Most people today are in a hurry to get everything done quickly so that they can relax. What those hurried people are missing is the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is done completely, no detail has been forgotten. Modern life has made modern man a study in fast. Eat fast, sleep fast, travel fast and even have intimate relations with your significant other as fast as possible. People have forgotten how taking time to enjoy life can soothe the soul and the psyche. A new movement of civilized people are balking at the speed of modern life and returning to a slower, more measured way of life. These people are all members of the Slow Movement.

There is an entire series of movements dedicated to the art of Slow including slow food, slow travel and slow parenting. Slowing down and taking time to be part of any of these Slow movements can have a relaxing psychological effect.The Slow Food movement, for example, currently claims several thousand members in fifty countries, with forty-two states in the United States boasting local chapters. Slow Food members endorse the purchasing, cooking and eating of regional foods that are locally grown and organically produced. This particular movement eschews the idea of fast food restaurants altogether.

Slow Travel movement members have returned to the actual enjoyment of the journey to a destination; as opposed to the hurried plane trip, whirlwind vacation and hurried trip home to return to work. Slow Travelers usually travel by means other than plane and make frequent stops at quaint destinations along their route.

The Slow Parenting movement attempts to reverse the trend of modern parents to schedule after school and weekend activities for their children, including play dates and sports activities every day of the week. Slow Parenting does not completely devolve from scheduling any activities, it endorses letting children learn at their own pace and not overly stress about how many extra-curricular activities children are involved with. Members of the Slow Parenting movement argue the current trends of modern parents, with their tendency to solve children's problems and micro-managing their schedules, can lead to children who are stressed at an early age and are unable to handle problems on their own.

Proponents of the entire Slow Movement phenomenon advise the psychological benefits of being a member. Less stress, more enjoyment out of life and sufficient time to actually relax. Modern times, modern lifestyles and the so-called efficiency of a throw away society are all in direct opposition of the Slow Movement and are known to cause stress, anxiety and depression. Taking the time to fully enjoy daily activities can lead to more time to enjoy meeting the goals we set for our life.Setting goalsand rushing through the steps to reach the goals, without taking the time to fully complete each step, can cause anxiety and ultimately depression and regret. There are many psychological benefits to exploring the possibilities presented by joining in the Slow Movement and stopping to smell the roses along the way.