In our fast-paced world, it seems like we are constantly in a race against time. From social media to speed dating, and from drive-through restaurants to ready-made meals, everything has to be fast, faster, fastest. We have become addicted to speed and are trying to cram more and more into every minute of our lives. But is this really a good thing?
Effect of a fast lifestyle
A leading study by psychologist Robert Levine examined the speed of life in different cities around the world. What did it find? People in cities with a faster lifestyle such as Tokyo and New York have more stress and less time for social activities compared to residents of Florence and Kyoto. A lack of social contact removes our protection against mental problems and that in combination with more stress of course screams danger to our mental health.
What is slowing down?
Should we move en masse to Italy? There is also another solution: consciously slowing down. According to Carl Honore, author of the book “In Praise of Slow”, slowing down does not mean that we do less, but that we make more conscious choices about how we spend our time. Think about a meal: we need to eat, as we need fuel to get through the day. But often we finish our plate quickly and move on. But what if you took your time with each bite? This would create space to taste the different flavors, feel the textures, and enjoy the moment.
The benefits of slowing down
Did you know that consciously slowing down can actually improve your life? According to Seligman, a leading positive psychologist, slowing down creates more space to be grateful for the moment, which makes you feel happy. By being more present in the moment and making more conscious choices about how we spend our time, this reduces the constant pressure to speed up from outside. This helps us build more meaningful relationships, which can significantly reduce our stress. According to Kahneman, a leading researcher in psychology, slowing down makes us more rational, as we have more time to consider our choices and make a thoughtful decision. So hitting the pause button can be very beneficial for your mental health!
How do you do this?
- Start small. It’s better to slow down gradually than to pull the handbrake all at once. So start with one area where you’re normally in a hurry and then expand to other areas later. For example, think about eating at least three meals a week in a relaxed manner, or one night a week without technology.
- Set up gadget-free zones. Think about no television in the bedroom, or no phone use on the couch after a certain time.
- Look around you. Focus on the rhythms of nature, by watching the sunset or the passing clouds.
- Share your ideas with others. Talk to family or friends about the negative effects of speed and come up with ways to consciously slow down.
So, consciously slowing down helps us enjoy life more, make better decisions and form deeper connections with others. In a world that seems to be turning faster and faster, maybe it’s time to hit the pause button and embrace the benefits of a slower life. If you would like to know more about this or need help pressing that pause button, please do not hesitate to contact our Mental Helpdesk.
