Every time I return to Austria from Canada, I notice how much my perspective has shifted. Living abroad changes you in subtle yet profound ways. It heightens your curiosity and sharpens your ability to observe cultural differences. For me, one observation always stands out: the concept of time and how it influences busyness and everyday tasks.
One experience that perfectly encapsulates this difference is a simple, mundane activity - grocery shopping in Austria :) Let me explain it to you: At the checkout, everything seems to move at lightning speed. The cashier scans your items rapidly, and before you know it, the person behind you is inching closer, almost nudging you to hurry up. You’re expected to simultaneously pack your groceries, pay, and clear the space as quickly as possible, all while managing the stress of the next customer’s encroaching impatience.
In Canada, however, the pace feels slower. There’s often a polite pause, an unspoken acknowledgment of your personal space. People seem to take their time without feeling rushed or pressured. This doesn’t mean everything in Canada is leisurely or stress-free, but the cultural approach to time and busyness feels more forgiving.
This difference got me thinking: Why do we feel so rushed? Why is busyness worn like a badge of honor in some cultures?
In Austria, efficiency is deeply ingrained in the culture. It’s admirable in many ways—things run smoothly, and people value punctuality. However, this efficiency sometimes spills into creating a sense of urgency, even in everyday tasks. In Canada, on the other hand, there’s a greater emphasis on politeness and personal comfort, which can translate into a more relaxed approach to time.
Where Are We Rushing To?
In Austria I sometimes wonder: Where are people rushing towards?Â
It seems so deeply ingrained in their system, in their very being—rushing from one place to another, rushing to get groceries, to rush home, to rush to…what?
Every time I’m at a grocery checkout, I consciously slow down. I can feel the stress around me, people becoming impatient as I take my time. I haven’t finished packing my things, and already the next person is trying to push me away. But I breathe and stay present, refusing to let myself get caught in the whirlwind.
This act of slowing down is my way of breaking through the unhealthy, toxic stress we unconsciously create for ourselves. Many people aren’t even aware they’re caught in this cycle. Over time, this constant state of stress becomes a part of their identity, contributing to both mental and physical unwellness. It’s time to pause, reflect, and challenge these patterns—to consciously choose a different, healthier way of living.
A Call to Awareness
We owe it to ourselves to question this state of constant rushing and stress. Life isn’t a race to the finish line. Slowing down, even in small ways, can create space for awareness, peace, and ultimately, a healthier way of living.
Next time you find yourself feeling rushed—whether at a grocery store, at work, or anywhere else—pause for a moment. You might find that you have more control over your time than you think. Instead of chasing something that lies in the future, try being present with what is happening right now.
#TherapeuticCoaching #LifeCoaching #MindfulLiving #StressManagement #PersonalGrowth #SelfAwareness #CulturalDifferences #SlowDown #WellnessJourney #BalanceInLife
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