An lively life is a healthy life. But there are occasions when it's best to adopt a slower pace, an approach commonly known as “slow living.”
Quality over quantity
Older adults are putting busy work years and family responsibilities behind them. Yet many seniors claim they're busier now, as they juggle latest interests and commitments.
“When you jump off the treadmill of engagement for so long, it's hard to jump off,” says Malloy. “But one aspect of slow living is that it helps you evaluate what's important and what brings the greatest joy, and what you should consider giving up. It teaches you to value quality over quantity.”
Practicing a slower lifestyle can offer indirect health advantages, corresponding to lowering your stress levels and blood pressure as you change into more alert through the day. It can even improve your social interactions by teaching you to be more engaged in conversations where you listen more and talk less. Plus, slow living encourages greater awareness of your surroundings and your body's movements, so that you're less prone to make mistakes that may lead to injury. Paying more attention, in turn, helps improve concentration and short-term memory. “This can help you forget less about recent actions like whether you locked the front door, turned off the stove, or took your medicine,” says Malloy.
Slow and regular
You haven't got to make big changes to embrace the slow life. “Try to incorporate slow living into your daily routine, or choose certain moments to practice it, so over time, it becomes a more natural part of your behavior,” says Malloy. Here are five strategies you may attempt to make your life slower and healthier.
Engage in routines. We mindlessly do many on a regular basis tasks, corresponding to showering, brushing our teeth, making coffee, and washing dishes. Instead of doing them on autopilot or rushing to finish them, attempt to be fully present in the method. For example, while having a shower, notice the smell of the soap and the way the nice and cozy water relaxes your muscles. If you're feeling rushed or your mind wanders, bring your attention back to different sensations. “Paying attention to little details like that can slow down your whole rhythm,” says Malloy.
Walk thoughtfully. Use regular walks to practice mindfulness. “Don't focus on rushing from point A to point B,” says Malloy. “Instead, pay attention to your surroundings and use all your senses.” The scenery, the birdsong, the smell of the air, how the sun feels against your skin.”
Unplug a mini. Spend 15 to twenty minutes every day disconnecting from the world. No computer, phone, TV, or interaction. Just be present and do nothing. “It forces your body and mind to slow down, and you can feel how refreshed you feel after unplugging yourself for a while,” Malloy says. Research has also shown that spending time letting your mind wander can boost creativity and problem-solving skills.
Create a brand new hobby. “We pay more attention and enjoy the experience when we're doing something enjoyable,” says Malloy. Consider a brand new activity or interest, or revisit one out of your past.
Just do one thing. When faced with multiple household tasks, we are inclined to deal with completing the list fairly than individual tasks. Instead, just complete one task and leave the remainder for later. “It helps keep you engaged until the task is done and offers a wonderful sense of satisfaction and appreciation, which reinforces the benefits of slowing down,” says Malloy.
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