Slow down to speed up in life

Slowing down to speed up may be an antithesis. Even so, it has been proved that slowing down with compulsive regularity is the only sure way to gain a lasting speed in the race of life.

Let us consider the evidence. In 1869, Dr G M Beard, an American neurologist, observed that several healthy and well-off people felt fatigued, suffered from headaches and depression, experienced listlessness and a general lassitude towards life. After much study and analysis, he concluded that the prominent factors that led to the drop in feelings of well-being were stress, constant pressures of work in a competitive environment and an unrealistic want to achieve more than what the physical constitution could cope. Terming the condition as Neurasthenia, Dr Beard prescribed rest and slowing down as the only permanent remedy to treat the disorder.

Though Neurasthenia is now obsolete and not a clinically used terminology, most people from all walks of life continue to face the symptoms of Neurasthenia on a daily basis today. Unless Dr Beard's prescription of slowing down is taken seriously by the generation of the new millennium, this feeling of exhaustion is bound to persistent and intensify, vouch the proponents of the 'slow-down' bandwagon.

Slowing down may sound quaint in an era where fast food, express service, instant solutions, non-stop functioning and round-the-clock businesses are the buzz words. Yet, slowing down from time to time, to rest and to recreate is the only sure and time-tested way to prevent all the deadly symptoms of Neurasthenia and to put us back on the track of speediness and wellness.

It has been established that the millions of cells in the body mandatorily need uninterrupted and continuous rest to rebuild the dead ones and to revitalize the ageing ones. Our bodies, minds and souls require a respite for recharging themselves from the unceasing function mode. When we consciously refrain from constant hurriedness, the internal harmony that is generated, breeds exuberance and provides the impetus for a zealous life.

Taking time to watch the clouds, enjoy a breeze, gaze at a bud, go for a walk or to simply do nothing just to slowdown are assured ways to speed up in life.