Unhurried Productivity: Get More Done Without the Rush (Part 2)
Nov 05, 2025
Blog by Gem Fadling
Two weeks ago, I shared Part 1 of our exploration on Unhurried Productivity. You may want to go back and READ THIS to refresh your memory.
In that first post, we talked about how unhurried productivity begins with intentionality. We looked at four starting practices:
- Start with a Grounding Morning Routine
- Prioritize What Really Matters
- Block Time with Flexibility
- Practice Single-tasking
Today, I’m offering four more ideas that can help you step off the treadmill and move forward with greater intention and focus.
Schedule Mindful Breaks
It may sound counterintuitive, but taking regular breaks actually boosts fruitfulness. It gives your mind a chance to rest and reset so you can return to your work with fresh energy.
When I sense an inner pushing inside myself (“I have to get this done now!”), I pause and take a mini-break. If I’m composing content, I stand up and walk away from my computer. I don’t allow myself to keep producing when I feel that inner push. That’s my signal that I’m no longer working from my heart but from a hurried energy I don’t want to nurture.
You might try the same thing the next time you catch yourself pushing to get something done. It often feels like pressure, anxiety, or even frustration. Step away from your project. You might even step outside, take a brief walk, or simply take a few deep breaths.
Ideally, you wouldn’t have to wait until the pushing starts. You can build these pauses into your time blocks and give your mind and heart regular space to breathe.
Practice Gratitude
An unhurried day isn’t just about how you manage your time, it’s about your mindset. Practicing gratitude helps you focus on what’s good, even on busy days. This simple practice shifts your perspective and can help reduce feelings of stress or overwhelm.
Write on a piece of paper or open your notes app and jot down five people or things you’re thankful for.
Gratitude is a natural perspective shifter because it turns your attention toward what you have rather than what you lack. Choosing gratitude lifts your eyes a bit higher and gives you the lift you need.
As Paul reminds us, “Set your mind on things above…” (Colossians 3:2).
End Your Day with Reflection
Take five minutes at the end of your day for a mini examen. Reflect on any felt grace, notice any places of resistance, and set an intention for your next day. Bring all of this to God in prayer.
Reflection is a simple yet central practice that leads to wisdom. It helps you learn more about yourself and your patterns. Over time, you may notice what needs to shift to keep you from becoming over-stressed or disconnected from what truly matters.
An Invitation to Start Small
You’ve heard me say this before: start small, simple, and gracious. You don’t have to implement all of these ideas at once.
Pick one or two that resonate with you and give them a try. Then, gradually add others until you find a rhythm that works for you. Together, these eight practices form a gentle rhythm of grace for both work and rest.
The invitation is to move through your day with presence, purpose, connection, and focus. This is so much better than chasing busyness to prove your worth or living in distraction mode.
I don’t want to live like the ball in a pinball machine, and I imagine you don’t either. So slowly but surely, move toward people, activities, and work that are life-giving rather than life-draining.
I realize not all of us have control of our work environments, but we do have choices in our personal lives. Remember, any of these eight guidelines can be tweaked and tried in any area of life…one at a time and at your own pace.
Reflection
- Which of these ideas will you try this week?
- How might setting your mind on things above help you in your current rhythm?
- What small step could you take to begin?
