I Tried to "Slow Down" for 30 Days—Here's What Actually Worked

Remember that feeling when Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's zoom by and you're like... wait, what just happened? That was me last year. Completely swept up in the hustle, barely breathing between meetings, family stuff, and endless to-dos.

So I decided to try something radical (for me, anyway): deliberately slowing down while still getting things done. Spoiler alert: it wasn't what I expected.

And trust me, trying to do this with ADD was NOT easy!

LET’S DIVE IN! →

1. I started with a brain dump morning routine ☕️

Instead of immediately checking emails, I spent 10 minutes journaling whatever came to mind. No structure, no "gratitude lists" (yet)—just pure stream of consciousness. The mental clarity? Chef's kiss. It was like decluttering my brain before the day even started.

2. I tried the PACT method instead of SMART goals

SMART goals always felt... corporate? So I tested PACT (Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, Trackable). Instead of "lose 10 pounds by March," I wrote "move my body daily in ways that feel good." Game-changer. The pressure disappeared, but the progress didn't.

3. I scheduled "purposeless" time—and it felt rebellious

Every Tuesday from 3-4pm became my "do whatever" hour. Sometimes I'd stare out the window. Sometimes I'd reorganize my spice drawer. The rule? No agenda. This was HARD at first, but it became my favorite weekly reset.

4. I meal-prepped, but make it lazy

Instead of elaborate Sunday meal prep sessions, I just chopped veggies and prepped proteins twice a week. 15 minutes max. Not Instagram-worthy, but it meant I actually ate real food instead of surviving on coffee and whatever was in the vending machine.

5. I created a "vision board"—but digitally

Physical vision boards felt too crafty for me, so I made a Pinterest board called "Life Vibes 2024." Added to it whenever I felt inspired. It became this living, breathing reminder of what I actually wanted (versus what I thought I should want).

6. I tracked my energy, not my time

Started noting when I felt most alive during the day (hello, 10am creative burst!) and when I felt like a zombie (3pm slump is REAL). Then I reorganized my schedule around my energy. Revolutionary? No. Life-changing? Actually, yes.

7. I practiced saying "I'll get back to you"

This tiny phrase became my secret weapon. Instead of immediate yes/no responses, I bought myself thinking time. My stress levels? Down. My boundaries? Finally existent.

1. Start Messy

Don't wait for the perfect time; start in the chaos

2. Ask For “Good Enough”, Not Perfect

37-second meditations count!

3. Check In Daily, But Keep It Short

2-minute morning check-ins while coffee brews

4. Be Willing To Pivot

This Week:

Adjust what doesn't work until you find what clicks

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