Slow Down: How Doing Nothing Makes Us Better Humans

By: Constance Kassor, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Constance Kassor

The world is full of strategies and “hacks” for squeezing the most productivity out of every minute of our lives. But what if this constant push to fit more tasks into each day is, in fact, counterproductive? What if our desperate attempts at multitasking and maximizing our schedules are doing us more harm than good?

In the nine lectures of Slow Down: How Doing Nothing Makes Us Better Humans, Constance Kassor, of Lawrence University in Wisconsin, shows you how to do what so many of us desperately need: Take a step back, reassess your priorities, and take some time for yourself. Each lecture focuses on an area in which you can learn how to form better habits, striking a balance between what needs to be done and what you need to thrive. These areas include getting better sleep, cultivating relationships, engaging in creative tasks, incorporating mindfulness into your everyday routine, and much more.

Too often, we sacrifice our health, our well-being, and our happiness to meet unrealistic goals. The purpose of this course is not to increase productivity or rebuild a hectic schedule from the ground up. Rather, it is to help you slow down—even if it’s only for a moment—and be present in your life and aware of your own needs. As you will discover, when you can intentionally make space to do a little bit less, you can do work that is more meaningful, have relationships that are more fulfilling, and have a body and mind that are both healthier overall.

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The essentials of relaxation and life enhancement

I found I really needed to employ some of her ideas right away.

Many of these ideas I have heard before, but she has a very known nonsense. Cut to the bone approach which I enjoy.

Also, she doesn't proselytize, but it's pretty passionate about these ideas. I never felt like I was being lectured, just being given positive ideas to use as I see fit.

Because I'm a type a personality, and she walks her talk… Meaning that she talks slowly and precisely… I set my playback to 1.2 or 1.5 times the speed.

That worked well for me. I will research other lecture she gives and check those out as well

After my first lesson, I started a sleep, journal and tested out the walking meditation

I have found that taking hikes in the forest (which I was always adverse to doing before) has been a game changer for me as well.

It's less than three hours… I recommend you try it!

Listen again

We all can improve our emotional intelligence and is a powerful skill to possess when you have the opportunity

Unique thought

Even at 76 years old I can use some of the techniques suggested. I enjoyed this book.

informative and insightful!

I enjoyed this book and it gets a different perspective about slow doing and being more aware. it has good information and examples to apply in my daily life.

A concise guide to living well

These lectures pull together in a concise, lively and engaging way wisdom from many areas. For me it was a great summary or tens of books on practical pathways to living a full and fulfilling life.