I have been practicing slowly living in my life for some time, but only in certain areas, and not to the best of my ability even in those areas. This year I’m challenging myself to continue my personal slowly living movement and increase the ways I can incorporate it into my life.
The slow living trend has been gaining quite a bit of traction lately. And it should! It is such a great way to live and approach life. My goal is to include more ways to incorporate slow living into my life and maybe you want to do the same too. Let’s do it together!
Here are some ideas that I already do and will start to over the next short while. I’ll keep you updated as I go.
Morning & Evening Routines
This is a given for me. I love my morning routine. It helps me incorporate things I love to do into my day first thing in the morning. I don’t push aside what I’m passionate about till later in the day in the hopes that I have time to get to it.
Instead, I start my day doing what I love. Being present and aware of my surroundings and emotions.
And every good morning routine needs an evening routine to set you up for the next day. The cycle both routines create is pure gold! And it brings you into a state of mind perfect for slowly living.
If you don’t have a morning or evening routine, check out these articles to get started.
How to Create Your Perfect Morning Routine
A Tried and True Sample Morning Routine to Kick Start Your Day
How to Create a Simple Evening Routine and Why You Need One
Declutter Your Space
There is always so much input coming into our brains every moment we are awake. When we simplify our surroundings we reduce that input. And there is less for us to physically maintain. So simplifying your space will not only declutter your surroundings but also declutter your brain.
This will also help you make more conscious decisions about our next step in slow living.
More on decluttering here:
The Simple Art of Decluttering and Why It’s So Beneficial
Consume Less
It is so easy to partake in overconsumption. Whether it’s the ease of online shopping or the pull of discount stores, as a society we are consuming more than ever.
I was one of those people. Every time I left my house, I came back with a purchase of some sort. From a new candle for the coffee table to new yoga socks, I was always buying something. Not to mention, I don’t even like wearing yoga socks. I prefer to practice barefoot.
The point is, when we choose to live slowly, part of the process is identifying what we consume and what we really need versus what we just want.
Now when I shop, I consider how often I will use the item, if it’s something that is just what I like to call ‘fluff’, or if it has a legit purpose that will make a difference in my life. I also consider the longevity of the item. Will I still be using it months down the road? Or is it something that will get stored away sooner than later? This thought process slows me down and incorporates slowly living into my life.
Consuming less also means spending less. To me, that’s a win-win.
Take a Moment Throughout the Day
Do you find yourself always being on the go, rushing from one appointment to another, skipping lunch to finalize a report, or overcommitting to yourself or anyone else? You get the idea – instead, take a moment.
That’s it. Just pause. Take a few breaths and enjoy yourself in the present moment. Maybe you drink a glass of water and rehydrate. Or you can take a walk around the block. Whatever you choose, take a moment to appreciate life and recognize that you don’t always have to rush through it.
Those moments when you allow yourself time to regroup will help you reset your mindset. It’s a small act of self-love. Give it to yourself.
Disconnect
This I think may be the most challenging for me. And many others. I am committing to myself to stop the scroll. I can lose chunks of my time throughout the day by jumping from app to app or scrolling through social media.
When I’m in that moment, what I’m doing seems so important, and I need to see the next post or reel. But the reality is, I don’t.
Disconnecting quiets our minds, reduces the mental clutter, and allows us to relax a bit. We’re able to be in the present moment and assess our surroundings and mental state.
It’s also a good time to let us express gratitude, which is next on the list.
Practice Gratitude
I start my day with gratitude. Before I even step out of bed I list things that I’m grateful for. I appreciate my life, my husband, the air I breathe, the undereye concealer when I know I haven’t slept well.
Anything can be on your list. It’s what you’re grateful for. It feels good to note those things and let the universe know you see and appreciate them.
It’s a moment when my heart feels unbelievably full. Like it’s going to burst from my chest because I’m truly grateful for so many things in my life.
Now my goal is to take moments for gratitude throughout the day. Maybe I’ll add it to those moments of quiet during the day when I take a walk around the block.
Say “No”
We often feel like we have to say yes to everything. I have started to say no to more. Sometimes it’s simply because I don’t have the time and refuse to constantly squeeze things in. Or it’s because I don’t want to do it.
I’ve gotten carried away in my life trying to please others – which often results in me saying yes. Well, now I am focusing more on myself and that allows me to say no when needed.
This doesn’t mean that you have to be selfish. But it does mean that you can prioritize yourself just as much as you do others.
When you do this you’re slowing down, taking your moment, and allowing yourself to be present to make the right decision for yourself. This is slowly living.
Reduce Your To-Do List
For years I kept a running to-do list. I knew I would never get through the list. I would write everything I needed to do down, then carry over to the next day and the next day as needed. It was a constant list that just kept going.
It was extremely overwhelming and I never felt like I was accomplishing enough.
Now, I make just a list for the day. Typically not more than five or so things on it. This way I feel as though I’ve made progress and completed what I set out to for the day once I get through the list. And it slows me down. I don’t try to jam-pack everything into my day to check off more boxes. Instead, I pace myself better and feel like I have reached a goal.
It also allows me to reset before my next day’s list.
Are You Ready To Slow Down and Practice Slow Living?
I hope these tips help you as you slowly live. Try incorporating them into your daily routine and see the difference.
In what ways do you practice slow living that I haven’t mentioned? Share below in the comments!
