Slow Down for Better Mental Health

There I was again watching through a Youtube video at 1.7x the speed. Then I asked myself, do I also talk at 1.7x the speed, and how does anyone else even grasp what I'm saying?

Why the disposition to absorb impatiently then? Is it primitive of us to behave this way in today's digital age?

What about you? Do you find yourself moving too quickly through life? Whether it's mindlessly scrolling through social media such as Tiktok, speeding up podcasts and YouTube videos, or skimming books without fully absorbing the content. Even committing to a full Netflix episode without the urge to fast-forward can be a struggle.

Reflecting on earlier times, like the era of the Sony Cassette Walkman, I recall when fast-forwarding wasn't even an option—nor was it for CDs, videotapes, or DVDs.

This compulsion for speed: Why Are We Rushing?

Today, I often find myself seeking constant excitement, moving faster, listening and reading without truly absorbing. This tendency could stem from the myriad technological options that bombard us daily, creating a norm driven by our environment and peers. During a discussion, a friend shared she had the same issue: mindlessly browsing TikTok without truly engaging with the content.

This realization made me question the purpose of our content if only the first few seconds seem to matter. It's a pattern exacerbated by the digital age where fast consumption is often mistaken for efficient consumption.

Now here's why slowing down is crucial:

1. Improved Mental Health:

- Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Constant digital stimulation can lead to heightened stress and anxiety. A study from the American Psychological Association found that frequent social media users were 2.7 times more likely to be depressed.

- Enhanced Focus and Creativity: Slowing down allows the brain to reset, improving focus and boosting creativity. Researchers at Stanford University found that walking in nature, as opposed to a high-paced urban setting, increased creative output by an average of 60%.

2. Better Quality of Life:

- Deeper Connections: Slow, meaningful interactions foster deeper personal connections. A Harvard study highlighted that substantial conversations are a cornerstone of happiness and long-lasting relationships.

- Increased Appreciation of Time: Slowing down helps us appreciate the time we have, making us more mindful and present in our daily activities.

I thought the following practical steps may help me to decelerate:

Take a Career Break: Step away from the grind to reassess and rejuvenate.

Travel Out of "Norm": Explore new places away from digital interruptions.

Enjoy Nature Walks: Reconnect with nature to restore mental equilibrium.

Live in Low-Density Areas: Embrace the calm of less crowded spaces.

As I experimented with reducing the playback speed of my Spotify podcasts from 1.7x to 1.2x, the normalcy of unhurried speech—complete with pauses and active listening—struck a chord with me. I realized that to present calmly, I had to first learn to consume content slowly.

Perhaps in allowing ourselves to experience time more fully, we can better appreciate and utilize it. The rush might make us feel like we’re efficiently using time, but it’s the slower, thoughtful moments that truly enrich our lives and improve our mental health.