After last year put the brakes on almost everything we had planned, you may wonder how life can get any slower! The difference is, this year we have the opportunity to take the idea of slow living and add it to our daily lives in a much more intentional way.
We were given a rare opportunity in 2020 to slow down, see the world around us and appreciate what we have. The truth is we live in an ordinarily fast-paced world which makes us consume far too much in too short a space of time. Our minds are constantly working, our hands and feet constantly moving, and our connections are brief. So, what is slow living?
Slow living gives us the opportunity to pause, appreciate and be mindful of what we have, where it comes from, and what we do with it. Whether its time, money, objects, relationships, places or thoughts, slow living encourages us to be in the moment, conscious of what we have, and live more intentionally.
Here are some tips on how to live more intentionally.
Disconnect
Turn our phones off. Ignore the call of social media. Don't feed the urge to reply to every request. These are great ways to disconnect from the online world and reconnect with what is right in front of you. Use your time more intentionally by reading a book, making paper aeroplanes with your kids, trying out new recipes with fresh ingredients, or walking in the countryside and being mindful of everything around you. Taking a break from technology is not a difficult thing to do. You’ll be surprised how good it is for you.
Work Less
We may have changed our work routines in 2020 for the better. Many of us are now working from home. But the call of the office may be on the horizon this year. So, remember all you have learned as you worked your way through the pandemic. Life is short but filled with opportunities. Don’t allow work to become your primary focus and fill all of your time. Work to live, don’t live to work and give yourself the time to explore outside of deadlines.
Prioritise
There are so many ways we can incorporate slow living into our lives. Prioritise what works for you and what you will benefit from. Whether it is being more conscious of the foods you eat; the clothes you wear; the things you buy; or actively pursuing hobbies and activities which allow you to slow down and appreciate the moments - decide what works for you. Essentially, avoid rushing, become more mindful, and slowly adjust to a slower lifestyle.