When Eva Allen began her career in the corporate insurance industry nearly 2 decades ago, it was not possible to imagine the measurable positive impact she could share with her community, her nation, and now globally. Passion is what brought her to where she is today as the founder and CEO of The Health Portfolio LLC, a boutique employer health and wellbeing solutions consulting agency. Eva strongly believes there is a better way to embrace authentic wellbeing at home, at work and in the world. With her degree in Cognitive Science (specializing in Neuroscience and Human Behavior) and MBA (specializing in Leadership), she leverages both her professional insurance experience and educational background to consult with local employers in designing intentional employee benefit packages within budget, accompanied by tailored workplace wellbeing and employee engagement strategies.
Out of the office, Eva seeks adventure around the world and co-hosts global immersive wellbeing retreats at Château Wodemont, a charming castle in the beautiful Belgian countryside, on topics such as Authentic Artistry, Authentic Leadership and Authentic Entrepreneurship. She is enthusiastic about inspiring health and wellbeing both in and out of the workplace. At her local homestead in Santa Rosa Valley, where she lives with her husband and three daughters, she is the proud caregiver to over 15 animals and embraces a slow-living lifestyle on her semi-self-sustainable ranch property.
Top 10 Tips for Embracing a “Slow Living” Lifestyle
What do you value in life? Have you taken time to identify your goals and priorities? What do you want to get out of your time here on planet Earth? Embracing a slow living lifestyle involves intentionally slowing down and savoring life’s moments. Here are tips to help you get started.
1. Set Priorities: Identify what truly matters to you and prioritize those aspects of life. This might be relationships, hobbies or personal wellbeing. Savor the time you choose to share with family, friends and community.
2. Be Mindful: Practice mindfulness by being fully present in each moment. Savor the details of everyday experiences. Notice your breath flow, scan your body and tap into all five senses.
3. Simplify: Declutter and simplify your possessions. Owning less can lead to less stress. Create a “home” for non-esthetic items in your living space to embrace a light and airy minimalist approach.
4. Nature Connection: Spend time in nature regularly, whether it’s a walk in the park, fresh air break, local hike in the beautiful Conejo Valley trails or a weekend getaway.
5. Slow Food: Enjoy cooking and savoring meals. Embrace the art of gardening and growing at home. Choose fresh, locally sourced seasonal, sustainable ingredients when possible by visiting a farmers’ market or onsite at a farm.
6. Schedule Downtime: Block out periods of unscheduled time in your calendar to relax and recharge. Be selective about your commitments and learn to say no when necessary. Prioritize healthy boundaries.
7. Practice Patience: Cultivate patience in your daily life. Avoid rushing and allow extra time for tasks. Patience makes us pay attention and be fully aware. Try a guided meditation on the topic to begin rewiring the neuropathways in your brain.
8. Gratitude Reflection: Set aside time for introspection and journaling to gain insights into your values and aspirations. Regularly express gratitude for the simple pleasures in life.
9. Mindful Consumption: Be conscious of what you consume. Whether it’s food, media, news or products, be intentional with how and when you are consuming goods and information.
10. Slow Movement: Consider alternative transportation methods like walking or biking to encourage a slower pace. Move your body in natural and organic ways in which human beings were designed.
Remember adopting a slow living lifestyle is a personal journey. It’s okay to start small and gradually incorporate principles into your life. The key is to find what works best for you and aligns with your values and goals. Be kind to yourself.
The Health Portfolio LLC offers complementary workplace wellbeing consultations and provides insurance consulting to corporate clients in Southern California and throughout the U.S. Get in touch via eva.allen@thehealthportfolio.com, 805.849.9044 or learn more at TheHealthPortfolio.com and follow on Instagram @thehealthportfolio.