“Spending more time with friends and family costs
nothing. Nor does walking, cooking, meditating, making love, reading or eating
dinner at the table instead of in front of the television. Simply resisting the
urge to hurry is free.”
― Carl Honoré, Quote from In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed
Last month I noticed that I
had been feeling overwhelmed and anxious about not being able
to accomplish as much as I once was able to do. My distress was the warning sign that reminded me to treat myself more gently and lighten up.
Now, as I practice slowing down my daily routines, I notice numerous benefits to my mental, emotional, and physical
health.
When I prioritize quality over quantity, I give myself permission to streamline possessions or shorten my to-do list. In the long run, I am more of a conscious consumer and conserve money and time, reduce waste, and engage in activities and keep only those things I truly love.
Rushing and
constant busyness gets to be old and frustrating. Slow living
offers me a way to breathe more deeply, and use my senses to be more present in each moment.
I’m inviting you to observe how slow living practices can enhance your day and set the tone for a calmer, yet more productive time.
Following are Tips and Ideas to Help You Develop and Enhance Slow Living Practices:
1. Observe your morning rituals, and tweak those that no longer serve you well. Practice mindfulness in each moment to set the intention to relate better to yourself, other people, nature, and your environment. Focus
on being present, intentional, and selective with your time and commitments. if you have difficulty doing that read "9 Practices to Help You See You are Enough."
2. Start with the basics. Go outside and look, touch, hear, taste, and smell the beauty and wonder in simple moments in life.
3. Prepare for the day by doing one self-care routine at a time. Brush your teeth, wash your face and hands or take a shower, read an inspirational book, meditate or pray, and/or walk in nature with your full attention.
Additional slow movement practices can include yoga, tai chi, stretching, or leisurely walks. Select those movements that allow you to connect with your body and breath, and help promote a sense of calm and groundedness.
4. Each moment you are mindful can help slow down your over-active mind and allow you to think more clearly as well as experience sensory pleasure. Look at "Convert Anxiety into Relaxation with a Colorful Cloud Visualization" to see one method that may help you refresh yourself.
5. Take a few moments each morning to plan which activities you want and/or need to prioritize. Select only those things that align with your values and goals. This process highlights items you are passionate about and reinforces your desire and determination to make progress in moving forward.
6. Simplify your schedule by saying no to some commitments. Decide which ones will take you off track, and release those. Then notice whether you feel calmer and grateful you were able to be proactive. Setting boundaries and pacing yourself is radical self-care and living slow.
7. Take breaks from technology at least every hour. Use this time for rest,
creative endeavors, hands-on hobbies, bathroom or hydration needs, and getting outdoors. A digital detox is a must in this age when we
allow ourselves to be bombarded by social media, fake news, or an onslaught of
negativity in the mainstream media.
8. Nourish your body with healthful food. If you're unsure about what that means, see this post from The Cleveland Clinic, "Mediterranean Diet," one good example of a healthful eating plan. Before you begin any lifestyle change, get input from your health care providers.
9. Each day reserve quality time to spend with a loved one or ones. Pets, friends, or a favorite Uncle make interacting with other living beings a treat. Just remember keeping healthy friendships and relations with family takes effort. The pleasure, comfort, and health benefits you get from good relationships makes it worth the effort. For more ideas read "Friendships Enrich Your Life and Improve Your Health" from the Mayo Clinic now.
10. As you go along, declutter your space to simplify living. Disposable water bottles, paper plates, and other single-use items take up lots of space while you're waiting to use them—then lots of space in the landfill when you're done. People who live slowly, usually prefer to invest in more lasting versions, like reusable water bottles and ceramic plates.
11. Reserve a place for "white space." Intentionally block out time in your schedule for unstructured free time. White space can be used to exercise, rest, have a cup of tea and daydream, or do whatever you feel your body and mind need in the moment.
12. Restful sleep is an important element of slow living, and a non-stress bedtime
routine can develop peaceful, relaxing vibes. Maintain a healthy sleep routine to help protect mental and physical health and ensure you are ready to embrace
the day with a more resilient attitude.
Try practicing these slow living activities to better connect with
your body, mind, and spirit. Slow living practices help you sense if your body and mind are giving you their best, when
you need rest, and when your distress signals an underlying pain or discomfort that
requires your attention.
Do you believe slow living can be of benefit for you? Why or why not?
What does your morning routine look like now and how do you think you could enhance it?
Which idea or ideas for slow living resonates with you? Please explain.
In what ways have you already learned to make conscious decisions about how you spend your time, energy, and resources?
I love to get feedback, questions, and input from my readers, but will not be able to publish those comments that contain links. Thanks for understanding.
