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14 hours ago
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People Who Avoid Responding to Texts Right Away Often Share These 9 Traits, Psychologists Explain
People Who Avoid Responding to Texts Right Away Often Share These 9 Traits, Psychologists Explain originally appeared on Parade. Does your text message response time immediately say something about you? Psychologists share that it can."Choosing when and how to respond to a text message is very important," explains , a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "What you say can be as important as how fast you say it."However, speediness is not always the best tactic when texting, despite a modern-day desire for instant gratification. Psychologists suggest that the message you convey by not responding to a text immediately depends on the context. They bring much-needed nuance to the chat. Scroll on to learn nine common traits of people who avoid responding to text messages right away and how to become a master at 'Does This Text Require an Immediate Response?' Psychologists report that it's important to know what requires an immediate response via text and what can wait., a psychologist and founder of Balanced Awakening, suggests replying right away if: Your partner is at the store and asks you, 'Do you need anything?' (Especially if you do.) Anything that's related to time logistics that are impending, such as 'Just confirming that I'll pick you up around 6:30 p.m. for our movie night.' Work-related deadlines or urgency—think requests from your presenting partner to go over notes before the big moment. A loved one reaches out, indicating they are in emotional distress and are requesting your support. "This one has some nuance depending on who the person is, if they do this to you a lot and if you're attempting to set a boundary with them because of this," Dr. Yang clarifies. "However, generally speaking, this type of text has more urgency." Safety concerns and medical emergencies. On the other hand, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, reports that you can leave someone on "read" if they send: Memes, jokes or social media links Group chat banter that doesn't need your input General life updates not tied to a time-sensitive event (think a stream of photos of their beach vacation while you're mid-hustle at work) Reminders about something far in the future Texts sent while you're working, driving or in a situation where replying isn't safe or practical Messages from people you don't know well Related: 9 Common Traits of People Who Don't Respond to Texts ASAP, According to Psychologists 1. They're boundary-conscious Setting boundaries can be challenging, as can resisting the temptation to subscribe to a culture that values instant gratification. However, people who don't respond to texts right away may be modern-day unicorns."They triage everything—Slack, kids, emails, texts—through the lens of, 'Does this move the needle right now?'" Dr. MacBride notes. "Texts usually don't, so they get paused until a deliberate check-in window. It's not indifference; it's making sure the right thing has our attention at the right time."Another psychologist agrees, adding that boundary-conscious types may also consider "rest" something that moves the needle (more proof that they're unicorns)."Some people choose to silence or put their phones aside in order to be mindfully present wherever they are," notes Dr. Deborah Vinall, Psy.D., LMFT, the chief psychological officer with 2. They're perfectionists The texter who keeps typing out responses—as indicated by the sometimes anxiety-provoking "..."—may not be leaving you waiting on baited breath because they're rude. Instead, they may be trying to hit the SMS version of a grand slam."People who believe that they cannot make mistakes and everything they do needs to be perfect will delay responding because they will obsess over having the perfect response for you," Dr. Yang shares. "Then, they may get exhausted and give up and not respond."Related: 3. They have a ton of balls in the air The person you're texting with may be juggling a lot. Unfortunately, they may drop the ball on responding to you."High achievers (working parents, in particular), live in back-to-back mode," Dr. MacBride points out. "When your day is a relay race of decisions or meetings, even glancing at a text risks being derailed. These people fully intend to reply. However, when they just surface, exhausted, at 9:47 p.m. with 27 unread messages and 'mush brain,' they tell themselves they will reply tomorrow."Dr. MacBride says that sometimes they don't and feel terrible when they realize it weeks 4. They're overworked and burnt out The high achievers described in No. 3 can work themselves into a state of burnout, which can only make it harder to respond to texts with urgency."People who believe they need to work a lot for any reason—to achieve their goals, because it is necessary in their industry, because they think the harder they work, the more they'll achieve—are prone to burnout," Dr. Yang says. "When someone is burnt out and overwhelmed by all of the things they need to do, they are less likely to respond to texts in a timely manner."Related: 5. They're hyper-focused The constant ping of a phone (or watch or computer) can steal your attention and intention to do other tasks well. People who don't respond to text messages as soon as they get them may have accepted this truth and put guardrails in place to ensure that they can remain in a state of flow."Slow texters may be those who deeply engage in activities and are not easily distracted by outside demands," Dr. Vinall says. 6. They're distracted or scattered On the other hand, slow texters may struggle with "popcorn brain," which occurs when thoughts "pop" from one thought to the next."They may read the text while doing something else—at work [or] watching something and intend to answer later," Dr. Hafeez says. "The problem is they often forget because their mind jumps to the next thing." 7. They struggle with time management Some people are hyper-focused and thrive with schedules. For others, this aspect of life is challenging, and it can seep into texting habits. "Even if they care about the person texting them, they let their day run them instead of the other way around," Dr. Hafeez reports. "Texts pile up behind all the other things they're trying to juggle. Their delay isn't personal—it's part of how they move through the day." 8. They're anxious-avoidant Dr. MacBride notes that some people with anxiety respond quickly, but others avoid it."Some people delay because texts trigger thoughts like, 'This will lead to a long conversation that I can't handle right now,'" Dr. MacBride says. "The pause is a coping strategy—space to calm the nervous system before engaging." Dr. MacBride says these people will usually respond eventually, but expect a significant lag time and the following situation: 'three dots appeared, disappeared, and reappeared, then went away entirely."Then, you'll awake at 7 a.m. to a response timestamped 3:32 a.m.—because they're probably up ruminating about the 9. They're just not into technology Not everyone considers their phone a fifth limb."There are still people out there who don't use their phone much and aren't very concerned that they are missing something," Dr. Yang says. "They may lose track of time in other areas of life, and their phone has been inaccessible the whole time. So when they say, 'Just seeing this now,' they genuinely mean it."Related: How To Become a Better Texter 1. Create boundaries You may not be a master at boundaries, but you can flex that muscle, such as by setting aside times to shut off notifications and hide your phone from yourself. "The key to success in texting in a responsive and timely manner is to give yourself breaks," Dr. Yang points out. "If you are always 'on' and receiving texts, you're basically going to burn out."Dr. Yang adds that it can help to have different boundaries for work and personal texts. Related: 2. Buy yourself some space Text message conversations are often billed as a colloquial way to communicate, but they can get emotionally charged. It's OK to take a beat—or 24 hours, as Dr. MacBride sometimes recommends to patients—so you can respond with intention and a cooler head (or thumbs)."If you are upset or activated about something, it's best to pause," Dr. MacBride notes. "You will need time for your pre-frontal cortex to come back online after getting a message that ticks you off."Dr. MacBride reports that firing off a reactive response can cause more issues than a lag between texts. 3. Show interest and sincerity Ask people what's going on in their lives, especially if you don't see them often."Great text communication doesn't only inform and entertain, but demonstrates care and appreciation of the other person, as well," Dr. Vinall explains. "Be sincere. Balance humor with heart. Be clear in expressing emotions through word choice or use of reaction buttons, GIFs and emojis." 4. Know when to pick up the phone Yes, some meetings could be emails, and some calls could be texts. However, sometimes, a voice call is much more effective."Not every conversation belongs in a string of messages," Dr. Hafeez says. "If things are getting confusing, emotional or drawn out, it's better to pick up the phone. Calling can clear up what five more texts might only complicate. Good texting is knowing when texting isn't the best option anymore." 5. Know the appropriate response time More often than not, try to respond within a timeframe that meets the memo."You don't have to reply instantly, but leaving someone hanging for hours or days can come off as careless," Dr. Hafeez explains. "People notice patterns. Being consistent helps people feel like they matter to you." Up Next: Sources: Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Dr. Hannah Yang, Psy.D., a psychologist and founder of Balanced Awakening Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Dr. Deborah Vinall, Psy.D., LMFT, the chief psychological officer with People Who Avoid Responding to Texts Right Away Often Share These 9 Traits, Psychologists Explain first appeared on Parade on Aug 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
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5 days ago
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People Who Were Raised by Extremely Frugal Parents Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say
People Who Were Raised by Extremely Frugal Parents Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. People grow up with a range of financial means, and parents may have different ways of managing money. Some families are frugal. We asked one psychologist for her two cents on the term, and she shares that it's not a synonym for "cheap.""Frugal and cheap are not at all the same thing," clarifies , a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "Frugal means to be careful with your money. People who are frugal avoid wasteful spending and make thoughtful choices. They don't always buy the cheapest thing—they consider the value and longevity of the item."She defines "cheapness" as something that suggests "corner-cutting, stinginess and not spending when maybe you need to."Understanding how a upbringing affects you in adulthood can provide valuable insights into your relationship with money, yourself and others."We can reflect and decide whether we wish to continue the legacy inherited or chart a new path," Dr. Deborah Vinall, Psy.D., LMFT, the chief psychological officer with tells if you think this applies to you (or maybe you're curious if it does), we have 12 who were raised by extremely frugal parents below. Plus, how to make sure you spend your money based on your own 12 Common Traits of Adults Raised by 'Extremely Frugal' Parents, Psychologists Reveal 1. They're responsible A frugal upbringing can pay dividends in the long term when these kids grow into responsible adults."People raised by frugal parents... tend to plan ahead—not just with money but in other areas of life as well, because they were taught that resources should be managed intentionally, including time, energy, expertise and income," Dr. MacBride says. "Frugal parents often raise careful decision-makers who weigh options thoughtfully rather than rushing into choices." 2. They don't take financial risks This one can be a pro or a con, depending on how risk-averse a person is."Playing the lotto, entering raffles, even investment portfolios can feel irresponsible to those raised to value saving money," Dr. Vinall shares. "This may limit them in pursuing goals, such as taking loans for higher education or starting a business." 3. They're solid negotiators Adults with frugal parents may become savvy self-advocates and people valued during contract negotiations in the workplace."Children of frugal parents may become good at making arguments and become good negotiators because they may need to justify their purchases and discern between wants and needs," reports Dr. Kim Arrington, Psy.D., a psychologist with Hackensack University Medical Center. 4. They have delayed gratification skills A one-click buy encourages instant gratification. However, people raised in thrifty homes may not even give themselves the option."Frugal households model and teach putting off immediate pleasures in favor of long-term goals, like not buying the coffee at the chain coffee shop and splurging on a great coffee maker at home," Dr. MacBride explains. "As adults, these individuals are often able to resist impulse purchases and focus on bigger priorities." 5. They feel guilty for spending on themselves The dark side of conscious spending is that it can go too far and cause shame spirals for treating yourself, even to something you want, had the money for and will use."Self-indulgence feels immoral when you're raised with a strict code of frugality," Dr. Vinall warns. "At extremes, it may also be internalized as a message about one's own value, so that they don't feel worthy of spending money on themselves." 6. They're rich in resourcefulness Thrifty parents can raise thrifty, economical kids."Growing up in a frugal home means the family taught how and went to stretch a budget— repurpose something or creatively solve a problem before spending money," Dr. MacBride shares. "This trait also teaches kids to think flexibly and stretch their imagination, which translates into all kinds of areas later on."Bonus: It also makes these adults Mother Nature's golden children."Learning to reuse, repair and repurpose counters attitudes of disposability," Dr. Vinall points 7. They value safety Dr. MacBride reports that frugality can foster a sense of safety because there's enough in safety for emergencies, reducing financial stress and helping families avoid debt."Children raised in these households may grow up to be adults motivated by needing to feel secure, which shows up in their savings habits," she says. 8. Financial decisions make them anxious When the desire for financial security becomes excessive, it can become mentally destabilizing."They may experience anxiety when making financial decisions," Dr. Vinall says. "Strict frugality sends a message that saving is moral and spending is wrong or risky, which leads to stress." 9. They're grateful The intention behind frugal parents' purchasing choices can teach children to become adults who consider gratitude a golden virtue."Children who are taught to be thoughtful about spending can develop the ability to be grateful, not just for the money, but other good things in life, too," Dr. MacBride shares. "They are less likely to take things for granted and more attuned to the difference between needs and wants." 10. They're givers Adults who grew up in frugal families often internalize the adage that it's "better to give than to receive.""Children of frugal parents learn that giving to others can feel rewarding, because if you can save more, you can give more," Dr. Arrington notes. 11. They're content with what they have Dr. Vinall says that adults who grew up with parents who put thought into their finances are often less consumed by a need for "stuff."Growing up without being indulged in every desire reduces entitlement and materialism while cultivating contentment with less," Dr. Vinall shares. "This contentment allows for greater inner peace." 12. They prioritize relationships Since these adults are less materialistic, they often invest more in connection with others."In my experience, parents who are frugal often demonstrate through their behavior that relationships with others and experiences take priority over having material things," Dr. Arrington 3 Values-Based Financial Tips If you grew up with extremely frugal parents, yet you feel like maybe you're still lacking in the financial literacy department, our psychologists share some good values-based financial tips. So whether you are avoidant with your bank account or you want your spending to reflect your values, we have some good advice for you below 1. Develop financial self-awareness Money is complicated and emotional."Many people feel anxiety or shame about money and cope by ignoring their bank accounts or avoiding budgeting altogether," Dr. MacBride says. "Yet, avoidance fuels anxiety—it doesn't reduce it."She suggests having routine check-ins about money—even taking 15 minutes to review your spending or check your account balance can provide golden nuggets of perspective."Over time, this builds a sense of agency," she explains. "Money becomes something you manage—not something that manages you." 2. Identify your financial values Dr. Vinall explains that financial values are an extension of our core values. "We spend on what matters most to us," she states. "This might include stability, hospitality, generosity, adventure or other ideals."To find your financial North Star, Dr. MacBride suggests asking yourself, "What do I want my money to say about me?' 3. Develop a values-based spending plan Now that you've established your financial values, you can create a spending plan that aligns with them. Dr. MacBride says this process can feel way more rewarding than budgeting. "Traditional budgeting can feel like a punishment, especially if it triggers scarcity fears," she shares. "When you align your spending with your personal values, family, health, creativity or adventure, money becomes a tool for meaning."She suggests reviewing last month's expenses and noting where your money did and didn't align with your values. Then, start to make tweaks. Maybe you forego buying the discounted sweater that's following you on social media and instead put it aside for a bucket-list-worthy end-of-year vacation that plays into your love of adventure."Small adjustments here can create big emotional shifts, making your relationship with money feel less like a fight and more like a partnership," she Next:Sources: Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Dr. Deborah Vinall, Psy.D., LMFT, the chief psychological officer with Dr. Kim Arrington, Psy.D., a psychologist with Hackensack University Medical Center People Who Were Raised by Extremely Frugal Parents Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Aug 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
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30-07-2025
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7 Signs You Have a 'Really Strong Personality,' Psychologists Say
7 Signs You Have a 'Really Strong Personality,' Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. Some people have personalities so strong they can move mountains. If you feel like that applies to you, then it just might. But what exactly does it mean to have a ? Is it inherently a good or bad thing?"Someone with a really strong personality often means that they are confident and assertive," explains a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "These people speak their minds and hold boundaries. They are also often people that others find themselves drawn to because there is a charismatic quality to these people."She reports that people with strong personalities have a signature passion and energy, which has its pros and cons. Read on as experts share more signs you have a strong personality and understand yourself (or a loved one) a bit better. Related: Strong Personalities Have Pros and Cons "Strong" can exude power—something often celebrated by society. Psychologists agree that there are certain qualities in individuals with strong personalities that are worth highlighting. ., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, says the benefits of having a strong personality include: Standing up for what's right Protecting others Natural leadership skills Clear decision-making Clear communication Honest and direct, including during conflicts Ability to motivate others On the flip side, Dr. Hafeez shares that people with strong personalities can struggle with: Coming off as intimidating and unapproachable Controlling tendencies Being too blunt Silencing "softer" voices Impatience With that in mind, let's see what signs point to someone having a really strong 7 Signs You Have a 'Strong Personality,' According to Psychologists 1. You say what you think People with strong personalities speak their minds."A person with a strong personality will often speak up and say the thing, even when others are reluctant," Dr. MacBride says. "These people tend to voice their opinions, challenge groupthink and address difficult topics."This trait isn't merely self-serving but carries weight in moments of injustice."They speak up when something feels wrong," Dr. Hafeez says. Related: 2. You set clear boundaries While some people struggle to set boundaries, those with strong personalities tend to be all in with them."These boundaries are often offered without the need to soften or apologize for them," Dr. MacBride Hafeez notes that this type of person doesn't second-guess and ruminate about boundaries after communicating them."They don't agree to things just to avoid awkwardness," she says. "They know their limits and aren't afraid to say what they are."Related: 3. You're resilient Dr. MacBride notes that people with a solid temperament remain whole even when criticized or rejected."People who have a strong personality are drawing validation from inside themselves," Dr. MacBride says. "They don't crumble when someone disagrees with them or doesn't like them. It's not that these things don't impact them, but their identity isn't hinged on the perceptions of others."Another expert agrees. People with strong personalities share something in common with rubber balls: They bounce back."They can recover quickly from difficulties and get back on track with what they were doing," says Kaja Sokola, CP, a clinical psychologist and 4. You aren't a people pleaser Dr. Hafeez reports that strong personality types don't strive to fit in and don't exhibit people-pleasing tendencies."They'll listen to others, but they don't fake who they are," she says. "They know what they believe and stick with it. This shows self-respect and inner strength."Dr. MacBride echoes these sentiments."People who have a strong personality have learned that they are not everyone's cup of tea," she says. "They are often OK with who they are and show up in genuine ways, rather than adapting their likes and dislikes to fit in with a group." 5. You're a natural-born leader If you're constantly in charge—whether that's in the workplace or organizing a pal's birthday bash—your people may consider you a "strong personality.""Formal—and even informal—leadership roles tend to fall to these people," Dr. MacBride explains. "They have an ability to influence others, make decisions and trust their inner convictions, and this doesn't go unnoticed by those who decide on leadership roles."Related: 6. You're good with internal validation Dr. MacBride stresses that people with strong personalities aren't on a fishing expedition for compliments."These people don't go seeking reassurance from others when they are able to validate their own opinions and choices," she shares. "This quality is whatallows them to make decisions and take initiative."Related: 7. You're stubborn Stubbornness can have a negative connotation, but it's also a great trait to have to stay true to yourself, your morals and what's right for you. Those with powerful dispositions have this trait in spades. "Nobody can convince them of anything that doesn't align with their heart and point of view on important matters," Sokola says. "They are tough negotiators. They follow their heart and reason by checking if the heart tells the truth. They usually listen to their gut instinct and focus on information rather than observations of others."Up Next:Sources: Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Kaja Sokola, CP, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist 7 Signs You Have a 'Really Strong Personality,' Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jul 15, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared. 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03-06-2025
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7 Signs You're Thriving in Your 50s—Even if It Doesn't Feel Like It
7 Signs You're Thriving in Your 50s—Even if It Doesn't Feel Like It originally appeared on Parade. There's a lot of talk about how social media is giving the "kids these days" a serious case of FOMO. However, people can feel stuck or like they're missing out at any age. If you feel like you've "failed to launch" or are treading water in your 50s, know you're not alone."Let's be real—this stage of life can come with some heavy stuff," says , a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "Health changes, career plateaus, kids leaving home, parents needing more care, financial pressure and shifting social circles can all leave women feeling stuck, invisible or taken for granted."Yet, Dr. MacBride says these life changes are precisely why it's crucial for people 50 and older to feel like they're "not just thriving, but surviving."It can be hard not to compare yourself to the Joneses or think that you haven't lived up to whatever future plans you said you had in your high school senior yearbook. Dr. MacBride shares that you might need to give yourself extra credit. She shares seven signs you're thriving in your , even if it doesn't feel like You may not be bouncing off the walls like a toddler at the grocery store, but, as Dr. MacBride points out, "Who needs that?" However, you're thriving in your 50s if you can get through your day without feeling like an energy vampire has bitten you."This is a great sign that your sleep, hormones and habits are working for you," Dr. MacBride says. "These things can feel like an uphill battle, and keeping them in good balance can help propel you forward."Related: You left your people-pleasing days in a previous decade—goodbye over-apologizing or saying yes just to be nice."You know your worth—and your bandwidth," Dr. MacBride notes. "Strong boundaries reduce burnout, protect relationships and improve self-esteem and overall well-being. Not only that, it feeds back into the energy for what matters. Overcommitting and over apologizing drain energy resources, saying 'yes' when you mean it helps you thrive."Related: You may roll with fewer people. However, you've never rolled deeper."Your circle may have shrunk, but it's full of people who are tried and true—quality over quantity," Dr. MacBride shares. "Getting and giving support to others is a key piece of resilience."Related: Curiosity did not kill the cat, and having it is a sign you're doing just fine. Dr. MacBride says thriving opens the door for curiosity."Maybe for the first time in your life, you have the time and the resources to try something new," she explains. "Being in your 50s and beyond isn't about understanding your life story—it's about writing the next chapter. Our brains are wired to learn new things and have novel experiences." You may be losing hair or having hot flashes from perimenopause/menopause. However, you're embracing your body with a warm hug. "Thriving means loving yourself, seeing your own beauty and believing that your worth lives in who you are," Dr. MacBride shares that this sign is especially profound for women affected by society's impossible standards."The only choice becomes to rewrite what was once written for us," she "Loving [ourselves] and increasing self-compassion allows us to have a greater capacity for compassion toward others," she points Dr. MacBride says people may finally start prioritizing sleep in their 50s."The party-all-night stage is behind you, the kids can fend for themselves and it's time to invest in you," she raves. "[People] who thrive at 50+ begin to see how something like healthy sleep and diet can make a huge impact, and they start to take some of these things more seriously than in their 'It can't happen to me' younger years." You suddenly have a spark that you last felt when filling out those aforementioned high school yearbook questionnaires."This time the dream is about retirement, adventures and renewal of relationships," Dr. MacBride says. "This phase of life can be a time when [people] engage in the present moment and give themselves time to imagine what they want, which might help the spark really ignite."Related: Dr. MacBride encourages people to focus on the basics of good physical and mental health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet and healthy sleep. Also, communicate with your doctor."This is a time of great hormonal change for some women," she says. "Talk with your doctor about what hurts and mood swings. If you are not sure [if something is] working right, have it looked at." Dr. MacBride stresses it's important for people in their 50s to connect with their values if they want to feel like they are thriving."Be intentional about what helps you find meaning and be creative about ways you can achieve that," she shares. "Often, these are the activities that keep us going after retirement age. Starting these new hobbies and making these new relationships now [can] help support a healthy transition later when it's time to retire."Related: There's strength in numbers at every age. Dr. MacBride says the key to thriving is knowing who and where your people are."Make sure you are being intentional about who is around you and who you choose for support," she loved listening to former First Lady Michelle Obama talk about who sits at her "kitchen table" (and phasing out "slow ghosts") on her book tour for The Light We Carry."This is your support system—be thoughtful about who joins you at that table," Dr. MacBride says. "If someone doesn't belong, maybe you let go of that relationship slowly and gently, but with purpose—thus the 'slow ghost.'" Up Next:Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners 7 Signs You're Thriving in Your 50s—Even if It Doesn't Feel Like It first appeared on Parade on Jun 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
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This Is the Best 'Slow Living' Hobby for Women Over 50, Psychologists Say
Grind culture tells us we "should" always be on, and mobile phones have made that a cinch. Your work email is in the palm of your hand. Ditto for messaging apps that make seeing a last-minute, after-hours request from your boss as easy as swiping, tapping and stressing. Enter a counter-culture that Gen-Z and women over 50 are embracing: it's called slow living."Slow living encourages slowing down, doing less and experiencing life based on your values," says Dr. Jan Miller, Ph.D., a Georgia-based licensed psychologist with Thriveworks. "This approach eschews productivity culture."Sounds dreamy, right? Developing certain habits and hobbies can help you inch closer to making slow-living a reality. Psychologists share their favorite slow-living hobby for women over 50—plus, a few more just in case that one doesn't resonate with you—and tips for getting This Just Twice a Week May Help Prevent Dementia, According to Study Slow living is a lifestyle built around intention and leaning into quality instead of quantity. "This lifestyle in the moment and discovering happiness through simple experiences like family time or nature connection," says , a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind. "It emphasizes slowing down and being present in the moment."One psychologist likens the pace of life to music."The pace of our world has a staccato rhythm to it," shares , a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "We live and work in short bursts punctuated by a flurry of activity, often detached from other people, and the next activity often has nothing to do with the first. It begins to have a feel of dread, not unlike the opening notes of Beethoven's 5th symphony—da da da daah."Dr. MacBride notes that the intention, mindfulness and connectedness involved in slow living give you the opposite feeling, improving your well-being in the Anyone can benefit from slow living, but psychologists share it may be particularly attractive to women 50+, and they're happy about that. "The slow-living lifestyle benefits women over 50 by helping them maintain a healthier balance," Dr. Hafeez explains. "Women in their 50s may be facing life transitions such as empty nests or retirement, and slow living helps them adapt to these changes gracefully. By participating in joyful activities and focusing on the present moment, women can improve their mental health and lower their stress levels."Related: The key word is "lower." Dr. MacBride reports it's not possible to eliminate stress, but reducing it to a healthy baseline can improve a person's physical and mental well-being. Rejecting a culture that requires you to be always on and opting for slow living instead is useful, especially as a person gets older and becomes more at risk for chronic physical health concerns."We know that when the body is constantly battling stress, we are more likely to become ill and take longer to recover from illness and injury," she The best slow living hobby for women 50+? It's walking. "I love this hobby for women who are 50+ for a few reasons," Dr. Hafeez says. "First, it's so simple and easy. You don't have to 'prepare' for anything—instead, you just simply go out and walk. It's also a great way to get in your exercise. It's extremely important to stay active later on in life, and walking is one of the best forms of exercise there is."That said, you don't have to treat every walk like a brisk one. Slow, mindful steps can also significantly impact your overall well-being. "Mindful walks allow us to slow down and use our senses to be aware of the nature around us," Dr. Miller says. "Numerous studies have shown our mental and physical health benefits from being in nature."Not feeling it? That's OK."Certainly, [women 50+] would benefit from choosing the hobbies that work best for them, whether this is something they used to do but stopped or a new hobby they have always wanted to try," Dr. Miller This Basic Skill Every Day Could Prevent Cognitive Decline This one is actually Dr. MacBride's personal favorite slow living hobby for women 50+. "I love the idea of 'if you have made it, you can eat it,'" Dr. MacBride explains. "I love seeing women over 50 embrace scratch cooking and baking because, for the first time, they may be slowing down enough to make the time for themselves."However, making time for yourself can involve others, especially with cooking. Dr. MacBride says women may cook with a partner or children or pass along a special recipe to a grandchild, helping to ward off loneliness. She has a few more servings of goodness for this hobby."When we start to cook and eat in this way, it can be more budget-friendly, helping these women feel a bit more in control of finances as they think about retirement," Dr. MacBride says. "It is a perfect idea for women as they enter menopause and find that weight, shape and energy changes. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn what their changing bodies need for nutrition." Dr. MacBride suggests giving pottery a spin if you're you enjoy art. It can connect you to yourself, nature and others."Using a wheel to make pottery requires you to be in the moment and pay attention to your body relative to the clay, literally an earthly material," she explains. "When you are done, consider giving your creations away to the people you love. They will love to see what you've been up to and won't mind if it's a little bottom-heavy." This slow living hobby is another one that lets you tap into your creative side while practicing mindfulness."It teaches you to pause and admire your surroundings," Dr. Hafeez raves. "You can cultivate mindfulness through photography by paying attention to details that you would typically overlook. You don't even necessarily have to have a traditional camera. A smartphone would work just as well." If walking isn't your jam, archery serves as another way to get gentle movement. Never tried it? Even better."Picking up a bow and arrows for the first time can give women a unique opportunity, and the 'newness' of this can help them really tune into themselves," Dr. MacBride says. "Archery requires breathwork, stillness and being grounded to the moment. Enjoy the 'thwip' of the release and the 'thunk' of the arrow meeting its target." "Puzzles engage the mind and can help create new neural networks, which is important as we age," Dr. Miller points puzzles are more than a potential piece to improving cognitive Hafeez loves the satisfaction women 50+ can gain from finishing each challenge and boasts that they provide entertainment and Trying to go big or go home is tempting, but that's (mercifully) not the vibe of slow living."Begin with a hobby that doesn't require a large time or financial commitment," Dr. Hafeez suggests. "A simple, low-pressure activity will help you ease into it without feeling overwhelmed." Whether you're learning a new skill or brushing the dust off an old hobby, don't expect to be a pro—at least not right away."Allow yourself to learn and grow at your own pace," Dr. Hafeez advises. Dr. MacBride stresses that failures are events, not people. "Slow living is about taking the pressure off, not putting it on," Dr. MacBride says. "These slow living ideas aren't supposed to complicate your life. It's supposed to be life-enhancing. So, if something doesn't turn out like you want, give yourself the grace to try again."Dr. Hafeez echoes these sentiments."It's normal to make mistakes or struggle in the beginning," Dr. Hafeez shares. "Don't be too hard on yourself." Empty-nesting and outliving close family and friends can put women over 50 at a higher risk of feeling isolated. Hobbies can provide a lifeline."Create a community around your new hobby," suggests Dr. MacBride. "Feed others, gift them with your creations or take a class. Using a new hobby as a way to meet and connect with others is at the core of slow living. Get out of the office and into your life." Up Next:Dr. Jan Miller, Ph.D., a Georgia-based licensed psychologist with Thriveworks Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Nature-based interventions for physical health conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Research.
