November Update: The Power Of Slowing Down
Welcome to this month's update! Here's what you'll find in this update (click a section to go directly there):
Slowing Down: Prioritizing Family, Faith, and Personal Growth as a Business Owner
Written by Gloria Croutch
Isn't it ironic that while technology saves us time, we often use that extra time to do more, leading to a faster, more hectic pace of life? Life seems to rush past us before we have a chance to enjoy it fully.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. Each one of us can choose to rebel against the rush and slow down, making time for what truly matters.
Here are some things you can do if you are starting to feel lost in life’s busyness.
1 - Set Your Priorities
Living a well-balanced life begins with setting priorities. Sit down and list the things that truly matter to you — faith, family, work, and personal growth. Reflect on whether you’re living according to these priorities. Better yet, ask your loved ones if they see you living in this order.
A personal relationship with the Lord should come first, with time dedicated to building our relationship with Him. Prioritize listening to your spouse, making memories with your children, and being part of a community of believers.
My family experienced a tragedy this past year, but we were surrounded by the love and support of our church and community. The energy we’d poured into them came back to us tenfold.
2 - Recognize Burnout
Do you feel exhausted or irritated by small things? Maybe you feel too overwhelmed to ask for help or train new staff. Do you find yourself snapping at your team and those you love the most?
If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing burnout. Left unchecked, burnout can lead to serious physical and mental health problems like depression, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and even a weakened immune system.
A few years ago, I experienced complete burnout. As a small business owner, mother of four, and a counselor, I was burning the candle at both ends until my body literally shut down. I became bedridden for two months, sleeping up to 20 hours a day. This taught me the hard lesson that saying “no” is vital to long-term well-being.
10 Ways To Set Boundaries & Make Space For Rest
If you are looking for more ideas, here are 10 ways my family has tried to slow down and live more intentionally:
Say No:
Not every opportunity is worth the time or energy. Before committing, take time to pray, seek counsel from your spouse or family member, and reflect on whether this commitment aligns with your priorities and fits into your existing schedule.
Eating Choices:
Pay attention to what you are eating. Are you cramming an unhealthy snack before your next meeting? Eating slower and healthier helps us enjoy the moment and relax. We need enough margin in our lives to sit down and eat a healthy meal.
Digital Detox:
Set limits on screen time. Give yourself moments throughout the day to unplug and connect with the present.
Prioritize Self-Care:
Make time for activities that nurture your soul—whether it’s taking a walk, reading, or enjoying time with others. Additionally, seek professional counseling when going through tough seasons in life. A trusted counselor provides guidance and support, helping you navigate challenges and regain balance.
Drive Slower:
Speedy driving is a prevalent habit in our fast-paced world, but it’s also responsible for a lot of accidents, stress, and wasted fuel. Make it a habit to slow down when you drive. Appreciate your surroundings. Make it a peaceful time to contemplate your life and the things you’re passing.
Engage in Hobbies:
Set aside time for activities you love. Hobbies provide joy and mental rest. Try doing one thing each day that brings you joy.
Journal:
Writing in a journal helps each of us reflect on our thoughts, emotions, and the day’s events.
Appreciate God’s Creation:
Take time to step outside and marvel at the beauty of the world God has made. Whether it’s a walk through the woods, the sight of a sunrise, or the sound of birds singing, being in nature allows us to connect with God’s handiwork. The sights, sounds, and sensations of His creation—fresh air, water, trees, and skies—remind us of His presence and provide a peaceful reset for our minds and hearts.
Be Present:
It’s not enough to slow down—you need to be mindful of whatever you’re doing. When you find yourself thinking about something you need to do, something that’s already happened, or worried about the future, gently bring yourself back to the present. Focus on what’s happening right now—your actions, your environment, and the people around you. This takes practice, but it’s essential to savor life and live meaningfully.
Stay Rooted In Community:
Humans were created to connect with other humans. Attending church and being plugged into a larger community of believers is vital to staying connected to something larger than just yourself and your family. Having a support system helps us stay grounded and encouraged during challenging seasons. It’s a place to give and receive support, deepening our connection with others and with God.
Have A Hopeful Outlook:
Choosing to slow down may feel challenging, especially when the world encourages us to keep moving. But by setting boundaries, recognizing burnout, and placing our priorities in order, our lives will be fuller and more meaningful.
The time we spend on family, faith, and personal growth brings lasting joy and peace. So, take a breath, slow down, and embrace the beauty of each moment!
Meet Tom - Copywriter
Tom started out in IT and transitioned into writing after realizing he enjoyed the creative aspects of his work, and is now enjoying the opportunity to be fully creative in and out of the office.
"You learn something new every day," is something Tom lives by, and he finds joy in discovering new things about the world through conversations or observations. He is excited to share that knowledge through his work at LifeX.
In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with his family, building scale models, restoring typewriters, enjoying a good book, and experimenting in the kitchen. He hopes to spend more time traveling the world with his family, finding adventures, and building memories.
Monthly Meme
November is here, which means Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. If you are like me (and probably most people), I find the days before Thanksgiving and Christmas some of the hardest to focus and be productive.
Here's to you and your team doing more than just "business and such" on "fancy business documents" over the holidays 😀
How Can We Pray For You Or Rejoice With You?
Thank you to those who provide prayer requests - our team appreciates the opportunity to bring your requests to God in prayer in our Monday morning meetings and throughout the week.
It's part of our mission at LifeX Marketing: Multiplying wholeness in the lives of our team, clients, and communities by living like Jesus.
If you have a way we can pray with your team or rejoice with you, please leave it here.
Thoughts or Comments?
We always love hearing from people; please leave your comment or feedback below!
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