Faster. More. Busier.

How we can step away from this and choose simpler habits for slow living.

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Sometimes, it seems like these are the words that define our lives. We have a culture of busy and the more we can do each day, the better. We almost brag about how tired we are, how we can’t do something because we are so busy with everything else. We are over-scheduled, overworked, and completely over it. And many of us are burnt out. Especially mothers. 

But, perhaps we don’t have to have these expectations for ourselves. We can choose a slower life, a more mindful existence, and a conscious flow of our days. 

Of course, there will always be weeks with too much work and weekends with too many obligations, but we can develop a few habits for slow living that help minimize all of this. It is during these times especially that we need to slow down. 

If you’re new to slow living, or slowing down seems to go against your nature, be easy on yourself. There is no reason to do everything at once.

Just like any other habit you’d like to develop, slow living takes a bit of work, maybe some discomfort. But a conscious decision to slow down and a lot of small steps will get you there. 

Contentment in a Slower Life

There is contentment in a slower, simpler life.

We are not designed for such a fast-paced lifestyle and need more rest than most of us allow ourselves. Once we do slow down, we often find that we are better at the things we’ve chosen, find it easier to eliminate the things we no longer value, and have more time to savor and enjoy this life. 

4 Habits for Slow Living:

1. Say no.

Say no anything that makes you feel rushed, doesn’t bring you joy or closeness to your kids, or isn’t a “must.” Just say no. For women especially, this is difficult.

I didn’t say no to a single social engagement until I was about 33. I went on dates I didn’t really want to go on, went to parties that didn’t sound that fun, drove to out of town events for colleagues I wasn’t that close to, packing so many things into every bit of time that I didn’t have time to enjoy the events and people that I really wanted to and almost never had down time. 

I didn’t even realize that this might be a bad thing.

Eventually, I started saying no. A little at first. The old coworkers birthdays that were an hour away and work happy hours that caused anxiety were the first to go. 

I have slowly gotten to the point that, if it is going to stress out our family and not add joy, I will say no to a niece or nephew’s birthday party, especially if we can schedule a more meaningful visit around the same time. Any event that makes me feel social anxiety in advance, isn’t mandatory, or makes me feel like I am spread too thin is out.

Slow living is about intentionally choosing the things and events that bring you joy, enhance your relationships, and allow you to create the life that you want (not the ones that are “expected” of you). Think about the events, people, and places that bring you joy and connection. Say yes to those, and then work on saying to no to as many of the things that don’t as possible.

2. Be a conscious consumer

Slow fashion, slow beauty, and slow home decor are all part of a slow life. Learn to be content with what you have and buy fewer, better things, with intention. Find things that will last, that are important or meaningful and are more sustainable. And then buy fewer of them. Spend on what is important, what reflects your values. 

Lovingly take care of what you do have and express gratitude for all of it regularly. 

3. Declutter

I will admit, this is the hardest part of this list for me. I feel like I am constantly struggling to  declutter one area of the house and then two or three days later, another pile emerges somewhere else. But, I am working on it and am slowly (and sustainably) getting rid of things that cause this clutter as well as consciously working to buy fewer things that will eventually create this clutter. 

Our homes represent ourselves. A clutter free home gives us space for presence, joy, and slowness. A decluttered home helps clear our minds. And, as I’ve noticed, it really does wonders for the peace and calming of children. 

After you’ve decluttered your space, take time to declutter your schedule and your mind as well.

4. Be Mindful

This is challenging in our multi-tasking lives. But, if we can slow down and mindfully go through our day, we will notice more ease, more contentment. 

We are given opportunities to practice mindfulness all day long. Take time to do the things you love, but also mindfully do the things you don’t love. 

By adding mindfulness to the mundane, we relieve stress, make fewer mistakes, and can sometimes find gratitude in our tasks. 

Our dishwasher recently broke, so I have been using washing dishes as an opportunity for mindfulness. After my kids are in bed, with a quiet house and a glass of wine, I take a deep breath and get started. I work to notice the smell of the dish soap. I notice the feel of the water heating up and the sound of the dishes softly clinking together. Of course, my mind wanders endlessly, but I try to bring it back to the water. 

And, then, I finish up by taking pride in a rack full of clean dishes. 

Of course, I would rather be doing something else. And of course, “order a dishwasher” is on my list. But for now, I am using this “annoyance” as an opportunity to slow down and be mindful. 

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If you’re trying to practice slow living…

Take your time. Notice the world around you. Take a breath. Most of all, be gentle and patient with yourself.

Some days, it is impossible to slow down. Even when we try to say no and limit our commitments, there are always days (weeks and months even) when it is impossible. But, even with weeks like this, we can set aside time to slow down. It is almost more important to find time for slowness and rest during these overwhelming times. Recover from these hectic weeks by allowing time for nothing, for lingering. 

Are you craving a slower, simpler life? What slow living habits have you cultivated? Comment below to share.

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