The whole concept of “being on the grind” has been so inculcated into our daily lives that being idle and not having anything to do is seen as being lazy and unproductive. Just take a look at all the tabs you have open on your laptop or desktop.

We are so intimidated by the idle time that we are always looking for things to do to cover up the idle white space we have while also forgetting that being busy doesn’t always mean being productive.

It’s very easy to burden yourself with so much work and get so immersed into the busy schedule that you forget to take time out for yourself. It is very important to realize that we should use the free time we have and make something of it. We need to realize that slowing down, unplugging yourself from your busy daily schedule and just being in the present and enjoying things how they are and how they are all so important in your life is all part of a healthy living style.

This process will also help you in the following ways:

• Reduce stress.
• Gain clarity.
• Build stronger relationships.
• Be more productive.

Slowing down does not have to be a complicated process, but it does require a lot of conscious effort. By doing so, you are being more appreciative of things around you, and you will find yourself happier.

Here are five ways you can achieve this:

1. TRY AND CREATE A MORNING RITUAL FOR YOURSLEF TO PRACTICE ON THE DAILY.

For a lot of us, mornings are the only time of the day that we have to ourselves, but it is also sometimes the busiest time of the day. A lot of us forget that the way we start our day has a very big impact on our moods, energy level, and stress intake for the rest of the day. If you are that morning person who is always in a rush and finds yourself rushing out the door, then it is natural that you’d find yourself being moody and stressed for the rest of the day, as opposed to the person who wakes up 30 minutes earlier and takes their own sweet time getting ready to start their day.

This is where this tip comes in handy. Create a morning ritual for yourself that makes you want to look forward to waking up in the morning every day. This can include anything that you like, be it taking a morning walk around your neighborhood with your pet, having a long warm bath, listening to the birds chirping, or just getting to read a few pages of the book you are currently reading, and while doing so, you’re going to have the result of a cleared mind and positive intentions for the day that’s lying ahead. This will also create a reminder that your mornings don’t always have to be hectic and stressful.

2. INDULGE AND APPRECIATE MORE.

Be it in the food you are eating, the book you’re reading or in the conversation, you’re having with other people. Enjoy every bite of your food rather than just rushing through it. This also applies to when you’re working at your desk or even driving. Try to savor the present and not rush into the next task waiting for you. By doing so, you are bringing more joy into your life and appreciating the present more.

3. SCHEDULE-IN SOME SELF-CARE.

There is no harm in sparing a bit of your time to take care of yourself. Do what makes you feel good and relaxes your mind, be it working out, 20 minutes of meditation, any form of art, and more. Self-care does not have to look the same for all of us as everyone has different ways of enjoying themselves.

4. DISCONNECT FROM THE WORLD.

Make it a habit to disconnect from your electronic devices, at least for a few hours a day. Ideally, this habit is perfect to implement every day, but starting with once a week is a great start. Set a specific time where you disconnect from your electronic devices. Give your mind that much-needed break from constantly being in front of a screen and being plugged in. Use that time to spend time with others, play outdoors, read, cook, or knit whatever it is that you like doing.

5. ALWAYS WIND DOWN BEFORE BED.

This is the last step and also the ultimate place for you to slow down. At the end of the day, you should be able to “switch off” the work mode and let your mind and body unwind, only thinking about that much-needed rest. Give your mind that space to dump the contents that it has racked up throughout the day. Your bedroom should be used only for sleep and relaxation-that way, when you get into bed; your body knows that it’s time to fall asleep. Don’t bring things like your laptop or other electronics to bed-you don’t want your brain to associate your bed with things like work. Use this time to shut your brain down: take a warm bath, meditate, read a book, apply a face mask, whatever it is that calms you, relaxes you, and helps you slow down.