Embracing a Slower Pace: Why Quick Messages Can Be Counterproductive

The Modern World Overload

Can we all just take a moment to breathe? It’s 2025, and we’re living in a world where everything happens at warp speed. Want dinner? Click. Want a new face? Click. Want a miracle for your skin in a 3-second message with zero context? Click.

The problem is, we’ve gotten so used to instant gratification that no one stops to consider what’s happening at the other end of the message. And in this case, that “other end” is me—running a small, very real clinic called Devine Skin. I'm juggling several roles: skin therapist, receptionist, accountant, cleaner, marketing team, website editor, therapist (in both senses), and an occasional tea drinker (emphasis on occasional).

A Day in the Life

Let me paint you a picture. I’ve barely sat down all day. My cup of tea is lukewarm at best (thank goodness for my new self-heating mug, which I now treat like a life-support machine). Between treatments, I’m trying to reply to a constant stream of “quick messages.” You know the types:

• “I know I need a consultation, but I just wanted to ask a quick question first…”
• “I saw the information on your website, but thought I’d message just in case…”
• “I need to reschedule my appointment—can you do it for me?”
• “I know you’re busy but could you just give me a quick call before I book to ask a few questions?”
  
  

While these messages may seem casual and friendly from your end, the truth is: they are massive time-eaters. One “quick” message can easily turn into ten minutes of my time. Multiply that by ten people a day, and boom—there goes the time I should have spent enjoying lunch (who am I kidding? I'm lucky if I get a sip of hot tea) or taking care of the million tasks it takes to keep my clinic running smoothly.

Time is Precious

I mention this with love, but this is time being used for free. Time that could be spent with clients in-clinic, managing records, replying to important clinical queries, or—dare I say it—sitting down for five minutes and drinking a cup of tea like a civilized human being.

What makes all of this more frustrating is that I’ve already put so much in place to ease these concerns. I spent hours—late into the night—building my own website. I’m dyslexic, so trust me, it wasn’t an easy task. There was no AI back then—just me, Google, and sheer stubbornness. I poured time, effort, and brainpower into creating something that answers your questions, provides clear guidance, and makes booking simple.

Resources at Your Fingertips

In addition to my website, I also regularly write blogs packed with expert advice on everything from skin health to SPF, aging, acne, ingredients, treatment options, and more—these resources are all available for free to help you make informed decisions about your skin.

Furthermore, I employ an online booking system. This system, though not cheap, makes things simple for you. It allows you to:

✅ Book at any time of day

✅ Reschedule without needing to ask me

✅ Receive automatic reminders so you don’t forget your appointment

All of these efforts cost me time and money—so you don't have to message me just to move a booking or ask something already covered online.

The Importance of Consultation

Despite these resources, many people still prefer a personal, one-on-one chat via text, DM, or voicemail—even before they’ve booked a consultation. And here's the reality: All of your questions will be answered during the consultation. That’s the dedicated time set aside to discuss your skin, your concerns, and your goals. It’s when we can tailor a plan that truly works for you. Not rushed over Instagram DMs or while I’m desperately trying to drink a cup of tea that’s gone cold (again).

I love my clients. I truly do. I enjoy educating, treating, and supporting you. But I can’t pour from an empty teacup (especially one that’s been reheated five times). When you message for advice or seek help with a task you could easily do online, it may not seem like much to you. However, it gradually chips away at the time, energy, and focus I need to provide every single client the care they deserve. That includes you.

A Call for Patience

So let’s all slow down a bit. Use the systems that are designed to assist you. Book your consultation and ask me everything then—I promise. I’m an open book once you’re in the clinic. Just please don’t expect five free mini-consultations via WhatsApp in the meantime.

This isn't a complaint (well, okay… it’s a gentle complaint). It’s a reminder that behind every “quick question” is a real human trying her best to keep everything running with love, care, and one hand permanently clutching a cup of tea she hasn’t yet drunk.

The Importance of Taking a Break

Coming back from a much-needed, tech-free holiday where I finally relaxed and soaked up the sun made one thing painfully clear: I simply *can’t*—and more importantly, *don’t want to*—keep racing at this relentless pace. I bet a lot of you feel the same in your own jobs and lives too. Burnout is real, and constant digital contact only exacerbates it.

Within just a few days of returning to the clinic, I felt pulled in every direction again. Frazzled. Once more.

The Impact of Digital Overload

Maybe it's time we all paused for a moment. We send emails, DMs, texts, and social media messages at all hours—often past midnight—because we “don’t want to forget.” We send quick notes to get them off our chest so we can sleep. But let’s be honest: we’re not just sending a casual message; we’re placing our problems or questions onto someone else’s shoulders. Usually, it’s someone who’s already juggling ten tasks and hasn’t had a hot drink in hours.

What if we all just… wrote it in our Notes app instead? And sent it at a reasonable hour the next day?

Bringing Back Humanity

We often say we’re tired of living in a robotic world, where automated replies and AI reign supreme. Yet, we’re pushing each other into becoming robots by not respecting time or boundaries. We’re all adding to the noise and wondering why everything feels so overwhelming.

So here’s my gentle nudge: slow down. Think about the people on the other end of your messages. Let’s bring back some humanity and give each other—and ourselves—a break.

Because the best results (in skin and in life) come when we’re not rushing, not frazzled, and not pouring cold tea into another text at midnight.

With love, and slightly frazzled but still smiling,

Alison

Devine Skin & Laser Clinic