Slow Motion In a Fast Life

Moving super fast?

A reflection from Kristin:

Anyone who's worked a few days in school PR knows that life can launch into warp speed without warning. Your ability to move quickly, respond thoughtfully and create a sense of calm for your district are your superpowers in these moments.

What you may not know is the toll that warp speed takes on your nervous system. And the more you move quickly, the harder it is to s.l.o.w....down.

It's no secret that my family has enjoyed the support of professional therapists over several years. One of the most fundamental things I've learned is the saying, we get there faster by going slow.

(And yes, the copy editor in me knows that sentence is crying out for adverbs.)

The truth is, the body and brain can only handle so much. If you've ever rushed around the house trying to get kids out the door — brush your teeth! find your shoes! what do you mean you forgot to eat breakfast? — you know that meltdowns are never far behind the need to move quickly.

Instead of rushing and amping up your nervous system, try slowing it down.

We have all the time we need
in the next five minutes.

A trick from a therapist — calmly announcing We have all the time we need in the next five minutes — works wonders on busy mornings.

It also works wonders when my work piles up under deadline. And when the dinner I'm trying to make is late. And when I need to finish cleaning before company comes.

I know it seems too silly and simple to work. But here are a few other too silly and simple to work tools you can try to help your nervous system slow down when it's trying to race around.

• Intentionally slow your pace when you walk to the restroom or office next door. Sometimes I even notice to swing my arms a bit less like a worked-up chimpanzee.

• When you're washing your hands, slow your motions as you lather and sing Happy Birthday to yourself (twice).

• Turn on the faucet gently, and fill your water cup slowly. Focus for a moment on the water line moving up.

• If you're tapping your foot or finger quickly, intentionally slow it down as if you were very casually adjusting a speed dial from 5 to 1. (If you aren't tapping already, you can start tapping quickly to slow down and get a very similar benefit.)

None of these slow motion tricks will replace the unwinding that is needed at the end of a stressful, fast-paced time. But by keeping your nervous system from completely overloading, you'll remain more productive and calm. And that gives your brain the space to clearly focus on doing your best work.

Be well,
Shawn & Kristin

Shawn McKillop, APR // Twitter // Email
Kristin Magette, APR // Twitter // Email
#K12prWell