11 Steps to Slow Living
It feels like we’re always in a rush. We spend our days dashing from one thing to the next, trying to stay on top of it all and cram as much as we can into the shortest possible time. Living this way is stressful, and today’s technology is arguably making things worse. But it doesn’t have to be this way. As the world spins faster and faster, the Slow Living movement offers a compelling alternative. This philosophy encourages us to enjoy the moment and the people around us. It’s about giving ourselves peace to fully experience the present, without rushing – and that’s great for our well-being and overall quality of life.
The slow lifestyle evolved from the Slow Food movement, which celebrates traditional, sustainable and local cuisine that is made to be enjoyed and savoured. The Slow Food movement began in Italy in the mid-1980s, popularised by the sociologist Carlo Petrini after McDonald’s opened a restaurant in Plaza de España in Rome.
Slow living struck a chord with many people, eventually growing into a way of life practiced by thousands all over the world. The term describes an entire philosophy of life, embracing personal relationships, work, free time, diet, tourism, fitness, and more. If you’d like to give it a try, we’ve got a few ideas to help you get started:
#1 Plan your day.
Don’t set yourself too many goals. There will always be something that gets in your way. When thinking about your routine, make sure you leave time for those small daily pleasures that help you reset and lift your mood. It might be exercise, yoga, dancing, walking, reading or anything you particularly enjoy. Remember: we work to live, not the other way around. Work is important, but it isn’t everything.
#2 Focus your mind on the here and now.
Enjoy what you are doing in the present moment, without dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. Practising mindfulness can help you tune into and appreciate each moment as it happens.
#3 Stop trying to multitask.
Try to focus on one activity at a time, taking a break before moving on. You’ll find your concentration improves and you’ll be more productive.
#4 Cherish the people around you.
Put down your phone, forget about social media and make time to truly connect with friends, colleagues and loved ones.
#5 Create some order in your life.
At home or at work, ditch the clutter and embrace the magic of tidying up. A well-ordered environment is the first step to a serene and balanced life.
#6 Don’t get caught up in consumerism.
We don’t need as much as we think we do to be happy. Buy only what you really need, especially when it comes to your wardrobe.
#7 Connect with nature.
Spending time in a natural setting can help you relax and take your foot off the gas. Explore a local park, or get away from it all with a trip to the countryside.
#8 Eat with the seasons.
And, if possible, shop at small, local businesses rather than big-name supermarkets.
#9 Practice slow eating.
Chew your food properly and savour every mouthful. Food always tastes better in the company of others, with no mobiles or laptops in sight.
#10 Use technology wisely.
Ask yourself what you’re getting out of it – does it make your life easier, fuller or happier?
#11 Learn to embrace silence.
Noise drives us instinctively to up our pace. Silence, on the other hand, helps us relax and take a breath. Turn off all the mobile notifications you can – and don’t choose ring tones or alarms that make you jump out of your skin. Seek out moments of silence and let the peaceful atmosphere soothe your body and mind.