The Art of Living Slowly During the Busy Year-End Season | Safe and Sound

The end of the year is always associated with worries and busyness. Pressure from work, family, and personal plans can easily leave you feeling stressed and tired. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, practicing the art of slow living becomes a solution to reduce stress and improve mental health. Below are the benefits and effective ways to apply this lifestyle, as suggested by psychology experts.

Dinh Thi Thu Hong | Social work – Application in mental health care

Institute of Applied Medical Technology

1. The concept of slow living

The art of slow living is a conscious approach to life, focusing on the present and enjoying the simple things. Slow living doesn't mean being sluggish or stagnant, but rather changing your approach to life to become more mindful, alert, and purposeful in your actions, so you can appreciate everyday moments.

According to psychologists, slow living is a state where the mind is freed from pressure and not caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, thereby creating conditions for reflection and making better decisions. This not only helps you manage stress but also improves the quality of life.

For example:

Instead of rushing through your morning meal, take time to enjoy a hot cup of tea and savor the peaceful atmosphere before starting your day.
Instead of trying to complete a series of tasks at once, do one thing at a time with maximum focus.

2. The benefits of slow living

Slow living is not just a trend, but also a method that helps people take control of their lives, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life. Psychologists recommend this lifestyle because of its significant benefits for mental health and its ability to effectively reduce stress.

2.1 Reduce stress and anxiety

Psychologists believe that when you live slowly, you reduce haste and stress, allowing yourself to handle things more calmly. This helps the body and mind relax, limiting prolonged stress. The art of slow living helps you prevent burnout from work and life. Psychologists also share that when you live slowly, you can more easily recognize the good things in life, instead of being caught in a constant cycle of anxiety.

For example, when working, instead of stressing out trying to rush through a multitude of tasks, focus on completing each task one at a time to avoid unnecessary pressure.

2.2 Improving mental health

Mental health improves when you focus on the present, instead of being preoccupied with worries about the past or the future. Psychologists say this allows you to view things more positively, thereby reducing negative thoughts, helping you stay calm in difficult situations, and improving emotional management skills. Psychologists note that people who practice a slower pace of life tend to have a more relaxed mood, cope better with pressure, and maintain a positive outlook in all situations.

2.3 Improving social relationships

Psychologists suggest that slowing down allows you to spend more time listening to and understanding those around you. This strengthens connection and bonding in social relationships. When you live at a slower pace, you can dedicate time to meeting friends and family without feeling rushed or pressured.

For example: Organizing a family dinner, going for a walk with friends, or simply spending quality time chatting with loved ones each day.

2.4 Improve physical health

When your mind is relaxed, your body becomes healthier. Psychologists say that living at a slower pace helps the immune system function more effectively, reducing the risk of stress-related diseases such as cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. In addition, a slower pace of life improves sleep quality. When your mind is at ease, you'll find it easier to fall into a deep sleep and maintain good physical health.

3. How to effectively apply the art of "Slow Living"

3.1 Plan effectively

Psychologists suggest that instead of trying to rush through everything, you should make a reasonable plan to reduce stress.

Here are some suggested activities:

Create a to-do list: Break down tasks into smaller parts and prioritize them.
Limit the number of tasks: Focus only on the most important tasks each day.
Avoid multitasking: Do one thing at a time with full concentration instead of juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.

3.2 Start your day in a relaxed way.

Starting your day in a calm and positive state helps you better control your emotions and maintain energy throughout the day.