Slow living: Meaning and tips to follow it
What's the story
In this restless world, best defined by adjectives - hurry, bustle, and agitated, we often overlook the joys of taking a break to feel and live in the moment. Running a rate race, we are in a constant state of hustle and rarely shut off. In such times, embracing a slow life seems a better proposition. Here are six simple ways to practice it.
What and why
What is slow living?
Slow living is a mindful lifestyle, valuing simplicity, savoring, and a decelerated pace. It rejects the constant rush for the next moment, opting instead to relish the present. This approach arose as a response to our fast-paced, consumption-driven society, urging individuals to prioritize quality and enjoyment over productivity and speed. By embracing slow living, we slow down, treasure the present, and cherish quality experiences.
Minimalism
Embrace minimalism
By minimizing your possessions, you can create a more peaceful and relaxing living space. When you have fewer possessions, it is easier to focus on the things that are most important to you, such as your goals, relationships, and personal growth. It also means spending less time cleaning, organizing, and maintaining your possessions, leaving you with more time to do the things you enjoy.
Slow day
Start your day slowly
Take a few minutes to practice mindfulness, such as meditation or deep breathing, before starting your day. This can help to clear your mind and reduce stress. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, stretch or do yoga, eat a healthy breakfast, and resist the temptation to check your social media first thing in the morning. Give yourself some time to focus on yourself.
Monotasking
Monotask instead of multitasking
Monotasking is the practice of focusing on one task at a time, rather than trying to do multiple tasks at once. While multitasking may seem like an efficient use of time, research has shown that it can actually reduce productivity, increase errors, and lead to greater stress and mental exhaustion. Monotasking can help you to complete tasks more efficiently and with fewer errors.
Silence
Take a break to appreciate silence
Intentionally take a break from external stimuli such as TV, podcasts, music, etc. to live a moment of stillness and silence. When you turn off external stimuli, you can become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, leading to greater mindfulness and self-awareness. Silence can have a calming effect on the body and mind, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Self priority
Learn to say 'No'
Saying yes to everything can lead to overcommitment, burnout, and neglecting your own needs and priorities. By saying no to things that don't align with your priorities, you can reduce stress and focus on what is most important to you. It can also help you to be more authentic and genuine in your relationships, leading to stronger connections with others.
Enjoy the process
Create more from scratch
Creating from scratch requires us to be present and focused on the task at hand, which can help us to be more mindful and present in the moment. To practice it, slow down and enjoy the process of cooking meals from scratch using whole, unprocessed ingredients. You can also grow your vegetables and herbs at home instead of buying them from the market.