Why Slowing Down Matters for Mental Health

For over 20 years, I’ve immersed myself in the practice of being present—learning to slow down, tune in, and fully inhabit the moment. Despite this, even I’m not immune to the pressure of doing, achieving, and productivity. I’ve come to dislike the word productivity altogether; it often feels like it pushes us further away from what truly matters. But we live in a world that values speed and efficiency over stillness and introspection, and it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of it all.

After years of practicing mindfulness and presence, I’ve learned this truth: being is not just a skill we master once. It’s a practice we return to, over and over, especially in a society that constantly pulls us away from ourselves. And the more I’ve embraced being, the more I’ve come to understand how essential it is—not only for my mental health but for the well-being of those I guide in my work as a coach.

In this post, I want to (re-)introduce you to the healing power of being—and why slowing down is vital for mental health, even for those of us who’ve been practicing presence for years.

The Cost of Constant Doing

Most of the world worships doing. The more tasks we tick off our lists, the more productive and successful we seem to others. But as someone who has been practicing presence for years, I can tell you that the constant push to achieve can take a real toll on our mental health and it can actually make you achieve less. 

Maybe I should coin this slogan? Do less to achieve more!

Even when we’ve established our mindfulness habits, the pressure to keep going can creep back in. Suddenly, productivity masquerades as purpose and our personal growth journeys can feel more like checklists than meaningful experiences. Sure, meditation apps, self-help books, and journaling can be great tools, but when we treat them as just another item to complete, we risk adding to the stress we’re trying to avoid.

Doing isn’t inherently bad, but when it becomes the yardstick for our worth, it can leave us feeling mentally and emotionally drained. 

The Ongoing Challenge of Being

Slowing down allows us to tap into the present moment, reconnect with ourselves, and ease the mental and emotional strain caused by constant doing. But even for those who are no strangers to mindfulness, the act of slowing down is often more nuanced than it seems.

Maintaining presence requires navigating the external distractions of our modern world as well as the internal ones. Seasoned being practitioners know that it’s not just the hectic schedules or constant notifications that pull us away from the present moment. It's also the stories our minds replay—the subtle mental noise which can even include expectation, self-doubt, and judgment. No matter how long you've practiced, these inner distractions can return, reminding us that the practice of being is an ever-evolving journey.

The more we practice being present, the more we realize that it’s about creating mental space amid the noise, allowing ourselves to observe and gently return to presence whenever we stray.

The Deepening Impact of Presence

As we practice being over time, the benefits deepen. It's no longer just about reducing stress or finding a moment of calm. Long-term presence practice can unlock new layers of awareness, allowing us to experience ourselves, and our surroundings in more profound ways. The healing power of being comes not only from moments of stillness but also from the subtle shifts in perception that arise as we practice consistently.

We begin to notice the quality of our thoughts and emotions, rather than just their existence. Where once we may have focused solely on getting through stressful moments, the long-term practice of being enables us to stay with difficult feelings longer, to understand their roots, and to release them with greater self-compassion. This shift transforms our mental health—not as a quick fix, but as an ongoing process of integration.

For many seasoned practitioners, being becomes a way to transform not just their inner state but also how they engage with the world. It helps align their mental, emotional, and spiritual selves, allowing them to show up more authentically in their relationships, leadership, and communities. This is the kind of presence that offers not just relief from anxiety or stress but leads to profound personal growth and fulfillment.

Why Slowing Down is Essential for Mental Health

When we slow down and allow ourselves to simply be, we create space for mental clarity and emotional healing. Presence has the power to transform how we experience our thoughts and feelings. Instead of living in reaction to every stressor, we can pause and observe, finding peace in the moment.

Next time you feel the pull of productivity or the rush of tasks ahead, take a breath. Whether you’re a newcomer to this or have spent years practicing presence, the invitation remains the same: being is always here, waiting for you to return.