Slow Down
If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would simply be this:
Don't rush. Slow down.
And I don't just mean physically. I mean in every area of life.
I think it really started after I had children. Suddenly, my time wasn't my own anymore. Every spare moment became an opportunity to get something done.
If the children were asleep, I'd rush around cleaning, putting the washing on or preparing the next meal before they woke up.
When they were older and happily watching a cartoon, instead of sitting down beside them, I'd find myself thinking, "What can I get done while they don't need me?"
Even when I planned something relaxing, I'd somehow turn it into another task. I'd find myself rushing to get to a yoga class-which, when you think about it, is quite ironic!
The habit followed me into work too. As a Practice Nurse, I never liked running late. I'd rush to collect my next patient, rush between appointments and rush through the day, telling myself I was being productive.
Looking back, I realise I was keeping my body in a constant state of "go".
Those little moments of rushing might not seem significant, but over time they create a steady stream of low-level stress. Your body responds by releasing stress hormones to keep you going. When the inevitable energy slump arrives, it's tempting to reach for another coffee or a Diet Coke just to keep going.
I wasn't really creating more energy. I was borrowing it.
And eventually, this catches up with you.
I know part of this comes from my personality. I genuinely feel calmer when the house is tidy. I can't relax if everything is chaotic, and I certainly can't go on holiday without leaving the house clean! (Please tell me I'm not the only one!)
But I've come to realise that constantly rushing through life isn't serving me.
Especially in midlife.
As our hormones fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause, our resilience can feel lower. We don't need to be adding to our body's stress response if we can help it.
The good news?
I've discovered that slowing down doesn't mean getting less done.
In fact, I often achieve more.
One small change I've made is deliberately walking more slowly at work. Instead of rushing to collect my next patient, I consciously slow my pace. My heart rate stays lower, my mind feels calmer, and I still arrive at exactly the same place at almost exactly the same time.
It reminds me of something I heard on a speed awareness course a few years ago. People race past you on residential roads, only for you to end up side by side at the next set of traffic lights.
Sometimes, rushing doesn't actually get us there any quicker.
So this week, I'd like to leave you with one simple question:
Where in your life could you slow down just a little?
Not by making huge changes.
Just by taking one slower breath.
One slower walk.
One moment to pause before rushing to the next thing.
Because, as I remind my clients-and myself-
Small steps lead to lasting change.
Until next time,
Zoe
Hi, I’m Zoe – health coach and registered nurse.
I support busy women in midlife to reduce stress, balance hormones, boost energy, and manage weight in a way that feels realistic and kind to their bodies.
Life is busy, and knowing where to begin with health changes can feel overwhelming.
Through a supportive, aligned coaching partnership, I help women feel back in control of their health and confident in the steps they’re taking.
If you would like some support right now, feel free to contact me to find out more.