Slow Living: The Art of Doing Less
Watching Lorelai rush around the house, on coffee number 5 in a complete panic is cute and quirky when I need a good comfort show but living that way day-to-day made my anxiety shoot through the roof.
Why couldn’t I slow down, be present and still wear cowboy boots and a tie dye tee right? Trying to keep up with life going the speed of light was taking a toll on my relationships, motivation and to be honest my overall health.
Between juggling work, social commitments, and personal goals, it seems like there's never enough time to breathe. But what if the secret to a happier, healthier life lies in doing less, not more?
If your feed looked anything like mine a few years ago, minimalism seemed like the way to go. Fast forward a few months and I was just as stressed as before because I had more than 49 total possessions and I thought to myself “there has to be a better way”.
Like many trends, I have learned to take what works for me and leave the rest behind. Having a clear mental and physical space made me feel GOOD. Focusing on being a perfect minimalist did not. So, I decided to embrace slow-living and simplicity.
What is Slow Living?
At its core, slow living is about being present and intentional in everything you do. It's a movement that encourages us to reject the idea that busyness equals success and hustle culture in general. Instead, it invites us to slow down, focus on what's truly important, and create a life filled with meaning and contentment.
This concept isn't entirely new; it has roots in the slow food movement, which began in the late 1980s as a reaction to fast food culture. Think of it as a gentle rebellion against the rush and clutter of modern life, much like how Marie Kondo's tidying up philosophy and the "Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things" challenge us to rethink our relationship with possessions.
The Benefits of Embracing a Slower Pace
Mental Health Benefits: When we slow down, we give our minds a chance to rest and recharge. Reducing stress and anxiety becomes easier, and overall mental health improves. It’s no wonder mindfulness apps like Headspace and Mindfullness on Apple have become so popular—they help us carve out moments of tranquility in our hectic days.
Physical Health Benefits: A slower pace isn't just good for the mind; it benefits the body too. Better sleep, improved digestion, and more balanced energy levels are just a few of the physical perks. Many fitness influencers now advocate for holistic health routines, incorporating yoga and stretching to promote physical well-being without the intensity of high-impact workouts. Not to mention it seems a heck of a lot less intimidating.
Practical Tips for Embracing Slow Living
Start with Your Morning Routine: A peaceful morning sets the tone for the entire day. Instead of rushing through breakfast, try sitting down for a few minutes and eating something with a healthy balance of carbohydrates, fat and protein while listening to a favourite podcast like "Wellness With Ella" or “Bestie Chats With Soph”.
Mindful Consumption: Be intentional with your purchases, focusing on quality over quantity. Creating a wishlist in Notion and waiting to checkout with my items has been a game changer for my impulse buys.
Digital Detox: Set boundaries with technology to create more meaningful offline moments. Use features like Instagram’s "Your Activity" to monitor and limit screen time, allowing yourself to be more present in the moment.
Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate self-care activities into your daily routine. A reminder that self-care doesn’t have to take up hours of your time or come with a hefty price tag. Start small in your day to day with something as simple as enjoying a REALLY good cup of coffee or matcha.
Overcoming Challenges
Societal Pressures: The fear of missing out (FOMO) is real, but embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO) can be incredibly liberating. The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck: How to Stop Spending Time You Don't Have with People You Don't Like Doing Things You Don't Want to Do by Sarah Knight completely changed my perspective and gave me the actual tools to say goodbye to everything that wasn’t serving me. Grab the audiobook and thank me later.
Practical Barriers: Integrating slow living into a busy schedule can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Try time-blocking or dedicating one day a week to slow living activities. This could be as simple as a digital-free Sunday or a hot girl walk around your neighbourhood.
TLDR:
Slow living isn't about abandoning your responsibilities or aspirations; it's about approaching them with a sense of calm and intention. By embracing a slower pace, we can reduce stress, improve our health, and find more joy in everyday moments. So why not give it a try? Start with one small change this week—whether it's a mindful morning routine or a digital detox—and see how it transforms your life. Remember, sometimes, slowing down is the best way to accelerate your life.
Share your thoughts! What slow living practice are you excited to try? Need some extra inspo to tackle slow living for yourself? Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok @simplifywithbee for all the inspo.
