Slow, Simple living has been gaining popularity for several decades. The message is about consuming less and taking a slower approach to everyday life.
We live in a constantly connected and fast-paced world, which is starting to have its effect on the way people are experiencing life. We often find ourselves exhausted and overwhelmed, feeling like something is missing.
The SLOW MOVEMENT appeared in the 1980s as a reaction to the fast-paced modern lifestyle and productivity obsession, prioritizing quality over quantity and returning to a more natural way of life.
SLOW, in this case, would also be the acronym for:
Sustainable Local, Organic & Whole - in everything from work to fashion to technology or food.
Before the Corona pandemic entered our lives, we were defined rushing around, but in lockdown, the pace of life slowed dramatically overnight for everyone. Now that we are slowly emerging from lockdown, it is a good opportunity to hold on to the benefits of being slowed down, and not go back to our old rushed way of living.
Choosing to live an intentionally Slow Life gives us a chance to evaluate what is really important, help us make decisions consciously instead of out of habit, and eliminates the non-essential in order to make room for what really matters.
Rather than viewing Slow Living as something to add to your to-do list, think of Slow Living as a NOT to-do list. It’s not about following some strict set of rules. It’s about making your life more enjoyable, savoring the journey, and learning to embrace the imperfect moments in life.
There is not one way to practice Slow Living, it can mean various things to different people, and there aren’t any strict guidelines to a Slow Living lifestyle.
Find our favourite steps to slow down and live simply below, choose the ones that will work best for you. Remember, Slow Living is making those changes by choice.
LET GO OF FOMO
FOMO is the opponent of slow living. The fear of missing out leads to anxiety about all that we are missing, while slow living is all about mindfully savoring experiences and enjoying what we are doing right now.
When living in a city, so much is happening it’s impossible to be present everywhere. So, the first thing we have do is accept this, and prioritize some things over others. By planning, you can feel like you’ve gained a sense of control over your life because you’re the one who’s making a conscious decision. Another benefit of this is the having something to look forward to.
LEARN TO SAY NO
Too often, we feel pressured to say yes to things that come our way. But the truth is, we can’t do it all. The more we try, the emptier, stressed, and dissatisfied we will feel. With Slow Living, you say no a lot more and say yes only to the choices that really matter to you.
It’s important to realize that when you say yes to something, you’re saying no to everything else you could be doing during that time. Thinking about a choice this way can help you make the right choice in each situation.
GO DIGITAL
Technology is fundamentally changing the way we live, work, relate to one another and to the external world, and can help us save the planet. Now more than ever, the advent of new technology has the potential to transform environmental protection.
You can save the trees by using your tech. Instead of printing, download docs onto your phone, use a Kindle Book instead of a new paperback one, or use your computer or phone to take notes.
BUY NAKED
Buy your products naked, plastic-free or all packaging-free if possible. For example, instead of using a plastic bag while shopping for fruits or vegetables, grab them loose and place them directly in your cart, or buy a package free bar soap Instead of a bottle.
When you do buy a product with a packaging, make sure it’s eco-friendly. Also, try to support small, local businesses rather than mass production.
COOK AT HOME
Slow Living is an extension of the slow food movement, so it’s only natural that cooking at home using healthy, local ingredients is an important part of living more mindfully. Cooking at home, even a simple meal is not only far more affordable than eating out, but its also a great way to reconnect and breath at the end of each day.
When you’re ready to eat, sit down at the table and eat on a real plate. Put away all devices so you can all focus on the taste and texture of the food you’re eating, as well as each other’s company.
EAT LESS MEAT
Even if you are not vegan or vegetarian, try eating less meat. You can take part Just by participating in Meatless Monday or making all your weekday lunches vegetarian.
Meat production and consumption are becoming increasingly unsustainable for the climate, for our planet, for the living conditions of billions of animals and for our health. Incorporating a more plant-based diet can help the environment. You can make a positive impact on global carbon emissions created by factory farming
SPEND MORE TIME ALONE
How much time do you spend alone, without the distraction of your cell phone or television, each day? probably not at all.
Just enjoying ourselves and whatever is around us, without doing anything is a very deep practice. One of the most effective ways to slow down is to spend time alone with yourself every day, unplugged and without any distractions. You can use this time to be alone with your thoughts, to try meditating or even work on accomplishing some of your dreams.
USE REUSABLE BAGS AND CUPS
Rather than collecting an abundance of single use plastic bags that are harmful to the environment and costly, try using a reusable shopping bag. Find a convenient place for your reusable bags (for example, hanged next to the front door) so you will never forget them on your next trip to the grocery store.
Single-use items, such as shopping bags and coffee cups, have a negative environmental impact. If you can’t resist a visit to the local coffee shop, start bringing a reusable cup. Many coffee shops not only allow this, but also offer a small discount if you BYOC.
OPEN YOUR WINDOWS
Open windows reduce energy consumption. A cool breeze entering a home through open windows can reduce the temperature inside without having to turn on fans or air conditioners. AC units require a lot of electricity to run, so every time you open the windows instead of turning on the AC, this not only helps you save money, but it also reduces reliance on electricity and fossil fuels.
As a bonus, it might also improve the general atmosphere at home - bring in fresh air, the sound of birds and allow you to reconnect with nature.
RETHINK YOUR COMMUTE
A great way to embrace slowness is to modify or even do away with a traditional commute.
Look for ways to turn your commute into a healthy activity. Could you walk or bike to work? Could you work from home one day a week? If you take public transportation, get off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way to work. you’ll boost your energy level and mood and get some great exercise. Even if you can’t do anything to ease your commute, see if there’s some minor tweak that would make it a more pleasant experience. For example, you could leave earlier to avoid rush hour, or use the time to listen to a meditation recording or audiobook.
The pace of life only continues to increase, and so does the pressure on all of us to do everything we can to keep up. The only sustainable way any of us can survive this stress is to slow down.
Slowing down doesn’t mean isolating or avoiding our responsibilities. It means making more of an effort to be truly present and aware of the things that matter. It means appreciating what you have instead of longing for what you don’t have. It means giving yourself, and your attention, to those you love most. It means saving your money to spend on the things that really matter and make an impact, instead of wasting it on trivial things you will soon forget.
By deciding to integrate Slow Living into our daily lives, we allow ourselves to open up to new perspectives and discover the world in a new way.
The great thing about slow living is that anyone, anywhere can implement these concepts and learn to slow down. Whether you’re a busy stay-at-home mom, an overbooked executive, or something in between, slow living can help you experience a more meaningful life.
FabHub ♡
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