Why I’m Embracing Slow Living and Why You Should Too.
In this hustle and busyness culture we need to find ways to slow down. When even a passion project or hobby has to become a side hustle that earns us additional income, it is time to slow down. Taking time to enjoy life, do things properly, and breathe is much more beneficial for your overall well-being. Living a more intentional and slower life can help to reduce stress, improve your health, develop deeper relationships, and learn to focus on what really matters.
Even though I am an extremely busy person – full time job, part time job teaching pilates, part time in school, and also taking an online seminary school, and having a healthy relationship – I can still take the moments that I do have free to focus on a slower and simpler life. It doesn’t mean I have to give up all that I am doing, instead it is about savoring the small moments in the ordinary, everyday tasks. Slow living just doesn’t happen within a vacuum, instead you have to create and curate those moments.
Why I’m Embracing Slow Living!
- Why I’m slowing down and why you should as well!
- So I can be the best version of myself
- It improves our health and wellbeing by reducing stress we feel from the overwhelm of our lives.
- To focus on and enjoy the things that truly matter the most. Rather than rushing through life, I can take time to discover the joie de vivre in my everyday life.
- I’m giving myself permission to stop trying to do it all and be it all. I dont have to try to complete everything, be everything to everyone, and I certainly dont have to be perfect.
- Increases awareness of my needs and what is a priority in my life such as my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing
- Slow living allows me to take back control of my life by being able to confidently say yes to what I want in my life, what lights me up, and to also be able to say no or set boundaries around the things I no longer want to focus on.
What is Slow Living and What it is Not?
What is Slow Living?
- Started with slow food movement, especially in Italy. Where people were protesting the encroaching fast food establishments.
- Being more intentional – Living slowly is disciplining our minds to not be so easily distracted by constant stimulation, but instead to find enjoyment in silent moments and simple joys.
- Being more present in the little moments
- Focusing on quality over quantity
- Being more mindful
- Knowing that not every moment has to be productive
- Not saying yes to everything, instead setting boundaries and learning to say no.
- Only accepting and doing the things that we feel inclined to do – this way we can focus on our priorities one task at a time – this helps prevent burnout
- Choosing where we direct our attention – so we don’t spread ourselves too thin trying to do it all.
What Slowing Living is NOT!
- Doesn’t mean you have to move to a farm
- It is not minimalism, although the two can go hand in hand. The less you own, the less worry you have, and the less money you spend.
- You don’t have to give up your job, instead its about finding balance within your daily life.
- Stop flowing in the culture of hustle and busyness – stop chasing the dream house, the perfect car, the status symbols because you feel you have to have those things based on societal pressures.
How to Live a Slower and More Simple Life.
While slow living is becoming more popular, it do take courage to live outside the expectations of society. Here are just a few ways you can create a more intentful, slower and simpler life.
- Remove the excess from your lives – let go of things that you don’t need and declutter. Reduce clutter in your life – you dont have to be a minimalist to live slower and simpler
- Am I trying to fill a hole with stuff?
- Less things = more time
- Donate items you no longer want.
- Journal, mediate, prayer – giving you space to be present.
- Be more mindful in everyday tasks like washing the dishes, cleaning the house. Do these without being distracted.
- Focus on quality over quantity – in everything! Quality of time with family, not just trying to fit everyone in as much as possible. Quality in the things you own, the better the quality the longer they will last.
- Where can you slow down throughout your day? Not eating lunch at your work desk but maybe getting out for a walk on your break.
- What can I let go of today? What is no longer serving my happiness?
- Disconnect from technology, social media, watching less tv – maybe choose one day a week to unplug
- Spend more time in nature
- More daily walks outside
- Movement matters – find a way to move your body everyday. Even a simple walk outside can do so much to lift your spirits and help you find joy throughout the day.
- Practice daily self care – taking care of your hygeine like a good skincare routine, dressing nicely even if you are just going to the grocery store.
- Become a tourist in your own city – what I like to call Bloom Where You’re Planted – so trying to find more local stuff to do.
- Create a slow home – a quiet oasis. No clutter, clean spaces
- Make your home a sanctuary and oasis
- Cooking or baking
- Eat without distractions – no phones, no tv, instead savor the food with every bite.
- Trying new recipes as a way to slow down, be present in the making of your food, and then enjoy his bite without distractions.
- Visit a museum or public garden
- Lean into boredom
- Instead of picking up your phone and mindlessly scrolling, explore. Be creative. What would you have done as a child? Write, paint, play outside
- Spend more time on the things you really enjoy – playing with your kids, sitting in silence with a cozy cup of tea, taking a yoga or pilates class, beach days without distractions, reading a good book in your favorite chair or spot, more time in nature, take up a hobby like knitting.
Christopher Ian 