"If you have an apple, and I have an apple and we exchange apples then we both still have one apple. If you have an idea, and I have an idea and we exchange ideas then we both have two ideas." George Bernard Shaw

Monday, January 21, 2013

Slow Down

     So many people move much too fast in this world.  I don't mean running or speeding, but dashing about from one task or project to another, always in constant motion.  How many of us wouldn't know what to do with our time if we didn't have our internet ready cellphone always at hand to entertain us?  Even if you use it to make you more efficient in your job, or to educate yourself (both of which are admirable activities) you may still be rushing too much and missing things.  To our detriment multitasking has become commonplace.

     Take time to smell the roses.  Seriously.  This world is full of wonderful and beautiful things that many if not most of us pass by.  I'm not saying you need to be a nature lover or anything, but take time to appreciate life.  Doing so will relieve stress and give your mind time to clear so that you can be more efficient and more healthy.  "Mind wandering", or thinking about other things rather than being "in the moment", has been shown to cause unhappiness.

     Go on a walk, either alone or with a friend.  Have a picnic in a park with your loved one(s).  Go cloud-watching.  Take time to go talk to an old friend rather than send a hasty message.  Put your phone on silent and have a nice dinner with your family.  Whatever it is find something to relax you.  You'll be happier, less stressed, and be able to perform better.

     We all know how important it is to give our bodies rest, so why don't we give our minds rest too?  Give it a try, and then when your mind is refreshed take some time to just think about life.  Think about what's really important.  Think about how you can improve.  Think about some of the problems facing society as a whole and how we can fix them rather than just complain about them on our Facebook page.

     Its a simple thing, and simple things are simple to do.