, this can make a big difference in your default mental state. Even if it doesn’t feel significant in the moment, the difference between a peaceful mind and a somewhat stressed mind is significant. It impacts everyone around you as well.”      

In my seven years of hustle and bustle in the corporate world, I often struggle to manage my time even though I’ve scheduled my day. After working for 9-10 hours, I always make sure to exercise, do simple and quick household chores, watch a series, read a book and participate in Church activities. Yet I often tend to forget to rest, catch up with my friends and do Bible study (yes, I’m guilty of that).

Reflecting on these experiences has helped me realize that this topic is very important because it has become a norm in our society. We, as God’s people, need to learn to slow down and give time to godly matters.

 Here are five tips that I have found helpful in the pursuit of slowing down.

1. Be still. 

Amid a hectic schedule and an endless to-do list, let’s remember that we don’t always need to be on the go. Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply pause and meditate on who is actually in control—God. 

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” This verse does not merely suggest slowing down and thinking; it commands us to. 

2. Rest and meditate.

In my journey toward a slower lifestyle, I’ve found that slowing down is not only beneficial but also biblical. 

In Luke 5:15-16, we read that Jesus Christ often withdrew from the multitudes to pray. Taking time to communicate with God is an important part of an unhurried lifestyle. Another example can be found in Mark 6:31, where Jesus told His disciples, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” He saw the disciples were busy and exhausted, with no time to even eat, and He commanded them to take some time to rest. 

During my lunch break, when I can take a break from all my tasks and responsibilities, I try to go to the office rooftop and enjoy the fresh air. It’s also a good time for me to listen to some Life, Hope & Truth podcasts.

3. Seek peace.

We often associate a full life with busyness, but the Bible provides a different perspective. 

Consider Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

In a world that is always on the go, chasing after peace may sound impossible. But choosing a slower lifestyle and fulfilling our spiritual disciplines isn’t about doing less. It’s about consciously choosing to make God our priority, which will bring greater peace to our lives. 

4. Prioritize love.

When we’re totally focused on success, we do everything in our power to achieve it. However, it can sometimes cause us to lose sight of things that matter more, such as our relationships with family and friends. 

In 1 Corinthians 16:14, Paul advised, “Let all that you do be done with love.” This verse serves as a sincere reminder of what should be the core of our actions and decisions in life. It teaches us to let love guide our actions and decisions, especially when we become too busy. 

We should strive to avoid letting our busy lives become a hindrance to spending more time with our families and friends.

5. Trust God’s timing.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” This verse encourages me to rein in my impatience and trust God to guide me on my path in life.  

Waiting for things to fall into place can be a difficult task, but we need to remember that God is still at work—even when things seem to move slow. Rushing things won’t necessarily bring the outcome any faster. 

It’s a lesson that I’m still learning, but I’ve discovered I can have great peace when I trusting in God’s timing and let go of the things I cannot control.

As we find ourselves in the high-speed pace of modern life, let us remind ourselves that God is the Creator of life and gives us wisdom, time and experiences. 

Life is more beautiful when we simply slow down.

Golda Mae Baylon attends the Davao, Philippines, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.

Image Credit: Tinnakorn Jorruang/iStock via Getty Images