Benefits of Slowing Down
The benefits of slowing down are genuinely endless. Living a slow lifestyle ripples out to every single aspect of life, so it’s nearly impossible to list all of the positive side effects in one blog post. I’ll start by touching on a few of the benefits I’ve experienced myself.
As always, don’t believe anything I say (don’t believe anything that anyone says, for that matter). Instead, accept these points only after you adopt slow living for yourself and experience the benefits first hand. I can promise you, it’s life-changing.
READ MORE >> How to Slow Down
you’ll have more time
I know this seems a bit counterintuitive at first, but bear with me. Slowing down actually gave me more time. This is majorly due to saying no to anything and everything that doesn’t light me up.
Going out with friends to drink for the fourth weekend in a row? Past me would have been all for it. Present me would politely decline. Getting home from a backpacking trip late on a Sunday night without being able to prep for the week ahead?
Again, past me would have been stoked by the sound of that. However, present me knows how crucial it is for me to meditate before work on Monday morning, and it’s not in my best interest to risk skipping out on a routine that makes such a positive impact on my life.
READ MORE >> Ultimate Guide to Slowing Down
you’ll find joy in the little things
Everything changes when you pay attention. And I mean everything. Life’s colors become brighter. The simple sounds of nature become almost poetic. Seemingly average experiences become nothing short of magical.
What if I told you that heaven is actually within reach? In fact, it’s right here, in the present moment. If you don’t agree, give this a try. Turn your attention inward. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, then exhale for another 4 seconds. On the exhale, visualize your entire body filling with sunlight – from the bottoms of your feet to the very top of your head. Now, name one thing nearby that you’re immensely grateful for. This could be anything from your pet that you adore so much to something that on the surface seems insignificant, like a cup to hold water inside. Or the water inside the cup. What about the fact that it’s clean, drinkable water?
What you’re doing is raising your vibration and, in the process, becoming more magnetic. After that practice, go about your day and notice everything you possibly can. The mailman that smiles at you, the stranger that compliments your outfit, the driver that lets you over. Repeat the practice daily for even better results.
you’ll have more money
While this shouldn’t necessarily be a reason to begin slowing down down, it’s admittedly a fantastic side effect. It really comes down to negating the need to seek validation in external things. When you meet your needs yourself, you no longer reach for things [replace with coping mechanism of choice] to fulfill your needs.
Sure, you’ll still make purchases, but each purchase will be intentional. Yes, I spend more on groceries than I used to because I buy organic, whole foods. But I also spend far less on clothing than I used to because I buy high-quality, timeless pieces that’ll last me many years to come. And when a piece of clothing tears or a button falls off, I get out my needle and thread and mend it myself rather than immediately purchasing a new item and throwing out the old.
you’ll be a better person
Slowing down has 100% made me a better person. Instead of constantly reacting to the events in my life, I go about each day in an intentional manner.
I decide what I give my attention to, and so do you. If I run into some traffic on the way to the office, I thank the universe rather than getting upset. You really never know when a traffic delay could save you from a fatal accident up ahead.
It’s all a gift, as long as you treat it as such.
further learning
Still curious about the topic? Here are some of the resources I’ve learned (and still learn) from:
