In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of slow living has emerged as a powerful antidote to the constant rush and hustle of modern life. But what exactly is slow living, and how can you incorporate it into your life if you’re new to the idea? Let’s explore it together.
What is Slow Living?
Slow living is a lifestyle choice that emphasizes mindfulness, intentionality, simplicity and a focus on the present moment.
It encourages people to take a step back from the frenetic pace of everyday life, such as the lifestyle of the hustle culture. Once a person takes a step back, they are able to savour life and their experiences, relationships, and surroundings.
At its core, slow living is about quality over quantity, valuing depth over speed, and embracing a simpler, more fulfilling way of life. Imagine you are on holiday and instead of overbooking yourself the day with activities over activities you only choose just one, that has true meaning for you, for example, spending some time with a loved one or a dear friend, and you appreciate and enjoy that time instead of thinking what to do next.
The Principles of Slow Living
Here are what we could call the “principles” of slow living:
- Mindfulness: Being present in the moment and fully engaging with your activities and interactions rather than thinking about what to do next or how to do more or better.
- Intentionality: Making deliberate choices that align with your values and priorities rather than following what others do.
- Simplicity: Reducing clutter and distractions to focus on what truly matters rather than always wanting more.
- Connection: Fostering meaningful relationships with people, nature, and oneself rather than hundreds of shallow relationships.
- Sustainability: Living in a way that is environmentally friendly and resource-conscious rather than following the “consumer culture”.
How to Get Started with Slow Living
If you’re new to the concept of slow living and would like to explore it more, here are some practical steps to help you get started:
Evaluate Your Priorities:
Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your core values and goals? What do you align with? Understanding your priorities will help you make more intentional choices.
Personally, I stopped chasing the “perfect job/perfect career” because I realised it was something I wanted to do to prove something to others rather than something I wanted for myself. It’s fine to have an entry/regular job, we don’t all need to be CEOs, Presidents or Doctors!
Simplify Your Space:
Start by decluttering your home and workspace. Remove items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. A tidy environment can reduce stress and increase focus.
For me, for example, I started decluttering my wardrobe. I donated all those clothes that I never or rarely wore for six months or more. I went through my personal items too and got rid of what I was never using. It’s also quite a satisfying activity, and you feel relieved!
Practice Mindfulness:
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before starting a task, practising meditation, or spending time in nature.
The latter is what I personally do to help me stay more grounded and be mindful. I also like to just sit in the garden with a cup of coffee and look around me and being aware of the present moment.
Slow Down Your Routine:
Resist the urge to multitask and instead focus on one thing at a time. Eat meals without distractions, enjoy a leisurely walk, or take up a hobby that requires patience and attention.
This one, for me, has been quite challenging as I found myself often having meals on my own and looking for distractions such as sending messages, etc. But it’s something I’m working on and improving every day.
Set Boundaries:
Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your values or goals. Protect your time and energy by prioritising activities and relationships that nurture you.
It can be difficult to learn to say no at first. It’s weird and difficult but I finally found the courage to cut out relationships that didn’t have meaning anymore or simply say no if I’m invited to things I don’t really want to do because they don’t alight with my goals and values. It gets easier.
Embrace Minimalism:
Simplify not just your physical space but also your schedule and digital life. Limit screen time, unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, and focus on activities that bring you genuine satisfaction.
My first step has been stopping mindless scrolling on YouTube shorts or IG Reels. They are so addicting and they just fill your time with literally nothing! I unsubscribed from most of the email newsletters too.
Connect with Nature:
Spend time outdoors to recharge and reconnect with the natural world. Whether it’s a walk in the park, gardening, or simply sitting outside, nature has a calming effect that supports slow living.
This year, for example, I took on gardening and creating my vegetable patch. I started as a way to spend more time outside and connect more with nature.
Cultivate Gratitude:
Regularly practice gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you stay focused on what you have rather than what you lack.
I must say, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison or focusing on what’s lacking. Another reason why I stopped mindless scrolling on social media is the feeling of comparison that, consequentially, transforms into feeling you’re lacking in this and that. Learning of being happy with what you have is not easy, it takes time but it’s doable.
Conclusion
Slow living is a powerful way to counteract the stress and busyness of modern life. By prioritising mindfulness, simplicity, and intentionality, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
I would advice to start with small changes and gradually incorporate these principles into your daily routine. Remember, the journey to slow living is not about perfection but about making mindful choices that enhance your well-being.
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