URBAN dwellers are swept up in a fast-paced lifestyle. They rush to work, they eat fast food, they seek instant fame and they sometimes rush into ill-advised marriages. Small wonder that so many people feel exhausted and lost in the city whirlwind, and long to escape from the rat race.

The problem is not one solely of speed; it's also a matter of mind set. So let's jump off the urban treadmill and stop to contemplate some of the simpler joys of life. Relax and join me on a trip through the quieter side of life in Minhang.

For locals of Qibao Old Town, a day in the slow lane begins at a traditional teahouse. Sipping a cup of green tea, cracking melon seeds and gossiping a bit about people and events with friends create a happy diversion from the city's hustle bustle.

The Qibao Teahouse, located at NO. 7-9 South Street, has a history dating back more than 100 years. Its charming, rustic look -- with wooden tables and chairs, a cobblestone patio and an old storytelling area ? is like stepping back in time.

The teahouse opens at 4:30am and is packed with customers by dawn. They chit-chat, listen to storytelling, enjoy the melodies of Suzhou's pingtan, a combination of storytelling and ballad singing, and play cards. Invariably, their faces are serene and smiling.

Guan Shunzhang, 87, a retired doctor, has been a regular for 20 years. He arrives at the teahouse almost everyday at dawn and idles his day there until 4pm, when the teahouse closes.

"I was kept busy most of my life," he said, òbut when I retired, it was time to enjoy life."

He added, "I never feel lonely. Chatting, sipping tea, hearing stories, playing chess, reading newspapers and writing calligraphy at the teahouse fill up my life."

Guan is in good health and thinks the happiness he derives from the teahouse is largely responsible.

"By chatting with my friends, I learn about the latest news," he said.

"But listening to pingtan, I keep a good mood. By writing calligraphy, I experience deep tranquility, and by playing chess, I exercise my brain."

Everyone knows that yoga is recommended as an ideal pathway to inner peace and relaxation. The system of physical and mental discipline that originated in India helps activates blood circulation, improve the immune system, adjust body temperature and relieve pressure, among other attributes.

In Minhang, there are several places that offer the yoga experience: the Minhang branch of the Hatha Yoga Club at Unit 1011 on 949 Longming Road; the Yili Sports Club at 365 Mincheng Road; and the Gumei Club of the Tera Wellness Club at 1300 Longming Road, No.1196 in the Gumei Life and Shopping Plaza.

Hatha Yoga Club offers classes in Hatha yoga, Bikram hot yoga, ashtanga, flow, intro, power, Iyengar and yoga dancing. Each class lasts one hour.

The Yili Sports Club is a good option for new initiates because the majority of classes it offers are related to yoga basics.

The Tera Wellness Club has opened about 20 branches in Shanghai. In Minhang alone, there are six branches. Hot yoga is one of the highlights at the Gumei Club. The high-temperature environment can take the place of a huge amount of exercise.

Bookstores are always balm to the mind. And there's one in Qibao with a novel twist.
At Cat's Castle in the Sky bookshop, you can send yourself a postcard and receive it on any day you designate in the next 10 years.

This isn't email or even snail mail. It's time-lapse delivery.

So what's the point? Well, just imagine! You can capture your mood and feelings on a particular day and remind yourself how you felt when you have long forgotten them. It's creating a memory lane to walk down in the future.

At the shop, customers have a splendid variety or more than 300 beautiful and uniquely designed postcards. Future birthdays and wedding anniversaries are among the most popular delivery dates chosen in the future.

On a recent day there, Shen Hui was busy writing one postcard to herself and six to friends.
"I feel like I am reserving happiness and a surprise to my beloved ones," she said.

University student Lu Tao said he was writing down his current dreams in a postcard to himself.

"I will see how many dreams I have realized five years from now when I receive the card," he said.

The shop also serves tea for those who want to linger. Xiao Ran, who works in the store, said many people spend a whole afternoon there, and maybe write only one postcard.

"They write down their most important memory and a wish of the moment," he said. "It's by no means a waste of time."

Customers are provided pens in 10 different colors to write their messages. It's a personal touch in an era when most of us type communications.

Cat's Castle in the Sky, located at No. 32A Nanxi Street, also sells hand-drawn maps, and books and magazines not commonly found elsewhere.


Slow Life Tips

Slow food

Eating slowly is not only good for your digestive tract, but it also helps you slow down the pace of life. Many people, for example, miss out on the important meal of breakfast because they get up late and dash off to work hungry, perhaps grabbing a snack on the way. Try getting up a little earlier and enjoying a leisure breakfast. It can make a difference.

Experts suggest 15 to 20 minutes should be spent eating breakfast, and 30 minutes for lunch and dinner.

And don't forget, eating healthy foods instead of junk food can really contribute to a healthy mindset and body.

Slow work

This is no contradiction in terms. You can work efficiently if you pace what you do at the office or factory. Avoid getting sidetracked. Set your mind on what you need to get done and tackle it carefully and steadily. That way you reduce stress and mistakes.

Slow reading

When you open a book, read slowly and savor the words and ideas. Scanning a book quickly not only means that you miss a lot but also that you don't let your mind relax.

Slow sports

The aim of doing exercises is not only keeping fit, but also enjoying life. Try some gentle activities like golf, fishing and tai chi, which offer tranquility along with pleasure.

Slow tourism

All too many people transplant the hustle and bustle of daily life to their holiday time when they should be focused on relaxation. Getting way should mean getting away from everything.

You don't have to follow the crowds to packed destinations. Pick a holiday spot that is off the beaten track and allows you time for quiet exploring and experiencing in full a different lifestyle.

Slow music

Loud, nerve-jangling music is all the rage, but it doesn't do much to relax the mind. Try something more soothing. A quiet melody or even classical music can transport you from everyday worries into a world you had forgotten existed.

Slow social activities

Speak slow and softly. Show respect for others. Take time to be courteous and kind. Listen to what others have to say. The effect on others is almost as startling as the effect you will experience yourself.