If you feel your life is going too fast, mastering the art of slowing down is essential for achieving success. It’s an actual skill to step back and choose what is most important to you. If we can make the most of our days without rushing through things, we can be more productive.

Learning how to slow down your pace can start in the small moments of everyday life. For example, the way you start your day sets the tone for the rest of your day. By taking the time to intentionally begin your day, you will feel less stressed and rushed throughout your day. If you’re ready to ride in the slow lane for a bit, give these tried and true tips a go.

Deep Breathing. The art of deep breathing can help you relax and reduce your stress levels. It activates the vagus nerve which is involved in the regulation of our physiological responses and acts as a neural brake. During a deep breath, the heart rate slows down and the breathing pattern becomes slow and deep. This process can decrease your feelings of anxiety and depression.

Meditate. Slowing down through meditation involves tapping into the breath and by doing so we calm the mind, reduce reactivity, and power the frontal lobes of the brain. We can use this technique to slow down time so that we can choose the right things to do at the right time.

Yoga. This practice requires you to pay attention to the present moment and refine your awareness and perception. We tend to be so wrapped up in our daily activities that we often become oblivious to the quiet part within us. Our mind demands outward stimulation so it is very important to take time to dive into your inner world.

Engage Nature. Take time away from business and reconnect with nature. This can be and variety of activities, including taking a walk, reading a book outdoors, or simply sitting and listening to nature’s soothing sounds. If possible, leave technology indoors.

Focus on the moment. It’s not all about slowing yourself down, it’s about practicing mindfulness. Being mindful means directing your attention toward the present moment and taking inventory of your surroundings and the people around you. In other words, when slowing down your life, you want to make the most of every moment rather than simply pass through it.

Make a short to-do list. One of the best ways to slow down your life is to make a short to-do list. Whether it’s a daily task or a weekly project, writing it down helps trick your brain into thinking in specific steps. Having a short to-do list will help you prioritize tasks so put only three items on your list each day. This way, you’ll be able to check off the most important tasks and leave the rest for the next day or week.

Cultivating gratitude. This is a powerful way to boost your mood, foster stronger relationships, and even change the way you see yourself. Plus, practicing gratitude is totally free! When you practice gratitude, you’ll experience an increased sense of relaxation, a stronger immune system, and a reduction in blood pressure. Write down the things you’re grateful for or write a handwritten letter to someone special and focus on the good qualities of that person.

Get rid of clutter. Clutter clogs our brain’s neural pathways, which means that we can’t process information quickly and can negatively impact our relationships, health, and work performance. We also spend an inordinate amount of time searching for things. This is time we could be spending with loved ones or relaxing. When tackling a clutter problem, it’s important to start small. Start by putting your dirty laundry in a hamper, and then clear off the tops of appliances and shelves and move up from there.

Create a cocoon. Fall is the best time to start learning the art of cocooning. You can start by setting aside a specific space in your bedroom. Then, set a schedule for cocooning and begin to follow it. Make sure you have plenty of comfortable pajamas on hand for your sessions.

The cooler weather and shorter days are the perfect time to think about slowing down your life. Tell us how you step back when things get hectic in the comments below or post on our Facebook page!