🍵: If You're in a Hurry, Take a Detour

Are you always in a rush?

Do you feel like you’re constantly running out of time?

And do you find yourself trying to do too many things at once?

We live in a fast-paced world where our lives are overrun by the clock.

We’re always in a hurry to:

• Get somewhere
• Do something
• Meet someone

Sometimes, we get so caught up in being productive and efficient…

That we forget to simply enjoy the ride.

But what if I told you there’s a way to live that you might actually enjoy more?

A way focused on the present, not the future.

It’s about slowing down.

It’s about taking detours.

It’s about embracing the journey.

So, let’s explore this idea in more detail and learn how to apply it to your daily life.

Be here now

The concept of slowing down is rooted in various Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Daoism.

These philosophies teach us that the only reality is the present moment.

In these philosophies, you often hear the phrase “be here now.”

But what does that actually mean?

It means being fully present in the moment — no overthinking the past or stressing about what’s to come.

This might seem like an easy task. But it’s not.

Our minds are wired to keep us busy and distracted. So, we need to train our minds to be present.

And one way to do that is by taking detours.

Bypass the usual route

Detours are defined as taking a different path instead of the usual one.

In life, you can use detours as a way of slowing down and observing your surroundings.

Instead of taking the fastest and most direct route, you can take a detour that allows you to appreciate the beauty of the journey.

For example:

If you’re off to work, why not switch things up and take a different route?

You might stumble upon a new coffee shop, a gorgeous park, or an art gallery you never knew existed.

Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re unproductive or lazy. It’s quite the opposite.

When you slow down, your mind becomes clearer. And you can focus on the task at hand.

You become more efficient and get things done better.

And it can help you appreciate the little things in life. That you might have overlooked while buzzing around.

So:

If you’re going for a walk, take your time. And notice the flowers, the trees, and the birds. Listen to the sounds around you and soak in the moment.

It also has physical benefits

Taking detours and slowing down is not only good for your mental health.

But it’s also good for your physical health.

When you’re constantly in a state of rush, your body produces stress hormones (e.g., cortisol and adrenaline).

These hormones increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Which can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

And slowing down can help reduce stress levels, improve your mood, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

There’s always time for a detour

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and in a hurry…

Take a detour.

Embrace the journey.

And don’t worry too much about the destination.

The magic is in the present moment. And you must savor it.

Slowing down can be challenging. But the rewards are significant.

You’ll live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life.

So:

The next time you’re tempted to rush, try to take a detour. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll discover.