6 Simple Ways to Practice Slow Living

Life can move quickly, but how many of us can say that we’ve savoured and enjoyed each day? We live in a society where everything moves at a rapid pace. Between stressful deadlines, meetings, and places to be, it can be a lot to handle. That is why more people are starting to practice slow living.

What is slow living?

Slow living is defined as a lifestyle that encourages a slower and more mindful attitude to our “traditional” and chaotic approach to everyday life. Slow living can mean something different for everyone, but the main idea is to be more intentional of how we spend our time. This is a simple practice that anyone can adopt, even if you live in the busy city. Here are 6 simple ways to practice slow living.

1) Create a mindful morning routine

How we choose to start our mornings is crucial, because it sets the tone for the rest of our day. Once I created a mindful routine that encouraged me to slow down, I started seeing a positive shift in all areas of my life. I felt more energized, positive, and became less reactive to the things around me. Some mindful habits you can incorporate in your morning routine include,

• Waking up earlier
• Breathwork
• Stretching
• Practicing gratitude and affirmations
• Meditation
• Reading
• Journaling

2) Limit your screen time

The best habit that I’ve adopted from slow living has been reducing my screen time, especially first thing in the morning. Spending too much time scrolling on social media can have a negative impact on our wellbeing. As much as its job is to keep us connected, it can have the opposite effect as well. It’s important to unplug and take breaks when needed.

3) Spend more time in nature

Nature has the ability to heal. The fresh air, sunshine, and greenery can have a positive effect on your mental and physical health. When you’re absorbing what’s in front of you, whether it’s the gentle swaying of the leaves in the wind, or the sounds of birds singing, it grounds you in the present moment. Instead of focusing on what’s in your mind, you can tune into your surroundings and have quite moments to reconnect with yourself.

4) Break down your tasks

Maintaining a good balance between your personal and work life can be tricky at times. This is where planning ahead and utilizing to-do lists can be helpful. These tools allow you to identify which tasks you can break down and accomplish at a later time. Rather than focusing on several tasks at once, you can dedicate your time to creating quality work that you can be proud of.

5) Savour the present moment

How many times can you say that you’ve thoroughly enjoyed your morning coffee? Lunch? Or that beautiful view during your walk? We live in a society where everything is so rushed, that we forget to savour the present moment. We’re too busy downing our coffee, wolfing down our lunch, or running to the next meeting. Take the time to enjoy each sip of coffee, the way your lunch tastes, and take in your surroundings during your walk.

6) Choose a ritual to practice throughout the day

Living slowly takes practice, which is why it’s a good idea to choose one ritual to practice throughout the day. For example, I like using the grounding technique to help me stay present. If I’m rushing somewhere or if my mind starts to wander, I take a moment to ground myself back to the present moment. Other rituals can include affirmations, breathwork, and quick meditations.

Related reads:

• Ways To Be Mindful At The Start Of A New Month
• This Is How You Find Your Path In Life + Journal Prompts
• How To Manage Time Anxiety And Live In The Present

In summary

Embracing a slow living lifestyle has countless benefits. It can improve your overall health and wellbeing, increase productivity, strengthen your relationships, and make you happier because you’re living in the present moment. Slow living has encouraged me to try new things and break old patterns. I also have new routines that are functional and work for me. I hope this post inspires you to live slowly, because you deserve to savour and enjoy every single moment.

Are you familiar with slow living? What are some of your favorite rituals?

Author: Winnie from Her Digital Coffee

Her Digital Coffee is a Canada based lifestyle blog that aims to dive into a variety of topics that spark passion and encourage conversation. Our wide range of topics include wellness, productivity, travel, sustainability, and more. Connect with Her Digital Coffee on Twitter and Instagram.