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Slow Down

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Rushing to do anything won’t contribute to your goals of peak well being. In fact, it may contribute to an unhealthy state. From simplepersonaldeveloment.com:

Rushing increases stress hormones and also increases inflammation in the body

My JV baseball coach (with unreasonably short PE shorts and a whistle) used to preach, “Be quick but don’t hurry.” Mr. Gunny never gave John Wooden due credit for the quote, but his point was well taken.

If you’ve been following the blog, you know we often discuss baseball as a metaphor for life. If I’m manning centerfield, I want to be relaxed in my movements so that my head doesn’t bounce and I don’t lose sight of the ball. I want my muscles to fire quickly to deploy their maximum power. I want my breath slow to enable a sharp mind. These outcomes can only occur with a state of calm. That’s not to say there is no urgency. We can get from point A to point B rapidly while still being aware and under control.

We see and understand this when it comes to our physical endeavors. It may be less obvious, but the same principle applies to our mental and emotional efforts as well. Flying around our days stressed out unquestionably limits our capability to connect with folks and develop interpersonal relationships.

We are headed into the season where people are traveling, preparing meals and holiday festivities. There are deadlines and delays. Maintaining your sense of calm throughout will help you connect with your friends and family.

A loved one just dropped me off at the airport to catch a flight. We had plenty of time to arrive safely and in a peaceful state of being, but she was speeding. Her anxiety was palpable. Despite my reassurance that we were not in a rush, she was tense. Her energy placed a forcefield around her, rendering attempts to engage fruitless.

Everything in life maps back to physical and mental health. Better relationships, improved athletic performance, elevated capacity to learn; they all play a major role in optimizing your well-being. In general, rushing clearly inhibits our ability to accomplish these shared goals. It’s simple. Even if you’re late, don’t rush. You won’t get there any faster, and you may not arrive with your health.

Slow your roll,

Kap

  • bill

    Your posts always make my list of things I’m thankful for!

  • Richie Ernst

    Happy Thanksgiving Mr. 4.5%

  • John Beavers

    I know I’ve mentioned this before, but, when I was stabbed I was very lucky to live. My surgeon tells me about a quarter of an inch to the left I would have died before ems arrived.

    My life has been so much better since then. One reason is due to what you’re talking about. Slowing down, taking everything in and enjoying the moment as it is. I only wish a near death experience wouldn’t have been the reason for clarity in my life, but it is what it is.

    I’m a better person because of it.

    Take care and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

    • Peter Summerville

      John,

      While I cannot relate to your situation, I have recently learned something about those type of situations and the impact on the rest of your life. I know Gabe has touched on it recently, but in my class on the Science of Happiness we talk about people who have these traumatic events tend to have the best perspective on things and thus live happier lives. Really interesting stuff.

      Have a great Thanksgiving.

      -Peter

      • http://www.Kelebekfusion.com Kelebek Beyaz

        Hi John and Peter

        I really liked both of your comments and as someone who has lived through some traumatic experiences, I have really learned how to appreciate things more and my life has changed immensely.

        Kelebek

  • http://www.Kelebekfusion.com Kelebek Beyaz

    Have a safe trip and thanks for the reminder-enjoy the moment more.
    Kelebek

  • Kyle G

    Fast is slow, Slow is smooth, smooth is quick… Something or rather, in any case as a baseball player I truly love and appreciate the baseball metaphors/ stories to real life. Keep ’em coming Kap

  • ~ Rhys

    I spend a little time on a racetrack with a sportbike; these events are known as “Track Days” for the uninformed. In any event, it’s curious to note, that as people are trying to go faster and faster around the track, the reality is that you can try and slow down a little, which translates into smooth, which then translates into quicker lap times.