In today’s fast paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But among the chaos, there exists a simple yet profound philosophy that encourages us to slow down, savour each moment and find joy in the little pleasures. Welcome to the art of slow living, a mindful approach to living that prioritises quality over quantity, presence over productivity, and connection with oneself and the world around us. Here are some practical ways to incorporate slow living into your everyday routine, followed by ways you can also practice slow living around your home.
- Cultivate mindfulness:
Take time every day to practice mindfulness meditation or simply tune into the present moment. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgement or distraction. It is so important to be mindful, the art of slow living is mindful living.
- Savour simple pleasures:
Slow down and appreciate the little things in life, whether it’s sipping a cup of tea, taking a leisurely walk in nature or enjoying a homemade meal with loved ones. Slow living is all about finding the joy in the ordinary moments.
- Limit screen time:
Reduce your reliance on screens and digital devices by setting boundaries around screen time. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, spend your free time engaging in other activities that nourish the soul. This is one I need to be better at!
- Practice gratitude:
Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether its your health, relationships, the beauty of nature, your job, the air you breathe, I could go on and on… Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.
- Embrace slow food:
Instead of relying on fast food or pre-packaged meals, take the time to prepare and savour wholesome, nourishing meals made from fresh ingredients. Enjoying meals mindfully can not only enhance your physical health but also deepen your appreciation for the culinary arts. I recently started to cook more myself, and I can say that there is just something so special and wholesome about it. I now try and grow some fresh ingredients and I also love baking.
- Prioritise self-care:
Make self-care a priority by carving out time for activities that replenish your mind, body, and soul. Whether its practicing yoga, taking a bubble bath (more on that later) or simply curling up with a good book. Self-care is essential for maintaining balance and wellbeing.
- Spending time in nature:
Reconnect with nature by spending time outdoors and immersing yourself in the beauty all around you. Whether its going for a walk, a hike, gardening, or simply sitting out in the sun, spending time in nature can help ground you and foster a sense of peace and tranquillity. Why not if the weather suits of course, sip your coffee outside in the morning sun? or have your evening dinner in the sunset? Picnics in the park, and bringing along the dog? Absolutely! Sounds amazing!
- Let go of perfectionism:
Release the pressure to be perfect and embrace imperfection as a natural part of human experience. Allow yourself to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow in the process. Remember that slow living is not about achieving perfection but rather about embracing authenticity and living in alignment with your true self. Life is full of lessons!
Embracing slow living in your home:
- Bringing nature indoors:
Surround yourself with the beauty of nature by bringing the outdoors in. Fill your home with beautiful houseplants and fragrant flowers, and natural elements like wood and stone. Create a connection with the natural world, grounding yourself in its tranquility.
- Fresh Bedsheets:
Theres nothing quite like slipping into fresh pyjamas and diving into a fresh, clean, and cosy bed at the end of a long day. Create a sanctuary for sleep by investing in soft, comfortable bedding and pyjamas. Take pleasure in the simple act of tucking yourself in and drifting off into a peaceful sleep.
- Indulging in bubble baths:
Treat yourself to a luxurious bubble bath filled with your favourite lotions and potions, and some essential oils. Let the warm water relax you, soothing tired muscles and melt away the stresses of the day. Take this time to pamper yourself, light a candle, read a book and unwind.
- Savouring a fresh cup of coffee or tea:
There’s something magical for me, about the ritual of brewing a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. I choose my favourite mug (I love my mug collection), I brew my favourite coffee and I sit down contently in silence, outside sometimes, and just wake up peacefully until I’m ready to start my day. It allows you to pause, plan, and start your day on a peaceful note. Sit outside with it and get your nature time in too.
- Reading by candlelight:
As the sun sets and the world quiets down, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the pages of a good book by the soft glow of candlelight. Allow yourself to escape into different worlds, explore new ideas, and indulge in the simple pleasure of getting lost in a story, all while wrapped up in the warmth and intimacy of candlelight.
- Cooking with fresh ingredients:
There is something about eating a meal that you have prepared from scratch. From chopping vegetables to simmering sauces, each step of the cooking process becomes an opportunity to slow down, savour the moment, and nourish your body. Elevate your meals with homegrown herbs, whether it’s a sprinkle of basil over your pasta, a sprig of mint for your cocktail or some chamomile for a hot brewed tea. I’ve recently started growing edible flowers so I can add a pop of colour to my salads and cakes to make them pretty. Bring life and joy to your cooking, enjoy, experiment with it, and have fun.
In a world that often glorifies busyness and productivity, embracing the art of slow living offers a much-needed antidote- a gentle reminder to slow down, be present and savour the richness of life’s experiences. By incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine, you can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfilment, contentment, and connection with yourself and the world around you. So, take a deep breath, let go of the rush, and embrace the art of slow living.
