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Elyssa Nalani

11 Ways to Slow Down Your Crazy Busy Life

health & wellness· LIFE· self care· STYLE

5 Apr

Life can get crazy busy, really fast. I am currently feeling the pressure of a rapidly growing to-do list and while life is good, the challenges are proving well,…challenging. 

Even when things get hectic and we don’t know when we’re going to catch a break, busyness does requires some balance. We can’t go at a constant 110mph without burnout. Rest assured, if you don’t establish balanced habits, there will be casualties. That’s why there needs to be some in-between time tucked here and there to slow down, recharge, regroup and collect our sanity.

I originally posted this list of ten tips on my last blog two years ago and I decided I definitely needed to revisit it. I even slipped in an extra tip to make it 11! You’re welcome 🙂

Here are 11 ways simple you can slow down your busy life!  

This post contains affiliate links. View disclosure here. 

1. Read a Book

This would be my number one, book nerd that I am! But seriously, research shows that reading is a great way to relax. And I’m not talking about something highly analytical. Read something for fun! Or maybe you read highly analytical stuff for fun…Well, whatever you consider enjoyable and relaxing, read that! 

2. Play a Game

I’m not anti-video games but, truth be told, I wouldn’t much miss them if I never saw another one as long as I live (except maybe Mario Kart cause I’m kind of a sucker for Mario Kart :P). So when I say game, I’m talking good ol’ fashioned boards, cards, dice, spinners and instructions that take 20 minutes to figure out. Taboo, Monopoly, Risk, Boggle (one of my fam’s faves), Pictionary, Scategories, Dutch Blitz (our all-time fave card game) you name it! Get your favorite people together, take a load off and have some fun!

3. Write a Letter

The art and habit of letter writing isn’t as common as it used to be. But it’s not dead and just like physical books, I don’t think it’s in danger of dying. There are plenty of people who still write letters. You can even join the Letter Writers Alliance, an online society that is dedicated to keeping this tradition alive!

Writing a letter doesn’t cost much, just a stamp and some time to put your thoughts on paper. Ah, yes–time! Take a few minutes to indulge in some real text messaging. 

4. Take a Nap

Take 15 minutes and just shut down. The car, the couch, your bed, if you’re lucky. Steal away and take a snooze and then pick up where you left off! 

5. Crank Up the Classics

Make your morning or afternoon mellow with classical tunes. Classical music is soothing and will brighten your mood or ease your tension. If you’re feeling frazzled and like you can’t catch up with the craziness around you, keep calm and listen to Beethoven.

6. Take up a Hobby

I’m a firm believer in hobbies. Everyone needs something they can go to exercise their creativity and give dreams a place to play. Some people play instruments. Some cook. Some go fishing. Some paint pictures. Some scrapbook. Some have a combination of several things. Whatever your creative outlet is, give it a space in your busy schedule and don’t miss out on the things that put a smile on your face and keep your brain happy.  

7. Cook a Meal

We live in a microwaved society. These days you don’t have to know how to cook much because food can be put in the microwave, poured out of a bag, shoved in the oven, called in, or picked up at a window. But if you find yourself too busy to cook every so often, you might need to slow it down and take out your pan or casserole dish. Taking time to cook a meal is not only the healthier choice, it can also be a good way to interact with your family, reflect on the day, think through problems, or just escape the craziness.

8. Take a Walk

If the weather permits, get some fresh air and go for a stroll. Walking outdoors is a great way to clear your mind and get your thoughts in order. Not to mention the added health benefits and the inevitable need for a tall, refreshing glass of water afterwards!

9. Start a Journal

Journaling is not just a great way to press pause on life, it’s also a great way to clear your ind and organize your thoughts and ideas. This is one of my latest re-gained habits and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s seriously one of the best things I will have done this year. No joke. And remember, a journal isn’t like a diary where you spill your guts and emotions. I can be if you want but it most definitely doesn’t have to be! It’s a great place to write lists, sketch out ideas, jot down random thoughts that don’t quite yet have a place anywhere else. Seriously, 10-15 minutes and see how re-charged you’ll feel after getting some of your brain onto paper!

10. Say No

You don’t need to say yes to everything. One of the best ways to slow down is to be mindful of what you can realistically fit on your calendar without sacrificing the health and sanity of yourself and your family. That means sometimes saying no to good things. Not all good things are beneficial or necessary right now or in this season. In the words of the apostle Paul, “all things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient,” (1 Corinthians 10:23). It’s okay to say no. Sometimes, it’s the best choice you can make.

11. Be Present

I will be the first one to say this to myself: Put Your Phone Down. I know I’m just as guilty of this as the next person but do you notice how many face-to-face conversations we have with our phone in our hands or, worse still, with our faces in our phones? Most of us can remember the days when phones were hung up in cradles on the wall or side table. We did function without smartphones once upon a time so I know it’s possible to do so now for at least an afternoon or evening. Instagram can wait. Nobody’s going to get mad at you if you don’t check your FB feed again (and if they do, you need to find some new friends). YouTube will still be there when you get back. Tweets don’t expire and your email and texts will be ready for you to open at a later time. 

We’re all busy and we’re all connected and that’s great but at some point, you gotta put it down for awhile and interact with what’s going on right in front of you, in the flesh, face to face. One day your kiddo won’t want to play catch with you. One day your friend might move away to pursue another chapter in life. One day your significant other may decide that someone else has more time for them. You don’t want to look up one day and find that you missed it all.


What are some of the ways you take it slow? Do you need to make commitments to be more intentional about slowing down your busyness? Why do you think it’s so hard to stop sometimes?

Stay Blessed,

Elyssa

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Previous Post: « April To Do List
Next Post: The Weekly Spouse Meeting: WHY You Need One, WHAT 5 Important Points to Cover, HOW to Make it Happen »

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Hi, my name is Elyssa!
I’m a Jesus-loving planner girl and I inspire paper-loving women of faith to live well and stay focused on what matters.

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elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
All of the angels lifted up their voices⁠ And fi All of the angels lifted up their voices⁠
And filled the night with Hallelujah's⁠
God is with us now⁠
⁠
Everyone come and join the heavenly chorus⁠
Our Savior King is here before us⁠
All to hear the sound⁠
The song creation sang⁠
When hope came down⁠
⁠
So let us sing Redemption Song⁠
Let us worship Christ the holy one⁠
We were lost, but we were found⁠
When hope came down⁠
⁠
Ben Glover / Kari Brooke Jobe⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #whenhopecamedown #silentnight #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #redemption #merrychristmas #godwithus
Okay, almost 10 days to Christmas and the weather Okay, almost 10 days to Christmas and the weather this week is supposed to stay chilly and sunny which is my fave! I have a list a mile long of things to get done before December 31st but I also don’t want to be so busy that I miss the wonder of the Advent season as well. I’m not a master at time management (yet) buuuut I’m working on it and one thing that really helps is when I sit down with a cup of tea in the middle of the afternoon. It’s a slow-down ritual that I’m learning to appreciate more and more.
.
I cannot wait to try my new teas in my December @sipsby box! This month selection is - 

• Cucumber Apple Cold Brew from @teapigsus
• Honey Lavender Stress Relief from @yogitea
• Tulsi Original from @organicindiausa 
• Hojicha from @coalitiontea
.
Visit the link in my bio to take your quiz & get personalized boxes sent to you every month!
.
Tell me, what are you doing to slow down this season?
.
.
.
#sipsbybox #sipsbytea #slowdown #advent #christmas #christmastime #rituals #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #mostwonderfultimeoftheyear
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Goodreads

elyssanalani

ElyssaNalani.com
Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband Y’all know Just Because flowers from my husband are my favorite 😍. They also force me to straighten out my desk for their presence 😆
.
#justbecause #flowers #ilovemyman #marriage #marriagerocks
#mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart #mondayverse #startright #fearlessheart
Whenever I feel afraid⁠ I hold my head erect⁠ Whenever I feel afraid⁠
I hold my head erect⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
So no one will suspect I'm afraid⁠
⁠
I strike a careless pose⁠
And whistle a happy tune⁠
And no one ever knows I'm afraid⁠
⁠
The result of this deception⁠
Is very strange to tell⁠
For when I fool the people⁠
I fear I fool myself as well⁠
⁠
I whistle a happy tune⁠
And every single time⁠
The happiness in the tune⁠
Convinces me that I'm not afraid⁠
⁠
Make believe you're brave⁠
And the trick will take you far⁠
You may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you areYou may be as brave⁠
As you make believe you are⁠
⁠
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers⁠
⁠
#justforfun #wednesdaylyrics #showtunes #rodgersandhammerstein #thekingandi
#mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence #mondayverse #startright #haveconfidence
FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Pat FEARLESS HEART printable sticker kit coming to Patreon this weekend! Stay tuned 😊
.
#januaryscripturewriting #club119writers #scripturewriting 
#journaling #journal #stickers #journalingcommunity #scripture #journalingstickers #fearlessheart #patreon
I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first I posted about my 2021 goals yesterday. The first one was to Pursue Jesus Relentlessly. One of the ways I am making that actionable is to make a list of spiritual disciplines I want to focus on in 2021. Disciplines for the sake of disciplines don’t bring us closer to Jesus but they can, if we let them, position us to be more aware of how God can change our hearts and behaviors.
.
If you’re a goal setter and haven’t considered spiritual disciplines, maybe consider adding some to your 2021 list 😊 There are more than just these 6 to chose from (do a quick Google search and you’ll find a plethora).
.
#2021 #prayer #fasting #generosity #biblestudy #biblereading #scripture 
#spiritualdisciplines
I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not be I absolutely love setting goals every year. Not because I crush every one of them every time (because I most certainly don’t 😜) but because it gives me direction and focus and helps me filter out the things that aren’t important right now in this season of my life.
.
I’ve set 8 goals for the year. I’m still working on definition & action planning but these are the areas of my life that I want to focus on and pursue.
.
Have you set goals for 2021? Drop one (or a few) of them in the comments below! 👇🏽
.
#goalsetter #goalsetting #stayfocused #tendinglist #cultivatewhatmatters #2021goals #selfdevelopment #takecareofyourself #pursuejesus #stewardship
My 2021 word of the year. . Do you have one? Drop My 2021 word of the year.
.
Do you have one? Drop them below 👇🏽 I’d love to read them!
.
#wordoftheyear #wordoftheyear2021 #steadfast #theyearofsteadfast
One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire One of my 1st Quarter goals is to read the entire Bible. In this blog post I share my reading plan and a couple of the tools I’m using to get through the Old & New Testament! If you want to read the whole Bible in 2021, maybe consider 90 days 😊
.
Link in bio 
.
#readthebible #readtheword2021 #readthebiblein90days #readyourbible #90daybiblechallenge #biblereadingplan #readthebible2021
#mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #clu #mondayverse #startright #psalms #lovethelord #club119writers
January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need January’s CLUB 119 theme is Fearless Heart. Need an extra dose of the kind of bravery that comes from God’s strength, provision, & grace? Me too! This scripture writing plan has got it! Shout out to @lady_alba26 for putting this plan together for our community 😊

I know I’m several days late posting this but it’s not too late to jump in!
.
#januaryscripturewriting #scripturewritingplan #scripturewritingchallenge #club119writers #fearlessheart #womenintheword #womeninthewordtogether
One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, One year ago today we were full of hope for 2020, the year of clear vision and the bright beginning of a wonderful new decade. But then 2020 happened and now most of us are feeling battle scarred & weary.
There is no promise for a better year ahead. But God is the same yesterday, today, & forever. We don’t have to know everything because He knows the end from the beginning. So we raise our glasses and we celebrate. Not because January 1 is magical but because God is powerful and He is in control. Happy New Year and may God bless you and keep you 😊❤️ 
.
#happynewyear #celebration #godisincontrol
I love him. So much. That’s all. I love him. So much. That’s all.
How could you wait another minute⁠ A hug is warm How could you wait another minute⁠
A hug is warmer when you're in it⁠
And baby that's a fact⁠
And saying I love you's always better⁠
Seasons, reasons, they don't matter⁠
So don't hold back⁠
⁠
How many people in this world⁠
So needful in this world⁠
How many people are praying for love⁠
⁠
So don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find a way⁠
To give a little love everyday⁠
Don't save it all for Christmas Day⁠
Find your way⁠
'Cause holidays have come and gone⁠
But love lives on⁠
If you give on⁠
Love⁠
⁠
Celine Dion / Ric Wake / Peter Zizzo⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #dontsaveitallforchristmasday #givelove #spreadlove #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas
#mondayverses #startright #christmas #themostwond #mondayverses #startright #christmas  #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #thegreatcommission
As the years went by we learned more about gifts⁠
The giving of ourselves and what that means⁠
On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain⁠
All because of love, all because of love⁠
⁠
Oh and we were the reason that He gave His life⁠
We were the reason that He suffered and died⁠
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give⁠
To show us the reason to live⁠
⁠
I've finally found the reason for living⁠
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him⁠
In all that I do, every word that I say⁠
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him⁠
⁠
 David Meece⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #wearethereason #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #merrychristmas #becauseoflove #thegreatestgift
#mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmassto #mondayverses #christmas #startright #christmasstory  #merrychristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear
It’s Wednesday. I hope your week is going well. It’s Wednesday. 
I hope your week is going well. And if it isn’t, I hope you’re finding joy in the simple & beautiful. I hope you’re both working hard & taking time to care for yourself and your people ☺️ You’re loved and your life is important — just thought you should know 🙂
.
#wednesdaythoughts #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #selfcare
All of the angels lifted up their voices⁠ And fi All of the angels lifted up their voices⁠
And filled the night with Hallelujah's⁠
God is with us now⁠
⁠
Everyone come and join the heavenly chorus⁠
Our Savior King is here before us⁠
All to hear the sound⁠
The song creation sang⁠
When hope came down⁠
⁠
So let us sing Redemption Song⁠
Let us worship Christ the holy one⁠
We were lost, but we were found⁠
When hope came down⁠
⁠
Ben Glover / Kari Brooke Jobe⁠
.⁠
#wednesdaylyrics #christmassongs #whenhopecamedown #silentnight #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #redemption #merrychristmas #godwithus
Okay, almost 10 days to Christmas and the weather Okay, almost 10 days to Christmas and the weather this week is supposed to stay chilly and sunny which is my fave! I have a list a mile long of things to get done before December 31st but I also don’t want to be so busy that I miss the wonder of the Advent season as well. I’m not a master at time management (yet) buuuut I’m working on it and one thing that really helps is when I sit down with a cup of tea in the middle of the afternoon. It’s a slow-down ritual that I’m learning to appreciate more and more.
.
I cannot wait to try my new teas in my December @sipsby box! This month selection is - 

• Cucumber Apple Cold Brew from @teapigsus
• Honey Lavender Stress Relief from @yogitea
• Tulsi Original from @organicindiausa 
• Hojicha from @coalitiontea
.
Visit the link in my bio to take your quiz & get personalized boxes sent to you every month!
.
Tell me, what are you doing to slow down this season?
.
.
.
#sipsbybox #sipsbytea #slowdown #advent #christmas #christmastime #rituals #takecareofyourself #favoritetimeoftheyear #mostwonderfultimeoftheyear
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