If you’re tired of feeling swamped all the time, Slow Living might just be the answer for you. Life can often feel like it’s passing us by too quickly. This is particularly relatable if you live in a bustling city. We’ve all experienced the feeling of weekdays being consumed by the 9-5 grind. Meanwhile, weekends are entirely consumed with preparing for the upcoming week.
Is it possible to create space and stretch out time?
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A new movement called Slow Living is emerging. It focuses on living a more balanced and meaningful life by simply slowing down. However, the definition of Slow Living can vary from person to person. For some, it may mean taking time for self-care, while for others, it may involve taking a break from traditional goals to attain a slower lifestyle.
Regardless of how one defines Slow Living, there are certain core principles to live by. These include prioritising breathing, self-care, and relationships. While taking a break from commitments is a privilege not everyone can afford, incorporating Slow Living principles into daily activities can still help. It creates a sense of calm in an endless busy world.
By embracing Slow Living, we can learn to appreciate the present moment. It’s not about completely abandoning a busy lifestyle but rather finding balance. All that by making room for the things that truly matter.
So what does Slow Living entail?
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Feeling constantly overwhelmed with multiple responsibilities and commitments can take a toll on our overall health and well-being. It leaves us with no room to breathe. However, adopting a slow living lifestyle can help you find time outside of these commitments to recharge yourself.
You may think that slowing down would only further mess up your schedule. However, in reality, making small changes can actually make you more productive without sacrificing success.
Slow living is not about sacrificing productivity or worldly goals, but rather about incorporating mindfulness into everything you do. Rushing through life leaves no room for savouring. On the other hand, enjoying the small things that make life worth living.
The slow living movement originated in Italy back in 1980 and encourages people to take pleasure in the little things, such as cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. Research has shown that practising slow living can improve happiness and health levels. Furthermore, it makes people more productive as they enjoy the process of everything they do.
How to practice Slow Living?
1. Focus on your breathing
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Breathing is a fundamental aspect of our existence. It is a natural process that our body does without conscious effort. Unfortunately, many people overlook its importance and take it for granted. However, the way we breathe can have a significant impact on our physical and mental well-being.
To connect more deeply with our senses and remain present in the moment, we can practice mindfulness, which encourages us to slow down and breathe deeply. This can be achieved through techniques such as guided breathing, yoga, and meditation. By incorporating these practices into our daily routine, we can begin to embrace the principles of slow living and experience a greater sense of calm and balance in our lives, without spending a dime.
2. Keep things simple
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Another way to practice Slow Living is by simplifying your life – remove the unnecessary excess. Marie Kondo’s famous question, “Does this spark joy?”, can be helpful in determining what to keep. A clutter-free space can improve your mood and state of mind. What’s more, try to simplify other areas of your life too, like your makeup or skincare routine. Only focus on the essentials.
With fewer things to focus on, you can better appreciate what you have and save time. For example, having fewer clothes means spending less time choosing an outfit.
Try practising mindful consumption by being aware of what you purchase and its impact. This approach can help reduce waste, pollution, carbon footprints, and unfair labour practices. Simplifying your life can remove the weight that’s been holding you down.
3. Mono-task instead of multitasking
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Multitasking may sound impressive, but it’s actually counterproductive. Trying to juggle too many tasks at once leads to scattered attention. It makes it harder to focus and decreases the quality of your work. This unnecessary stress takes a toll on your mental health and productivity. In addition, it leads to more mistakes and a longer time to finish each task.
Instead, try mono-tasking by focusing on one task at a time. This allows for more attention to detail, increases productivity, and reduces errors. By completing one task at a time, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more accomplished. So slow down and take one task at a time to improve your efficiency and effectiveness.
4. Spend more time on relationships that matter
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Spend quality time with the people who matter to you the most. Slow Living involves prioritising the things that truly matter. The people in our lives are definitely one of them. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of our daily lives and neglect the relationships that are important to us. But, taking the time to connect with loved ones is crucial for our emotional wellbeing.
Start by making small changes to your routine. If you live with your loved ones, try having regular meals together. If you live far away, schedule a regular phone call or video chat. The little things can make a big difference in maintaining and strengthening your relationships. Remember, it’s not about the quantity of time you spend with someone, but the quality of the time you spend together. So, prioritise the relationships that matter and make time for them in your life.
5. Set aside time for yourself
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While it’s important to make time for others, dedicating time for yourself is just as crucial. Taking time for yourself is essential for your mental health. This is the time for self-care, relaxation and complete freedom from the outside world. You can call it your me-time.
Setting time aside for yourself also provides the opportunity to refresh and work on your personal goals. It is a time spent pursuing your own interests. Although it may be difficult with a list of tasks and responsibilities, setting aside time for your hobbies and passions can reduce stress and provide a much-needed escape. In the end, it helps prevent burnout and overworking.
6. Spend time outdoors
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Spending time in nature is an excellent way to embrace slow living. It allows you to connect with the natural world, which can be incredibly calming and restorative. Whether it’s going for a hike, a bike ride, or simply sitting in a park, spending time in nature can help you recharge.
Try to find hobbies that revolve around the outdoors. This can include activities like gardening, bird-watching, or camping. These activities not only provide an opportunity to spend time in nature but can also offer health benefits like increased energy and better sleep. Remember, nature offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take advantage of it and embrace the present moment.
7. Take digital detoxes
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We live in an age where it’s common to interact with hundreds of people digitally every day. However, this can lead to screen addiction and burnout. It’s important to take breaks from screens and engage in a digital detox. Try to disconnect from your phone, computer, and television and instead use that time to catch up on rest.
By taking care of your physical and mental health through digital detoxes, you can reconnect with yourself, loved ones, and the world around you. Spending time in nature or engaging in hobbies that get you moving and active can provide a sense of balance. Remember to prioritise self-care and find ways to unplug regularly to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
