Nanjing, like most large Chinese cities, hits hard, fast, and relentless. Getting swallowed up in the rhythm of the city just… happens, almost any time you step outside your home. Life can feel like a marathon you didn’t sign up for. Equally, it’s possible to isolate from the hubbub, but this usually involves staying home, alone, and there’s only so much of that you can do before you go a little loopy.
Balance is the answer. Imogen Heap’s stunning song, “Xizi She Knows”, encourages us to take a moment amongst the madness. Living the fast life right isn’t about running harder; it’s about running smarter. So how do we thrive in a world that never slows down, unless you move back to the old world!?
Step 1: Embrace the Pause
When the pace of life feels overwhelming, the power of a pause can be transformative. Pause to breathe, to notice, to reflect. I’ve expounded on the delights of Zixia Lake before, but Nanjing overflows with all sorts of hideaways that offer a gentle reprieve. There’s Xuanwu Lake, Mochou Lake, and one of my lesser-known favourites; Gulin park. Take 5 minutes to let your mind wander or focus on the rustling leaves instead of your to-do list.
Bear with me. Consider setting your WeChat or email notifications to silent for a few hours. Trust that the world will still turn without your immediate input.
Step 2: Redefine Productivity
In a society that often equates busyness with success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “more is better”. But true productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters.
Prioritise. Write down three key tasks for the day instead of an exhaustive list. The focus should be on quality over quantity.
Time Blocking. Borrow a page from the modern worker’s handbook and set dedicated time slots for specific tasks. For example, spend 30 focused minutes on work, then reward yourself with a break.
Sod it All. Sometimes the most productive way to spend time is to “waste” it. Honestly, nothing recharges the batteries like staying in bed all day.
Step 3: Stay Grounded in the Present
Fast-paced living often comes with a sense of always chasing the next thing. One of the best things I find about living away from Nanjing, now, is feeling less possessed of the spirit of the city; that is, the feeling of never resting. Brighton, in England, where I live now, seems anchored In its past, and thus less obsessed with always hustling. I appreciate this, while sometimes missing the dynamism of Nanjing. Let’s synthesise these feelings; try doing life one thing at a time. When walking down the bustling streets of Nanjing, resist the urge to scroll through your phone. Observe the world around you; the interplay of old city walls with modern skyscrapers is a reminder of balance.
Step 4: Cultivate Community
Living fast can sometimes mean living lonely. Strong social connections are a crucial counterbalance to the hustle.
Regular Check ins. Make time to connect with friends and family. Social gatherings are vital lifelines. While scheduled calls to friends and family back home are great, sometimes an impromptu video call, perhaps after a big night out, can bring the spontaneity that reinvigorates a relationship.
Shared Activities. Join local events, perhaps via your school or workplace, that align with your interests, such as board game gatherings or weekend hikes up Purple Mountain. Shared experiences foster a sense of belonging. There aren’t any? Start your own!
Step 5: Don’t Fear Saying “No”
In a city as dynamic as Nanjing, opportunities to engage and participate are endless. But saying “yes” to everything can leave you drained. Here’s where to remember to, sometimes, say “sod it all”.
Set Boundaries. It’s okay to decline an invitation or step back from a project if it compromises your well-being. Saying “no” to some things allows you to say “yes” to things that truly matter.
Protect Your Downtime. Treat rest as non negotiable. A long, sod-it-all weekend is sometimes the necessary elevation from the sod-it-all evening.
Step 6: Find Your Rhythm
The fast life doesn’t have to mean chaos! Done right, the fast life is a dynamic dance that energises.
Learn From Nanjing’s Pace. The city’s dual identity as both a historical hub and a modern metropolis offers lessons in balance. Like Confucius Temple steadfast in its history, standing strong in the middle of an outburst of modern architecture, you too can honour your roots while chasing innovation.
Step 7: Celebrate the Small Wins
In the fast life, it’s easy to rush from one accomplishment to the next without taking the time to celebrate.
Daily Gratitude. Take a moment to reflect on the day. I admit, this used to be a lot easier for me to do when that time was pre carved out for me; riding my e-bike home was tailor made for it. But in an ideal world, we’d sit for 10 minutes on getting home and decompress. If you sign up for all that, then write down three things you’re grateful for each day. If you’re more normal than this, then just take a moment to see it, internally.
Thrive, Don’t Just Survive
The fast life will always be a part of modern living, especially in cities like Nanjing, where past and future seem to exist simultaneously, pulling you in different directions. But with intentionality, mindfulness, and balance, you can transform the chaos into harmony.
Remember, the goal isn’t to outrun the fast life; it’s to ride the wave and find your stride within it. In doing so, you’ll not only survive but thrive, creating a rhythm that is uniquely your own. And if you’ve made it this far and are still reading, do yourself a favour and listen to “Xizi She Knows”. If you’re like me; a romantic, deep down, you won’t regret it.
