Slow Living is about savoring the simple pleasures that life has to offer. While perfecting the art of slow living is a life-long journey, there are a few ways that you can start slowing down.
Before we dive into the 5 ways to slow down, let’s clarify what slow living is and isn’t. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to leave your city life to live slowly, nor do you need to move at a literal slow pace. Slow living refers to the conscious choice to live more mindfully in your day to day. It’s about being present and grateful, even for the mundane activities we all have to partake in (laundry, errands, etc).
Why should you consider adopting slow-living characteristics into your life? Well, there is a growing body of research suggesting that living in the present moment and savoring small pleasures can lead to greater happiness and well-being in life overall. It’s no surprise that people living in the blue zones (areas in the world with the highest longevity and happiness levels) are living slowly. In short, being mindful is good for you, it reduces stress and increases joy, what more can we ask for?
Now without further ado, here are five ways to start slowing down:
Try Something New
It’s a question that’s become a cliche, but it fits perfectly with the ethos of slow living: When was the last time you did something for the first time? It’s easy for us to get caught up in routine, and some routine is good it keeps us grounded and centered. However, when you switch to autopilot you’re no longer consciously living.
That’s why doing something new is a great way to start slowing down. You won’t know what to do, since it’s your first time, so you’ll be fully engaged in whatever activity it is that you decide to do. This could be taking a workout class you’ve never tried before, enrolling in drawing lessons or planting a garden. The activity you select isn’t the important thing, rather it’s that you’re fully present when you’re doing it.
Go on a Walk Without Music or a Podcast.
Walks have become trendy thanks to the pandemic, they’ve even been branded “hot girl walks” on TikTok and Instagram. 99% of the time people are using headphones and putting on a playlist or a podcast during their walk. While there’s nothing wrong with that, if you want to train your mind to be present and to slow down, consider going on a walk without anything to distract you.
Notice where your mind wanders to. Notice what captures your attention on your walk— is it a colorful flower or a storefront with funky typography? You’ll get to know yourself a little better whenever you spend time with yourself.
Try a New Recipe
Cooking doesn’t just have to be a “have to do” it can be the moment of slow that you look forward to throughout your day. With your hands messy you won’t be able to check your phone.
While a lot of us put on a podcast or a show in the background while we’re prepping our meals, to invite more slow and inward connection— try to avoid this. By picking a recipe you’ve never tried before you’ll be forced to be present and focused on the task of creating something delicious.
Schedule Time for Self Love
Our lives get busy, but if you’re serious about wanting to slow down you need to make it a priority in your life. One of the easiest ways to do this is to schedule time into your calendar for self-love. How many times have you made it to the end of the day feeling like it was a whirlwind of a day, with no energy left to give yourself a little tender love and care?
By scheduling 30 minutes of self-love time a day, you’ll have 30 minutes to tune into your needs and refill your own cup. This can be anything from journaling for 30 minutes a day, to doing a face mask or going to a yoga class. Every day can be a different form of self-love or you can make a daily routine that you stick to. All that matters is that each and every day you show up for yourself.
Swap Screen Time with Connection Time.
How many hours do you spend on your phone scrolling mindlessly? How many hours do you binge on Netflix? Now, think how many times have you said you’re too busy to help a friend with something, or when you run into a friend you make the excuse that you’ve been busy which is why you haven’t reached out or seen each other in a long time.
The reality is that you’re not too busy— you just have misaligned actions to your priorities. Connection is vital for our overall well-being. There are countless studies showing that the people who have deep relationships in their lives are the most fulfilled and overall have a better well-being than those that isolate themselves.
Try to replace at least 3 hours of screen time a week with connection time. Rather than spending Wednesday night binging a show, call a friend or better yet meet them for a glass of wine, a workout class or to cook dinner together.
Remember, slow Living is about savoring the simple pleasures that life has to offer. It doesn’t have to be complicated, actually, it shouldn’t be. It should simplify your life while filling you with joy and gratitude for your life.
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