The Power of Slowing Down

I came across a podcast discussing how our bodies can become addicted to stress—even when it’s unnecessary.

Stress becomes addictive because it gives us a rush of adrenaline and a false sense of productivity, making us feel like we’re accomplishing something when we’re not. We get used to the constant urgency, and it becomes a habit, like a comfort zone—especially when we're avoiding deeper emotions or the fear of being unproductive (the Virgo curse). Society often glorifies "productivity," leading us to believe that stress is necessary for success or to keep up with others. This cycle of rushing can persist even when there's no need to, and breaking it requires mindfulness and the ability to slow down.

For as long as I can remember, I felt the need to rush through tasks, as if an invisible clock was ticking in my mind. Even without deadlines, I’d push myself to finish quickly, almost as if I feared wasting time. It wasn’t about getting ahead; it was about an internal pressure to stay in constant motion, crossing off my to-do list as fast as possible. This is a recent realization, one that of course, correlates with my transit chart in astrology.

Transit Moon in Libra 3rd trine Natal Saturn in Aquarius 6th
A sense of emotional discipline and practicality to routines. Feeling more focused and grounded, approaching tasks by being steady and mindful. Clear, structured thinking makes this a great time to organize thoughts and have meaningful conversations that contribute to long-term goals.

Instead of feeling pressured to rush through everything, I’m learning to trust that taking my time will lead to better outcomes—and a more peaceful state of mind.

Mindfulness is an effective way to handle stress.
When you recognize your tendency to rush or feel stressed, you can catch it in the moment and shift your response. Self-awareness is key—it’s not about being perfect, but about recognizing patterns and making small changes over time. Habits don’t shift overnight, but with each instance of catching yourself, it gets easier to move through stress with intention.

In channeling this energy, I’m embracing the idea of living a "soft life." It’s about stepping away from the constant rush and stress, and instead, prioritizing peace, self-care, and intention. It isn't being passive—it’s about being intentional with energy, choosing calm over chaos, and giving myself space to simply be without the pressure to always be doing. It’s about creating a lifestyle where relaxation, balance, and self-compassion take the lead, allowing me to live in a way that feels nurturing and fulfilling.

As I’ve reflected on these themes, I came across an entry from my journal on March 10, 2021, which feels especially relevant now:

Lumerian Quartz: Practice Patience. There's no need to hurry or rush through life. Learn to quiet the restless parts of yourself and take life one step at a time. There is a difference between being busy and being productive. Make sure you spend your time on things that matter most. Go with the flow of nature and trust that everything will happen in due course. Practice mindful patience.

This reminder feels like the perfect affirmation for the mindset I’m cultivating now—one that values patience, balance, and intentional living.