The pace of 2020 had been a little different than we all expected. While the world is experiencing the unimaginable, there is a bright side to it all. The pandemic has forced the world to slow down, experience a calmer, less busy, less stressful life.
If you feel uneasy or restless, try the following steps to a the Slow Living approach. Along the way, allow yourself time, downtime, space to just be without a schedule, ignoring your inner urge to spend hours in front of the laptop not really doing anything..
Slow living is a lifestyle emphasizing slower approaches to aspects of everyday life. It has been defined as movement or action at a relaxed or leisurely pace.
1 // Give Yourself Time: the morning hours set your day, so when you start your day stressed it will continue into the rest of your entire day, week and life. A calm cup of coffee in the morning, a long shower, meditation or whatever calms you - this is what you can do for your soul.
2 // Create an Oasis: your home, whether it is small or big, fancy or ultra-budget - make it your space. Make it a place you want to spend time in, make it a space you want to be. Spending time in this space, with yourself and by yourself can bring ultimate happiness. The fact that you do not need anything, you just being content with what you have and where you are = true happy place.
3 // Be Aware: practising awareness is key in true happiness. Paying attention to the small things around you - the smell of the rain, the appreciation of sunshine, feeling the water running down your skin in the shower ... you are getting what I mean. Appreciate every day, every tiny thing that could put a smile on your face.
4 // Do Not Set an Alarm: Waking up naturally is the best thing you can do for yourself. Whether this is daily, or on select days - try to make it a point. When your body gets enough sleep you will wake up naturally and that process is a way more pleasant one compared to waking to a crazy alarm sound. If you are concerned to miss work, or school find an alarm option that is calm and relaxing.
5 // Fuel your body: create home cooked meals, try that new recipe, jump on the sourdough bread making trend or simply just make a salad or pasta for comfort food. Fuelling your body with rich nutrients can change your life. You are what you eat - we have all heard that one before but based on all my experiences, it is the truth.
6 // Put those Electronics away: each and everyone is guilty of this one, and of course there is no judgement, but it is the intention and conscious attempt to either be in the moment with your loved ones or if you are spending time by yourself, pick up the book and read! Multitasking is usually considered a positive attribute but we have taken it a bit too far. Focus on one thing at a time, this will make sure to have a calm mind.
7 // Self Care: take time for yourself to take care of your mind and body. this may be taking a bath, giving yourself a mani/pedi, put on a mask or simply just read a book in the park or go for a long walk. Do this regularly and often, this is your time, your space to think and maybe not to think.
Happy Slow Living, let me know how it goes for you!
xx,
