In Praise of Slow
Whilst sorting through our books recently I came across it again and decided to give it another go. I have to admit I was slightly resistant to the concept at first – I’m running a business, so speed is important, right? But after a while I was completely hooked and the ideas really began to sink in.
So, what’s the book about? It’s all about the Slow movement – a movement to slow down on the basis that slower is better. It covers lots of angles – food, cities, exercise, medicine, sex, work, leisure and education. It’s an absolutely fascinating read, taking examples from all over the world to build up a picture of how many people are benefiting from a slower approach.
I am absolutely convinced that slowing down in my leisure time will benefit me. If I allow myself to take my time and not feel like I have to rush through everything in the evenings and at weekends, I should be a much more chilled out person able to take things in my stride and enjoying what I do more.
However, applying it to my work is another matter. I have a fear that if I slow down too much at work then that will have a negative affect on productivity. But, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing I can take away from the book in terms of running a business – I don’t think I’m going to be taking catnaps at work but regular breaks to clear my mind will definitely be a good idea. It’s made me realise that I’m working flat out for most of the day, apart from a short pause for lunch. That can’t be good can it? In theory if I have regular breaks I should actually become more productive.
And, an important message from the book is that you don’t have to do absolutely everything slowly. There are occasions when speed is appropriate.
I highly recommend this book. It can help you slow down enough to think about how you do things and will definitely make you look at things differently.
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Exercise and relaxation all in one
The only criticism I have is that sometimes she does talk a bit too much. She can get you into a position and then go rambling off into an explanation when all you want to do is get on with it before your arms/legs etc. give out. Sometimes the hardest thing is to just hold a position! Still that’s just a minor thing and definitely doesn’t put me off doing the workout.
The final position is complete relaxation, which is brilliant (though it would be nice if she would just shut up and let me relax). I finish the workout feeling more flexible, relaxed and ready for the day – a really good feeling.
The DVD also includes a bonus intermediate workout but I haven’t felt brave enough to look at this one yet. A few weeks of the basic and I’ll give it a go.
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The hazards of running a business
I think it’s fair to say that I’m quite often so caught up in running our business that I don’t take enough care of myself. One of my New Year’s Resolutions for 2008 was to work on reducing my stress levels, but we’re half way through the year and I’m sitting here with a gadget attached to my arm checking my blood pressure every half hour. Not exactly my idea of fun!
Running a business is stressful. That’s a fact. We’re responsible for completing projects, making sure clients are happy, keeping the money flowing in, and the 101 other tasks associated with a smooth-running business. Don’t get me wrong, I love working for myself, but I do have to be aware that occasionally it gets on top of me.
So this is what I need to do:
- more regular walks (to enjoy the stunning coastline and countryside around here)
- more exercise (could do with shifting some weight)
- yoga (exercise and relaxation all in one!)
- relaxation exercises (have got a great cd for this, shame the battery in my MP3 player has died)
- eat more healthily
- have time away from the business (difficult when you work from home)
If I make more time for exercise and relaxation, I should be a fitter and healthier person, with loads of energy to devote to the business. Will hopefully make the doctor happier too.
