As discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to their community.
The speed with which we live our lives, work, communicate, interact with technology and are exposed to new information has significantly increased in the last few decades.
This has contributed to more productive communities and can be a positive factor in economic growth, however, when this fast pace of life causes us to constantly feel under immense time pressure and pushes us out of healthy balance, neglecting our mental health self care, neglecting our relationships, one may need to consider if it is time to slow down.
Is your pace of life becoming a hazard to your health?
- Are you always busy, with little ‘down time’ in your schedule?
- Do you feel like you do not have enough hours in your day to do all that is needed of you, are you struggling to keep up with life?
- Do you feel overwhelmed by life demands?
- Have you reduced time to relax with family or friends because of time pressure, does your family complain that you are never available?
- Does your phone ring or alert you with notifications constantly?
- Do you feel overwhelmed by your email inbox due to the rapid and fast paced communication?
- Do you struggle to find time to introspect and reflect?
- Is your mind constantly busy?
- Do you feel out of balance?
- Are you struggling to find an internal sense of peace and contentment?
What is causing our lives to become so fast paced?
- Economic pressure, need to work faster and harder to earn more
- Faster, almost instantaneous speed of communication, we are almost always available on our social media platforms and mailing platforms
- Constant exposure to new information. Information is now readily available but we are also constantly bombarded with an almost constant stream of new information
- Access to technology, we are physically able to move faster and mentally pushed to process life faster
Effects of fast paced life styles on mental wellbeing
When the speed of our lives is too fast this can have significant effects on our physical and mental wellbeing. Being constantly under time pressure can result in:
- Decreased opportunity and ability to introspect, reflect and contemplate. We can lose touch with ourselves and we may struggle to be aware of our emotions and beliefs and the why we are behaving or reacting to life the way do.
- Rushed, pressured decisions that are often detrimental to us and others
- Strained relationships. Genuine, authentic relationships need actual time, this cannot be substituted, there are no short cuts.
As we live faster lives, and we become dismissive and contemptuous of the people around us, it is these relationships with our families, friends, colleagues that bear the brunt and this can lead to deterioration of social support systems that help us to thrive in life
- Poor, interrupted sleep due to stress and anxieties about the demands of life.
- Increased stress and anxiety as we chase the next big win, the next big job, the next big deal
- Stress related physical health challenges, stress can worsen cardiovascular health, can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight
How do I slow down my pace of life for my physical and mental wellbeing?
- Set aside time daily to reflect and contemplate and introspect.
Get in touch with yourself, give yourself time to be aware of your emotions, your thoughts, your motivations
- Deliberately schedule time for your most important relationships
- Be fully present at work, work hard but when it is time to go home, be fully present at home, reconnect with your family and engage in activities that help you to slow down and recharge
- Do not sacrifice sleep, it is too high a price to pay
- Make time to connect with nature and move your body in moderate forms of exercise
- Periodically disconnect from technology and disengage from the constant barrage of digital communication and information exposure
- Prioritise and simplify your life, reflect on what is truly important to you, what you truly value and live according to these values and priorities
If you think that you or someone that you know may be experiencing a mental health problem, please contact your nearest health care provider and get help.
- Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse is a consultant. Feedback: 2024+263777727332. This article reflects my own personal views and opinions
