How Slowing Down Has Helped My Hustle

“I’m crazy busy.”

We’ve all said that, right? Honestly, I feel like that was the first thing that came out of my mouth for most of last year. After a while I started to notice that I hated being that person… but at the same time, I almost found myself WANTING to say it to prove to other people that I really do work ALL the time! I’m not some entitled millennial who is afraid of working hard! It’s not just fun events and photoshoots, I swear! 

But what’s the point in me creating a career I absolutely adore if I’m also going to waste so much energy trying to prove to other people that I work as hard as they do? That’s so unnecessary! So, I held out as long as I could and then I cut back to part time at work. And here’s how my life has shifted.

For the past month or so, I’ve been able to really disconnect from my computer on the evenings and weekends. Obviously, I know this will fluctuate based on travel and deadlines – but when I can, I’m taking advantage of the opportunity to chill out. And not only that, but I’m actively trying to let go of the guilt that I so often associate with relaxation. Yes, I’m the girl who feels bad wasting a day being lazy. Especially when I know I could be doing SO MUCH instead.

So, to ease me into this mindset, I’ve been doing the simple things I love to do MORE. Nothing fancy – but things like getting a workout or going for a walk or cooking dinner with Adam. These still feel productive, but allow me to get away from my computer and clear my head. And the more I do those things, the easier it is for me to slow down. Then I can go to bed early, or watch a tv show without checking my Instagram incessantly, or really, just enjoy the little things.

And I’ve found that this way of living is helping me focus when it really counts in a way I had trouble with last year. Since I’ve been taking the time to rest and recharge, I  come back to my computer ready to work. When I’m on, I’m really on now. It’s amazing what you can produce when you’re not fighting exhaustion or writer’s block or other distractions/insecurities that can creep in when you’re overworked.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m aware that this stage of my life is allowing me to shift to this mindset. But if you’re also in a situation like me – in a good place financially without kids demanding your attention – could you slow down a little bit, too? What would happen?

Shop the look:

Glasses: c/o Liingo | Bag: Old Navy | Tee: c/o The Good Stitch Co | Skirt: Loft | Trench: Loft | Shoes: J.Crew

The best part is that we’re approaching my favorite time in Chicago to unwind and ENJOY the city! This weekend gave me a glimpse of the spring days to come and I’m SO excited. I mean it all year round, but in the Spring and Summer, my tee is especially accurate ?

I also love that when I’m not running myself into the ground, I’m not dying for a cup of coffee all the time. That being said, I’ll never totally give up a good cup of joe. There are too many cute coffee shops in Chicago to pass up!

Read about my favorite Chicago coffee shops in this post!

And just in case you’re looking for a new pair of glasses, I totally recommend this cute pair by Liingo! I discovered them through Lumen Optical, which is where I got my favorite Tiffany frames. Liingo is basically their more affordable sister company – and their whole collection is super fun and playful. I love that these have a little pink accent – makes them the perfect accessory with this skirt, right?!

What are your favorite ways to recharge?

Do you find that it helps your work? Or is it just a luxury that you try to take advantage of when you have some spare time? Let’s chat about it!

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PS. You might also like A Day In The Life, You Are More Than Your Physical Appearance, and 2017 Reflections + Goals for 2018.