diff --git a/config.def.h b/config.def.h
index a6bba6f..afd0320 100644
--- a/config.def.h
+++ b/config.def.h
@@ -17,6 +17,9 @@ static const char batteryfullfile[] = "/sys/class/power_supply/BAT0/energy_full_
 /* time */
 static const char timeformat[] = "%y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S";
 
+/* bar update interval in seconds */
+static unsigned int update_interval = 10;
+
 /* statusbar
 Possible arguments:
 - battery (battery percentage)
diff --git a/slstatus.c b/slstatus.c
index 214f667..658bc79 100644
--- a/slstatus.c
+++ b/slstatus.c
@@ -343,6 +343,7 @@ main()
         free(ram_usage);
         free(volume);
         free(wifi_signal);
+        sleep(update_interval);
     }
 
     /* close display */