The Benefits of Slow Living

When was the last time you had a meal with someone that was free from the ping of cell phone notifications or the flash of a TV screen? Or how about the last time you curled up with a good book knowing you could read as long as you wanted to, with no interruptions?

If you are having trouble remembering, you might benefit from slow living. The slow living movement reminds us that the best things in life are meant to be savored and enjoyed, not rushed through on the way to the next big thing (or worse, on the way to the next same old thing).

Best of all, slow living fits in perfectly with the joyful retirement you desire. Read on to learn how you can embrace slow living for a richer, more carefree lifestyle.

What Is Slow Living?

Slow living is not about limits. There are no rules that say you can’t engage in social activities or keep up with your favorite hobbies and charity work.

The slow living movement encourages you to take a more mindful approach to what you choose to bring into your life. In our working years, many of us had no choice but to fill our days with emails, chores and errands so we could meet all our obligations. Little time in our busy days was purely for us. That meant we often felt compelled to pack too much into precious downtime, leading to weekend warrior syndrome. As a result, we never actually felt rested at all.

Slow living means slowing down enough to really consider how you spend your time. It means asking yourself what you personally find most meaningful. By consciously choosing how to spend your time, you can savor it to the fullest by paying deep attention. By extension, slow living can help you make a conscious decision to let things go which do not bring you joy. That decision leaves you with more time to devote to the people and things you love best. This type of intentional living is all about personal choice. You are not living in slow motion, rather you are living at the right speed and pace for you.

5 Big Benefits of Slow Living

• More time: When you eliminate things you don’t enjoy, you have more time to do more of what you love.
• More enjoyment: Slowing down allows you to appreciate your favorite activities, whether it is a complex hobby or a leisurely lunch with a friend.
• Less stress: As you cut out things that no longer bring you joy, you let go of external stressors and heal from burnout.
• Better health: Slow living can help you avoid stress-related health issues like digestive problems, headaches, high blood pressure and problems with concentration.
• More connection: Intentional living helps you maintain deeper interpersonal relationships, as you devote your attention to family, friends and community.

Slow Down and Embrace Joy

If this sounds like something you would like to try, it is easy to begin. At your next meal, turn off the TV, put away your phone, and eat a bit more slowly, taking the time to relish every bite. On your next outdoor walk, remove your earbuds and listen for the sound of birds. The next time you chat with someone, give yourself permission to linger as you fully devote your attention to the conversation. Take some time to consider what activities you no longer really enjoy and find ways to gracefully withdraw from them.

For more ways to embrace the slow living movement and discover more joy in your life, schedule a tour of Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd. Here, you will find ample programs and opportunities designed to help you live life to the fullest and more joyfully.