Slowing Down for a Longer, More Enjoyable Life

Sometimes, I imagine that our hearts have in them so many beats, and after so many beats, that's it. In a way, it's true. Research has shown that resting heart rate can predict mortality (Zhang et al., 2016), with a higher resting heart rate correlating with a shorter lifespan. In ways, our hearts are symbols of time passing.

In American culture, we do many things that also make our hearts race. We rush, stress, and use caffeine to stay awake. We live in a culture where productivity is prized. In 2014, a very small study of nine construction workers suggested a correlation between performance and heart rate among the group (Gatti et al., 2014).

The question can be asked: Where are we in such a hurry to get to?

As individuals, we each make choices related to our values and pace of life. I believe that choosing to slow down can be a meaningful step in the direction of intentional living and moving toward what matters. Here are three ways.

1. It Allows Us to Notice Things

When we're moving quickly, it's easy to miss things, particularly in relationships. While someone is hyper-focused on a work project, for example, they may not notice that a loved one is struggling. Laser-focus on a task can also guide our awareness away from the good things. I recall my last semester of graduate school when my partner planted a beautiful vegetable garden in front of the house. I walked past it every day yet didn't give it much thought until I was eating the salsa from the peppers he planted!

2. We Can Make More Intentional Choices

A fast pace gives us little time to think. In the short term, this can lead us at a cheetah's pace toward a short-term goal. Yet, overall, we can lose sight of why those goals matter to begin with. Slowing down gives us time to reassess whether we are on the path we wish for.

3. It May Give Us More Time

Stress is known to worsen health outcomes all around. By deliberately slowing down and taking our stress at a reasonable pace, we may be adding days to our lives and quality within those days.

In Conclusion

It's okay to slow down once in a while. To acknowledge what gives us meaning, love, and enjoyment, even if those things don't move us toward some "goal." It's natural to worry. Yet, the problems we often rush to solve are not always the greatest ones we are facing. Without time to reflect, it's easy to lose sight of what matters. I'm trying to spend less time on the racetrack, and more time in my hammock watching the squirrels.