• My Account
  • Shop
  • Cart
  • Nav Social Icons

             
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Cart
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Elyssa Nalani

Elyssa Nalani

live well | stay focused

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Coaching
  • Resource Library
  • Courses

21 Ways to Slow Down Your Crazy Busy Life

April 14, 2022 · In: HEALTH & WELLNESS

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 years ago and I decided I definitely needed to revisit it. Now the list is at 21! You’re welcome 🙂

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

When I say game, I’m talking good ol’ fashioned boards, cards, dice, spinners and instructions that take 20 minutes to figure out. some of our family faves include Taboo, Monopoly Deal, Uno, Boggle, Scattergories, and Dutch Blitz (our all-time fave card game). 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, 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. It 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. Set boundaries around social media

Social media has become such a huge part of many of our lives. Sometimes I forget that there’s a whole generation that doesn’t know life apart from smart phones, apps, streaming, and likes, follows, and subscribers. These things aren’t all necessarily bad but they do require boundaries. Here are some ways you might set boundaries around their social media and general phone consumption:

  • No social media before a certain time in the morning (like after your morning routine, quiet time, workout, etc.)
  • No social media after a certain time at night (like right before or after dinner, before family time, etc.)
  • Choose one day a week when you’re not on social at all
  • Try a social media fast (Check out The 40-Day Social-Media Fast by Wendy Speake)
12. Do a puzzle

I think puzzles are under-rated. They’re such a great way to both slow down the chaos in your brain as well as exercise it! My husband and I don’t do this very often but we love it when we do. Puzzles also give space for conversation or simple silence. Last time we worked on a puzzle, we listened to an audio Bible and talked about the chapters we were going through. So grab a puzzle, clear off the table and enjoy!

13. Make an evening playlist

I’m obsessed with making playlists on Spotify. I also like exploring other people’s playlists for tunes I’d otherwise never hear. One thing I’ve started doing is listening to instrumental jazz in the evening to create a cozy night time atmosphere. It signals my brain that we’re winding down the day and it’s time to relax.

14. Make a cup of tea

There’s something so soothing about a hot cup of tea. It takes a few minutes to steep and to me, drinking it is not something that’s easy to rush (idk, that’s just me!). If you like tea, try taking a 10-15 minute tea break in the afternoon. But make sure that if you are going to do something while you enjoy your cuppa, pair it with something equally as slow or calming –

  • write a journal entry
  • read a book or magazine
  • listen to some instrumental music

Or just sit in silence. I don’t know about you but I don’t sit in silence with my own thoughts often enough.

15. Turn off the television

We don’t watch a lot of TV in our home but I do go through spurts every so often where I’ll binge a show on my phone whilst I’m working on a project. Technology has given us the ability to overindulge on TV in a way we couldn’t back in the day. It doesn’t matter what your programming addiction is, if you’re a binger of any kind, be intentional about turning it off and doing something else more often than not. I’m not saying don’t ever watch anything but do set boundaries so your not overindulging when you could be doing something better with your time and energy.

16. Take a bath

Or shower. I know not everyone has a bath tub so do whatever you can or want to. Use your favorite products. Light candles or diffuse some oils. Read or listen to a book or sing along to your favorite tunes. Do whatever will relax or energize you!

17. Clean out a drawer

Sometimes we make ourselves so busy that we don’t make time to take care of mundane things like cleaning out a junk drawer, filing the paperwork that’s been sitting on the counter, cleaning out your email inbox, or organizing the linen closet or pantry. Schedule some time to tackle that cleaning or organization project that you know will only take you about 15-20 minutes if you just focused. If you have bigger projects that will take several hours, either clear the afternoon, or schedule 20 minute chunks a day and work on that project little by little until it’s complete!

18. Iron some clothes

Okay, so I know not everyone has an iron (which low key blows my mind but hey! to each their own) but I grew up in a home where ironing was a part of the laundry process. If you do iron, and you need a break from the chaos, break out the iron and board and get to work. Ironing for me is a task I don’t have to think about and I can listen to a podcast, audiobook, or watch videos from an online course I might be working through. PLUS! When I’m done, I have blouses or dresses that are ready to go for the next couple weeks!

It’s a win-win in my book!

19. Phone a loved one

As much as I love to talk, I don’t talk on the phone a whole lot. But I need to be better about keeping in touch with family and friends. Especially those that live in other states. If you’re not great at keeping in touch, reach out to a family member or friend and schedule some time to chat and catch up. It’s great for your relationships but also great for slowing down and focusing on someone else for a time.

20. Go on a date

I’m a huge believer in dates! When Steven and I were engaged, someone told us to make sure and do something fun together every 7 days. We’ve taken that to heart and now, we still date once a week as often as possible. Sometimes it’s going out to eat at a favorite restaurant and other times it’s playing a card game in bed with a pizza.

Dating isn’t just for couples. You can take your kiddo out on a date or meet a friend and hang out. You can even take yourself on a date (married or single!). Going to a restaurant or coffee shop by yourself is a great way to slow down and reflect on life and what’s going on. But no matter who you’re dating or what you’re doing, put your phone down and be present! Pay attention to the person you’re with. If you’re flying solo, use this as a time to recharge without being connected to your inbox, DMs, feed, or shows. You’ll thank yourself later!

11. Be Intentional

We have to be intentional about our time. It’s a resource that is precious and limited. We all have the same 24 hour day but we never know how many of those days we have.

Sometimes intentionality means saying a hard no, other times it means saying yes to something that’s equally as challenging. Sometimes it means disappointing people. Sometimes it means changing directions or resetting your priorities. With all the options and distractions that bombard us on a daily basis, you have to guard your time vigilantly. Be intentional about what matters most to you.

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).

Netflix will still be there when you get back.

You’re replaceable at your job. Don’t let it steal you away from your most important relationships.

Your health and well being aren’t worth sacrificing at the alter of that promotion.

Your email and texts will be ready for you to open at a later time. 

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

By: Elyssa · In: HEALTH & WELLNESS · Tagged: boundaries, date night, family, friendship, hobbies, journaling, mental health, organization, playlist, puzzles, reading, rest, schedule

you’ll also love

My March Reading List
What I Read in February
My February Reading List

Become an insider!

Don't miss updates, & other stuff I don't share anywhere else!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

23 Things To Do Before 2023

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome
hello!

My name is Elyssa! I’m a Jesus-loving planner babe & book girl and I inspire and equip women of faith to live well and stay focused on what matters most.

Read More

Search

Let's Connect

Browse Categories

  • GOALS & PLANNING
  • FAITH
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOBBIES & RECREATION
  • SPACES & STEWARDSHIP
  • RELATIONSHIPS & ETIQUETTE
  • WORK

Full Focus Planner

become an insider!

Follow Along

@elyssanalani

elyssanalani

Wife | Bible Nerd | Goals Coach
Cultivate strong faith & build better goals.
Live for His glory & love of others ❤️

Elyssa Nalani Trujillo
📖+☕️+🏕️=🤌🏽 . . . #goodmorning #b 📖+☕️+🏕️=🤌🏽
.
.
.
#goodmorning #bible #camping #campinglife #vacation
“We live, we laugh & love & dance 'Cause God mak “We live, we laugh & love & dance
'Cause God makes all things beautiful and perfect in His hands
We rise from the ashes of our past
'Cause we've learned the truth at last
Love is not blind
Every color shines
On God's green earth” 
- God’s Green Earth | Point of Grace 
.
.
.
#roadtrip #wyoming #roadtrippin #travel #vacation #wanderlust #perfectweather #godsgreenearth #marriagerocks
One of the greatest joys of my life is traveling w One of the greatest joys of my life is traveling with you 🥰🩷
.
.
.
#roadtrippin #adventure #adventureawaits #marriedlife #travel #wanderlust
We can all agree that the OT genealogies are great We can all agree that the OT genealogies are great reading matter for insomnia.

Then there are the purity laws.
And the land assignments.
And the censuses. 
You get it. 

It’s not a sin to say that parts of the Bible are boring, confusing, or hard to follow & understand. It just means you have Bible-reading muscles to stretch out and exercise. There are things you have to get used to and it can take time. But in the meantime, here’s one thing to keep in mind when in a less than exciting or inspiring passage of scripture - 

God cares about details. He’s not careless or haphazard. He’s interested in establishing track records because He knows the only way to make His case of love & justice is to offer evidence of His faithfulness in spite of the unfaithfulness of humanity. Nothing is an accident and even when humans don’t listen and jack stuff up, He never loses control over the situation. 

It’s okay if it’s boring for awhile. Stick with it until you see its beauty. It’s worth the effort!
.
.
.
#humor #comedy #biblereading #biblestudy #thebible #bible #biblegram #theoldtestament #readyourbible #worthit #godisincontrol #reading
“What does this have to do with me?” “How d “What does this have to do with me?”

“How does this speak into what I’m going through today?”

“How does change my life?”

These aren’t bad questions, in fact, they’re good questions and we should ask them. We just shouldn’t ask them FIRST. If we’re primarily concerned with what the Bible has to do with US, we’re probably going to pass up the parts that legit will tell us nothing about life as modern humans (genealogies and law codes anyone?). Instead, we have to change our presuppositions - 

1. The Bible isn’t about me. The Bible is about God and His redemptive work in the world.
2. I need to let God’s story tell me about about Himself
3. Knowing who God is, what His intentions are for humans & how He operates in the world makes up the framework I need to understand myself, my value, & my purpose on this planet. 

Don’t get me wrong. the Bible will tell you a whole lot about yourself. But first let it tell you about God. Start looking for glimpses of Jesus & the Gospel. In some places He may be harder to spot than others but He’s there, His plan is there, His love is there. Always ❤️
.
.
.
#bible #biblereading #biblereadingplan #livewellfaithfully #littlebylittle #thegospel #jesus #thebibleisabookaboutgod #christianlife #biblegram
Reading the Bible early morning is a fantastic asp Reading the Bible early morning is a fantastic aspiration and I can’t wait to get there buuuuuuut it’s not required. If you wait for perfect, you’ll be waiting for the rest of your life. Just do it. Make the time and do it. Life is constantly changing and you’ll always have to make adjustments, navigate interruptions, and balance priorities. If this matters to you, you’ll make it happen. ❤️
.
.
.
#bible #biblereading #biblereadingplan #livewellfaithfully #readyourbible #littlebylittle
There’s a lot in the Bible that troubles our mod There’s a lot in the Bible that troubles our modern sensibilities, world views, & feelings, etc.. But you would be foolish to judge an entire movie after only seeing one scene, a show after a plot twist in S3 E5, or a novel by one conversation toward the end of the book. We know not to do it with anything else but the Bible is judged by isolated verses & stories. It doesn’t work like that. While the Bible is holy, it works just like any other story - it should be read in its entirety. 

• Yes it’s hard
• Yes, it takes discipline
• Yes there may be a learning curve
• Yes there are some parts that are really boring at first

But it’s good and glorious and God’s gift to humanity. If you care at all about Jesus, take the time to read His story. Take the time to figure it out, to ask questions, to be frustrated, to not be good at it. All of those things are okay.  God can handle it all - I promise. Just show up. He’ll meet you there. 
.
.
.
#bible #biblereading #biblereadingplan #livewellfaithfully #readyourbible #littlebylittle
• If you’ve fallen off your Bible-reading-in-a • If you’ve fallen off your Bible-reading-in-a-year plan, you can still pick it back up. 

• If you didn’t start on January 1st, you can still start now. 

• If you get bored easily, it’s okay, you can learn ways to stay focused. 

• If you don’t have time, make it. It really is that simple. Even if it’s just 15 minutes. 

• If you needed a reminder to get in the word today, here it is 😊
.
.
.
.
#readyourbible #bible #biblereading #littlebylittle #livewellfaithfully #keepgoing
Studying the Bible with @betheyjacobson777 is alwa Studying the Bible with @betheyjacobson777 is always a treat - even when we’re both sleep deprived and I struggling to just make sentences 😆 But God! Have mercy He’s so good and His Word never fails to deliver 🤩😎 If you needed a reminder that studying in community is worth the time and effort - here it is friend. Grab a friend, grab a Bible and have some fun! And yes - Bible study can absolutely be a great time 😉
.
.
.

#livewellstayfocused #livewellfaithfully #biblestudy #biblestudytime #biblenerd  #spiritualdisciplines #worship #praise #devotions #biblegirl #biblestudygirl #faithfullife  #journaling #biblejournal #biblejournaling #spiritualgrowth #littlebylittleprogress #cultivatewhatmatters #makeithappen #livewell
I love watching day in the life content. I’ve of I love watching day in the life content. I’ve often wanted to do it but, so many of my days look like this - me at my desk, working and jamming out to my favorite music. It’s not very interesting or varied but it’s my life! Playlists change depending on my mood. Today, I’ve been really feeling the songs from the 80s-mid 90s that I grew up listening to. 

So, nobody asked, and excuse my pitchy vocals but here’s a day in my life 😄😎 Happy Monday!
.
.
.
#dayinmylife #contentcreator #work #playlist #christianmusic #oldschoolchristianmusic #80schristianmusic ##90schristianmusic #thisismylife #pointofgrace #avalonmusic #take6 #firstcall #stevegreen #truth #damariscarbaugh #tramainehawkins
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Info

  • About Me
  • Affiliates
  • Contact
  • Disclosure
  • Terms and Conditions

become an insider!

         

Copyright © 2023 · Theme by 17th Avenue