Learn to live slower and happier by understanding what is slow living so you can be your most peaceful happy self.
In a world where speed is often equated with success, and productivity is measured in terms of how much you can cram into your Google Calendar, there’s a growing movement that’s advocating for hitting the brakes.
It’s called slow living. And no, it doesn’t involve moving to a cabin in the woods (though that’s always an option if your Wi-Fi reaches).
Slow living is about finding a more measured, mindful approach to life. Think of it as life’s pause button, except it doesn’t lead to a pile-up of unwatched Netflix shows. Instead, it’s about finding joy and humor in the everyday while also calling BS on the rat race.
It’s about learning to step back and evaluate what really matters, discovering that less can be more, and that your worth isn’t tied to your productivity.
In a society that often values the grind, slow living is the rebellious act of choosing peace over chaos, depth over breadth, and connection over mere networking.
Comning up I will be sharing 7 tips for slow living – to help you to live slower and happier. I’m sharing this article because I’m a bestselling author on anxiety and leading Behavioral Change Coach – with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded the therapist recommended self-paced online course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love to help people to live calmer, happier lives. So I put together this guide on slow living.
Mindfulness is like that friend who tells you to stop and smell the roses, except sometimes the roses are a freshly brewed cup of coffee or the sound of rain against your window. It’s about being present in the moment and not just physically. I mean, we’ve all been at a family dinner where our bodies were at the table, but our minds were in a meeting scheduled for Monday.
It’s about listening to others without formulating a response while they speak, savoring each bite of your meal, feeling the sun on your skin, or noticing the way your dog’s ears perk up when you say ‘walk’. Mindfulness is the gateway to a deeper connection with the world around you and, importantly, with yourself.
Marie Kondo your life, but remember, it’s not just about throwing out that sweater from 2003. It’s about asking if what you’re doing, owning, or committing to sparks joy or if it’s just adding to the clutter.
Simplifying might mean saying no to a social event to read your favorite book (or binge-watch that show, no judgment here). It’s about quality over quantity, in everything.
This practice extends beyond material possessions to your social circle, commitments, and even digital consumption. By simplifying, you’re not only decluttering your space but also your mind, making room for what truly enriches your life.
Ever noticed how a walk in the park can make you feel a million times better? That’s slow living. It’s about reconnecting with nature, whether it’s gardening, hiking, or just sitting outside and watching squirrels plot world domination. It’s about remembering we’re part of something bigger and taking the time to appreciate it.
This connection to nature is a powerful antidote to the digital overload many of us experience. It grounds us, reminding us of the rhythms and cycles of life, and the beauty of the natural world.
We live in a world of fast food and speed reading, but slow living is about savoring experiences. Eat that chocolate cake slowly. Really taste it. Enjoy conversations without glancing at your phone every five minutes. It’s about making the ordinary feel extraordinary, simply by giving it the attention it deserves.
This practice helps us appreciate the little things, turning mundane activities into moments of joy and gratitude.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Slow living advocates for taking care of yourself, and not in the ‘treat yourself to a spa day’ kind of way (though that’s always nice). It’s about getting enough sleep, setting boundaries, and maybe doing some yoga or meditating.
It is about being as kind to yourself as you are to others. Self-care in the context of slow living means acknowledging your needs and taking the time to meet them. It’s about recognizing that self-care is an essential part of being able to fully engage with life.
In an age where we have 500 “friends” online and don’t know our next-door neighbor’s name, slow living encourages building real, meaningful connections.
It might mean joining a local book club, volunteering, or just having regular meet-ups with friends.
It’s about finding your tribe and nurturing those relationships.
It is about quality interactions that leave you feeling uplifted rather than drained.
Slow living is about understanding that it’s okay to not do it all. It’s okay to leave the dishes in the sink occasionally or not to answer an email at midnight.
Reducing stress might involve setting realistic expectations, learning to say no, or just realizing that sometimes, good enough is, well, good enough. It’s about finding peace in imperfection and learning to prioritize what truly matters.
Slow living isn’t about drastic changes or retreating from society. It’s about finding balance in a fast-paced world, and it’s a balance that allows us to live fuller, happier lives. So, take a deep breath, slow down, and remember that sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be – preferably with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart.
If you’d like additional help with slow living, sign up for a free consult session with me HERE.
Explore my therapist recommended audio and video course: The Anxiety Cure.
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