The art of slowing down: doing less to do better

Finding the right rhythm: why balance is essential

Carl Honoré, author of Éloge de la lenteur, invites us to reflect on the cult of speed. Slowing down doesn't mean becoming inefficient, but finding a balance: “There are times when you need to go fast, and other times when you need to slow down. Taking a step back is essential. This approach relies on lucidity and inner listening.

Stress researcher Sonia Lupien stresses that slowing down is essential when the body shows signs of overwhelm, such as agitation or loss of control. Recognizing these indicators is the first step towards better management of internal balance.

Recognizing warning signals

Learning to slow down starts with self-awareness. Here are some common warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or a feeling of oppression
• Irritability in front of colleagues or friends
• A “lump in the stomach” feeling
• Persistent sleep disorders
• Muscle tension, headaches or migraines
• A tendency to isolate yourself

These often overlooked signs point to an imbalance. As Sonia Lupien explains: “We've unlearned to recognize the stress responses our body sends us. That's what causes us to accumulate and fall ill.”

First steps to slowing down

To slow down, you need to integrate simple, accessible habits into your daily routine. Here are a few ways to get started:

• Introduce micro-pauses of conscious breathing1 between your activities to refocus your mind.
• Clearly define your work and rest periods to respect your physiological needs.
• Get into the habit of unplugging your electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime to promote restful sleep.

Slowing down to boost productivity

Slowing down can be seen as a strategic investment in your efficiency. By incorporating moments of active disconnection, you stimulate creativity and decision-making. For example:

• Adopt transitional rituals between two tasks, such as listening to soothing sounds or taking a few moments to refocus, to limit cognitive fatigue
• Give yourself “white time” in your weekly diary, ideally well-organized, to think strategically rather than simply reacting to urgency - an essential first step in avoiding overwhelm.
• Meditate on long-term goals to realign your priorities with your personal and professional values.

Slow down to collaborate better

Slowing down not only benefits the individual, but also improves team dynamics. Work environments that value more humane rhythms often observe better communication and reduced conflict. Here are a few ideas for integrating slowing down into collaborative practices:

• Organize shorter but better-structured meetings, starting with a clearly established agenda and ensuring that the end time is respected, while guaranteeing each participant equal speaking time.
• Incorporate breaks of silence at the start of meetings to promote mental clarity
• Introduce moments dedicated to collective reflection, such as brainstorming sessions, without pressure for immediate results.
• Encourage teams to celebrate small victories to boost commitment and avoid burnout.
• Set aside time for individual reflection before strategic discussions

Some companies set aside up to 30 minutes of silence before strategic meetings. This practice, inspired by meditation, encourages innovation and reflection.

By focusing on these practices, companies can transform their culture and strengthen cohesion, while promoting sustainable performance.

In conclusion

Slowing down is not a luxury, but an opportunity to regain your momentum. Take a moment to think about a small, concrete action you can take today to slow down: a pause, a moment of silence, or simply a deeper breath. This simple gesture can make all the difference.

By consciously choosing to slow down, you pave the way to more focused productivity and lasting well-being. The next time you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that sometimes, going slower makes for better progress.

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