Lately, I’ve been thinking about pace—the way we move through our days, the way we fill our schedules, and how often we actually stop to breathe it all in. As I am traveling now to Australia, I find myself craving a slower rhythm, one that allows for presence, restoration, and deeper connection to myself. Not as easy as its sounds right?
That’s why I was intrigued by Ready, Set, Slow: Bringing Calm to a Busy World by Lee Holden. This book explores the idea that slowing down isn’t about doing less; it’s about shifting how we approach life—moving with ease rather than urgency, with energy rather than exhaustion.
The Power of Slowing Down
We often associate being busy with being productive, but what if the opposite were true? Research shows that when we allow space for rest and intentional slowness, our bodies and minds actually function better ( I think many of us are wired to think the opposite) Stress hormones decrease, digestion improves, and our nervous system moves from overdrive into a place of calm and repair.
For women redefining their prime years, this is a game-changer. It’s about honoring where we are at the moment and making choices that support longevity, health, and joy. That might mean taking a pause before saying yes to something (once again), enjoying a meal without distractions, or allowing for just a few quiet moments in the day instead of rushing from one thing to the next.
Health Benefits of a Slower Pace
Slowing down isn’t just about mental well-being—it has real, measurable effects on health. Here are a few ways it supports overall vitality:
Less Stress, More Energy – Chronic stress depletes the body. A slower approach helps balance cortisol levels, leading to more sustained energy.
Better Digestion – Eating in a relaxed state improves nutrient absorption and gut health.
Deeper Sleep – A calmer nervous system promotes restorative sleep, which is essential for brain function and hormone balance.
More Presence, More Joy – When we move through life more mindfully, we experience our days more fully rather than rushing through them.
Taking Slow on the Road
Travel naturally invites us to slow down—we observe more, we experience the world with fresh eyes. My time in Australia will be a reminder to move with more presence, whether that means lingering over a morning cup of coffee or taking long walks by the ocean.
But you don’t need a plane ticket to embrace this shift. Start small:
Take a few deep breaths before starting your day.
Enjoy a meal without distractions.
Create space between activities rather than rushing from one to the next.
If you’re curious about Ready, Set, Slow by Lee Holden, it’s a great read for anyone wanting to bring more ease into their life. You can check it out [https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Set-Slow-Improve-Relationships/...]
or listen to this podcast where I first heard about this at : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sounds-true-insights-a...
Where can you invite a little more slow into your days?
Let’s start the conversation. I would love to hear from you!
Cheers, Lisa