Sunday (not-so) scaries - Sep 3
And we're talking slow living. 😌
Hello, lovely readers! Today, we’re delving into a topic that I keep returning to out of pure curiosity: slow living.
☕️ What is slow living, anyway?
Alright, let's start with the basics. According to my research (Google and Youtube) slow living is like savoring a perfectly brewed cup of tea, rather than chugging down a lukewarm mug of coffee before you head to work.
It's all about embracing life's rhythms, relishing the simple pleasures, and resisting the urge to sprint through every moment or fall into the trap of digital distraction.
In our fast-paced world of instant messages, relentless emails, and endless to-do lists, slow living encourages us to step off the treadmill, brew a cup of coffee, and take in the scenery a step at a time.
Picture this: instead of racing through breakfast while checking your work emails and fumbling with mismatched socks, slow living suggests that you sit down, savour every bite, and maybe even enjoy a leisurely start to the day, minus screentime, for example.
It's about trading multitasking and rushing around for mindfulness and finding joy in the ordinary.
✨ The benefits of slow living
Now, I hear you saying, "I’m too busy doing all the things! Why would anyone want to slow down in this turbo-charged world?" Well, there are meant to be some tangible perks to taking life at a gentler pace.
1. Reduced stress: We all know that frantic feeling of rushing from one thing to another. Slow living allows us to take a breather and let go of unnecessary stressors. It's like a spa day for the mind.
2. Enhanced creativity: When we're not sprinting against the clock, our minds have the space to wander and dream. Suddenly, you might find yourself scribbling a few lines of poetry, painting, or even attempting to knit a scarf for your perpetually cold flatmate.
3. Stronger connections: Slow living encourages us to invest time in meaningful relationships. Imagine having actual conversations instead of just texting memes about your burnt-out, exhausted (possibly depressed) self to each other. Shocking, I know.
4. Mindful moments: Remember those times you've devoured an entire chocolate bar without even tasting it? Forgotten what the journey from A to B was like because you zoned out, just wanting to get there? Slow living helps us savor each moment, whether it's indulging in a sweet treat or soaking in a bubble bath.
⏳ How you can try slow living
Now, before you roll your eyes and mutter about how impossible it is to slow down, hear me out. You don't need to suddenly transform into a zen master. Here are a few baby steps you can take to infuse some slowness into your life…slowly:
Tech timeout: Schedule a daily break from your screens. Put down the smartphone, step away from the computer, and reconnect with the physical world around you.
Mindful mornings: Start your day with intention. Instead of hitting snooze for the umpteenth time, wake up a bit earlier and relish a slow breakfast, or a hot drink in the quiet morning sun in your kitchen. Maybe even enjoy a spot of yoga if you're feeling adventurous. That one might not be for me, though.
Nature strolls: Take a leisurely walk in the park, leaving your buzzing thoughts behind. Listen to the birds, feel the breeze, and pretend you're in one of those charming romance novels.
Declutter dance: Sort through your clutter one drawer at a time. Whack some music on, or maybe your favourite podcast, while you do it. Trust me, you'll feel lighter with each unnecessary item you toss.
Go swimming: This is one I’ve been trying recently. My gym has a huge indoor pool, and I decided to buy a bathing suit (I look like a jelly bean in it, but no regrets) and do a few laps as often as I can. You physically can’t check your phone, because it’s in a locker. No music or distractions. Just movement and being held by the water while you think.
There you have it! A glimpse into the enchanting world of slow living. As I embark on this adventure myself (slowly), I'll be sure to share my experience along the way. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with some inspo:
Love this! Putting my phone on DND and going for a swim help me loads. I don’t know what it is about swimming, but when I do it I just zone out and think about nothing. It’s great!