Slow living is all about embracing a slower lifestyle, taking things at a more relaxed pace, and really focusing on what truly matters to you. It’s about simplifying and prioritizing the things that bring you joy and fulfillment in life.
Being intentional in your daily tasks and savoring the present moment instead of constantly rushing from one task to the next.
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What are the benefits of slow living?
Taking things slow can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. By embracing a slower pace of life, you can experience…
– Decreased stress and anxiety
– Increased happiness and fulfillment in each present moment
– Improved mental clarity and physical well-being
– Increased sense of relaxation and rejuvenation
Living a slower-paced lifestyle isn’t as hard as it may seem. It just takes a conscious decision and a commitment to making the necessary changes.
A Beginner’s Guide to Slow Living: 6 Simple Steps
1. Simplify your schedule
To begin embracing a slow living lifestyle, start by simplifying your schedule. Identify activities that consume a significant amount of your time and consider ways to streamline them.
Are you spending too much time on cooking, shuttling kids to sports practices, excessive screen time, or endless cleaning?
Find ways to simplify and prioritize your daily tasks. It might also be time to give something up.
2. Gradually reduce your caffeine intake
Not everyone needs to completely stop or reduce their caffeine intake when beginning their slow living lifestyle journey, but I found it to be incredibly helpful during my transition. So, I wanted to include it.
I used to rely heavily on caffeine for 15 years to power through working five jobs and managing a stressful entrepreneurial venture. It was my go-to for boosting my energy and mood when I needed that extra push to get going.
But… the truth is, according to WebMD.com even after 6 hours of drinking caffeine, half of it is still in your body. And get this – it might not fully leave your system until after 10 hours! Crazy, right? No wonder some of us have trouble sleeping at night!
So, cutting back on caffeine intake to just one cup a day can really help reduce feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and the constant need to stay busy. You’ll start to feel more relaxed as the day goes on and be able to unwind in the evening. This change can help you feel more at ease and focused in your daily life, making it easier to embrace a slower pace of living.
3. Now begin to reconnect with life and adopt a more relaxed routine
Take the time to prepare meals with your partner and enjoy them at the table.
Remember the saying that it should take as long to eat a meal as it does to make it. Have conversations and make memories cooking together.
Why not try baking something in the evening or making a loaf of homemade bread? The aroma is absolutely delightful and I know it always brings back memories of visiting my grandparents’ house when I was younger.
If you have the ability to freeze food, consider cooking in larger batches. It’s a great time-saving tip! Plus, if you already have all the ingredients, prepping a little extra won’t take too much time either.
Make it a habit to avoid turning on the TV after dinner. It can be really addictive and before you know it, you’ll be stuck in front of the screen for hours.
Why not take a leisurely stroll after dinner? Take your time and stop to chat with neighbours sitting on their porches. My husband and I used to walk for 2-3 hours every night when we were saving up to build our house. It was so nice to get out for an evening walk. We even made some friends and lost weight in the process – a win-win! Another idea is to take a walk along a community trail. Listen to the trees rustling, watch the sun setting – there’s beauty all around us. Enjoy every moment of the experience.
4. Think about what you love to do in life and make more time for that
Do you enjoy reading, relaxing outside on a sunny summer day, or snuggling up under a cozy winter blanket? How about taking a leisurely stroll along a trail or grabbing a coffee with a friend?
Perhaps you’re in the mood to pamper yourself with a DIY spa day at home. Treat yourself to a relaxing foot soak, give yourself a fresh coat of nail polish, and set the mood with some soothing candles. Grab a good book and unwind in the comfort of your own home.
Begin incorporating what you love to do into your life.
5. Learn to let go of your inner perfectionist
Are you a perfectionist? I know I am – Type A, so unhealthy some days, haha.
Consider the things in life that cause you stress. If it’s an obsession that won’t harm or kill you by not doing it, does it truly need to be done in excess?
Do you find yourself constantly cleaning or disinfecting your home every week?
Have you ever wondered if it’s really necessary?
What would happen if you skipped a week?
If the thought of not keeping up with your cleaning routine makes you feel anxious or agitated, it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate.
It’s okay to let go of some of those perfectionist tendencies and give yourself a break. Just take it one day at a time.
I used to drive my husband crazy by trying to juggle everything in life, even the things that didn’t really matter. All he wanted was for me to sit down and relax with him once in a while. But I couldn’t shake the feeling of anxiety that came from not being able to check off everything on my to-do list each day. If I can learn to let go of the unnecessary stuff, so can you. When you make your daily list, make sure it’s actually doable in one day.
6. Be grateful and think positively
For some, slowing down their lifestyle makes them more thankful and appreciate life around them. It can simply come naturally with the process.
You may also feel emotional. Since, it can be a bit overwhelming when you finally slow down and notice that everyone around you is still racing around in their day-to-day lives, while you’re calm and content. But remember, you can’t force others to change unless they’re willing to.
Life is short, and you won’t look back and remember how many times you cleaned your floors each week. Focus on being present and cherishing the time you have with the people around you.
Thank You Credits:
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors, Medically Reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD, “What to Know About How Long Caffeine Lasts”, www.WebMD.com, July 12, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/diet/how-long-caffeine-lasts
All photos by The Unscripted Femme.