I used to believe that juggling a lot of projects at once made me productive — that jumping between tabs, chores, conversations, and thoughts somehow meant I was keeping up with life. Truthfully though, multitasking has never made me feel accomplished. My mind would turn into a hectic mess, and by the end of the day, I could barely function.

My brain has always moved quickly. It twists and turns with each passing thought, instilling fear, anxiety, and overwhelm. If my brain was juggling ten things at once, I told myself I should be too, and that it was the only way to stay afloat.

One of my favorite movies of all time is What About Bob. It’s about a man with mental health issues trying to survive day-to-day life. Through his therapist, he learns about baby steps — doing things one step at a time. The film is not only hilarious, but it shows the very real struggles many people face on a daily basis. It reiterates that life is meant to be lived slowly, gently, and with an appreciation for the present moment.

I’ve learned that by doing things one step at a time, my nervous system can finally breathe easier. It’s the only pace where I can actually feel present in my own life instead of watching it blur past me.

Now, instead of rushing through a routine, I pause, breathe, and take in the beauty of a soft morning. The first thing I do when I wake up is make myself a cup of coffee. I’ll sit in silence, take a few sips, and mentally prepare for the day ahead. I usually journal too, writing down a few affirmations, reminders like: You matter. You’re worthy. You’re capable. They help wash away the negative thoughts and reinforce my strength and abilities.

It’s amazing how much shifts when you simply allow yourself to take your time. I can feel my shoulders drop; my whole body unclench, like it finally got permission to be here instead of racing ahead.

I find calmness in cooking. The process of stirring, chopping, tasting as I go, it’s self-soothing. I allow my mind to focus on one task at a time, and I enjoy the repetitiveness of each step. For me, it becomes a moment rather than a task.

Doing one thing at a time isn’t always easy, especially with a neurodivergent mind. Sometimes even one thing feels like too much. Sometimes I forget. Sometimes I fall right back into old patterns of overstimulation and urgency.

But more and more, I’m choosing slowness intentionally. And what I’ve discovered is this: when I allow myself to focus on a single task, my mind softens. My anxiety lowers. My body feels steady again. I no longer feel like I’m constantly failing or falling behind. I feel much more connected to myself, and to the world around me when I slow down and allow myself to move at my own pace.

Life becomes richer in the small, ordinary ways:

The warmth of a cup of coffee in my hands

The soft light of an early morning

Listening to my breath

The satisfaction of finishing what I started

It reminds me that productivity doesn’t define my worth. Slowness isn’t laziness. And presence is a gift I get to give myself, over and over again.

“Slowness isn’t laziness. Presence is a gift you give yourself—one gentle moment at a time.” - Unknown

#MentalHealth #Mindfulness #SlowLiving #Neurodiversity