When was the last time you sat down to really enjoy a moment? Your morning coffee, a delicious breakfast, or even a simple 5 minute mindful meditation…
And why do we often say, there’s not enough time in the day? What are we doing that’s so important, we can’t slow down and be in the present?
Slow living helps us focus on one thing at a time, making us much more productive.
What Is A Slow Living Lifestyle?
Living in such a fast-paced world makes the concept of slow living so intriguing and down right necessary.
I’d been hearing about it for a while, and the the idea of slowing down to savor doing the things I love sounded amazing!
Slow living is about being in the present instead of worrying about the future. It’s not always rushing to get everything done, but taking the time to enjoy the little things.
This doesn’t mean you’re less productive or wasting time, it actually means the opposite.
By slowing down to appreciate the moment you’re living in, you’re able to do things more mindfully.
Take me for example, I used to eat standing up and pretty much rush through meals, (I still do sometimes) but I now remind myself to take a seat and savor my food.
I also used to feel that I was wasting time if I sat down to watch a movie or new series on Netflix. Slow living teaches us how to enjoy these moments without feeling guilty.
After embracing this new lifestyle, I’ve found that my stress levels have decreased.
I now allow myself time to do things that bring me joy and feel I live life with more purpose. I walk slower, eat slower, even shower slower and enjoy every minute of it.
When you focus only on the essentials, life becomes so much simpler and we begin to live more intentionally.
How Did The Pandemic Encourage A Slow Living Lifestyle?
For many of us, it took a Pandemic to force us to slow down. We suddenly had more time to spend with the family we live with.
My family and I made face masks together and played board games. With everything going on in the world, having this time to spend together, made us really appreciate one another.
Working from home was another game changer. Without the usual daily commute, my anxiety levels dropped and I was actually more productive with work.
I was no longer waiting for 4:59pm to log off of my computer and run home to make dinner, I had already accomplished so much.
From this experience, it seems we’re all now realizing we haven’t really been living our lives, it’s all been passing us by in flashes.
We’ve been choosing to overwork ourselves instead of living a slower life. But we do have a choice.
How Can I Live A Slower Life?
What makes you feel good? What makes you happy? Take the time to identify these things, then work towards them.
Our brains are jammed with so much that it’s crucial we create mental space and declutter. When we have less to think about, we can accomplish so much more.
Self Value
First, acknowledge that you deserve to slow down and how important it is for your physical and mental health. This is the first step when beginning a slow living lifestyle.
It took me a while to realize that we have the power to stop this fast-paced life and take better care of ourselves.
But once I did, it opened the doors to this new and amazing way of living.
Be More Intentional With Breaks
Make the most out of every little bit of free time you have and enjoy these moments.
Take a walk in the park on your lunch break or sit and eat in the sunshine. Try putting your phone away to avoid scrolling through Instagram or replying to emails.
Reflect On What Really Matters
Use this time to get to know yourself better. Working nonstop could be distracting you from the things that are really important to you.
Is there something you’re passionate about? Do you wish you had more time to spend with family and friends? Have you been wanting to plan a trip somewhere to relax?
Slowing down helps you to put these things in perspective and act on them. Make it a point to stop fast forwarding through life, and live it to the fullest.
Do The Things You’ve Been Wanting To Do
Instead of just living in your head (which is what I’d been doing for the longest time), get out and do all of the things that bring you happiness.
Go see that Broadway show, get a massage, get away for a weekend, try a new recipe, or finish that Netflix series you’re feeling guilty about watching.
Do Your Everyday Things Slowly
You’d be surprised at the difference slowing down daily activities can have on life. Driving and walking slower have helped me maintain a sense of calm and lower levels of stress.
Try cooking and eating slower as well. Hopefully like me, you’ll find your days starting to feel less frantic and more tranquil.
Reject A Hurried Life
Do your best to stop the rush. Whenever you feel yourself running around with no time to think, stop and incorporate some positive self-talk.
Remind yourself that faster isn’t always better, and it’s definitely not as thorough. Our bodies and minds need rest and can’t always be in speed mode.
Slowing down gives us the mental clarity to accomplish the things we set out to do, along with better physical and mental health.
Here’s What Happens When You Begin A Slow Living Lifestyle
- You’re better able to manage stress because you now have more time to reflect on the important aspects of life.
- You become more productive as a result of having more mental space.
- Living slowly promotes simplicity and gratitude.
- You’ll start to consume less and be more focused on living a purposeful life.
- Your physical and mental health will benefit as well, since you’re now prioritizing yourself and your time.
The slow living movement has gained popularity because most of us are tired of speeding through our lives and dealing with the consequences that kind of lifestyle brings.
I definitely felt this way and decided to slow things down in order to fully enjoy life.
Ask yourself what you want out of life. We could all use a little time to stop and smell the roses, taste our food and not race through it.
The Danish have a word for this – Hygge. It encloses a feeling of coziness and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.
Think beautiful, calming home decor, relaxing on the beach, slipping into a pair of fancy silky pj’s, or baking cookies. This is the epitome of slow living, and what I’ve incorporated to live a more fulfilling life.
Today I’d like to share some simple ways I began living slowly that have completely changed my life. I hope they’ll do the same for you!
Here Are 10 Simple Ways To Begin A Slow Living Lifestyle
1. Be Intentional With Your Time
Take a moment to understand how you perceive time. Right now, time may seem like your worst enemy, but you have the power to change that.
Since I began a slow living lifestyle, I do only the important things and say no to what’s not essential. Learn how to make time work for you instead of against you.
2. Make Time For Breakfast
There’s nothing better than enjoying a peaceful morning with a delicious breakfast, yet most of us are lucky if we can grab a banana on the go before heading to work!
I always try to wake up with enough time to have a bowl of fruits and a warm cup of green tea. I sit down and really savor this time, reminding myself that how I start my morning will most likely impact how the rest of my day goes.
3. Be Prepared
Cultivate healthy habits that will nurture a slow living lifestyle. Having things set in place, like planning meals or having an exercise routine, will bring the speed level down a notch and help you slow down.
4. Stop Multitasking
Do less, but do it better. Be present and focus only on what you’re doing at the moment.
I find that when I’m running around like a chicken without a head, I often end up getting nothing done.
Set a short list of priorities for the day and try to keep it to three tasks. You’ll likely be way more productive focusing on these; achieving quality over quantity.
5. Take Time To Breathe
Sit in silence and really appreciate every breath. You can even create a corner or sacred space where you can meditate and relax.
However you choose to pause and reflect, just make sure it’s comfortable for you.
6. Connect With Nature
Take walks, do yoga in the park, or enjoy a cup of coffee al fresco. Taking the time to appreciate the outdoors is an essential part of slow living.
7. Reclaim Your Time
Tell whoever needs to hear it, that your time is yours and it’s valuable. It’s easy to end up in the never-ending rat race again.
Stand your ground and don’t let anyone convince you that slowing down is a waste of time. Instead, encourage them to do the same; be their inspiration to live more intentionally.
8. Be Flexible With Work
If your job allows it, choose to work some days remotely. This will break up the constant hurried commute that can cause extreme levels of anxiety.
If you’re currently miserable at your job, consider changing careers to live a happier life.
9. Get Enough Sleep
Oh…..I remember those four to five hour sleep nights. I always woke up tired and found it impossible to ever have a productive morning.
Slow living taught me that sleep is one of the most important aspects of self-care. I now set the phone aside before bed and allow myself a good seven to eight hours to recuperate.
10. Surround Yourself With Things You Love
Do only what brings you joy; this is my most important advice to you.
Create a cozy environment with the things that make you happy and are special to you; your favorite fragrance, fancy pj’s, candles, or flowers. Surround yourself with positive people and a calm space.
Focus on what really matters and let go of everything else.
How Will You Begin Slow Living?
Think about what’s really important to you and find ways to disconnect from what isn’t.
You may think you’re missing out on certain things in life by slowing down, but it’s quite the contrary.
I’ve found that only by living slowly, can we really appreciate our surroundings and the things that bring us joy.
