Lifestyle: The Art of Slow Living

Slowing down is sometimes the best way to speed up".
MIKE VANCE

Slow living is a lifestyle where a person seeks to live a more balanced, and meaningful life by appreciating what they have and the things around them.
Slow in this context does not mean being lazy, boring, sluggish, or unproductive but rather a way of taking our time to do things that truly matter.

The Art of slow living means prioritizing self-care above everything else. Spending less time on activities that may drain you mentally and more time on things that makes you happy and calm. Such as a casual walk on the beach, preferably on a weekday when it is less crowded.

Slow living means being involved in the present, celebrating, and living in the moment. Picking a hobby that doesn't necessarily bring in money, just something you enjoy doing.

The principles of slow living also involve creating strong connections with the people we care about and frequently spending time with them.

Slow living goes hand in hand with being eco-conscious. Because when we take time to slow down, we start to understand how some of our life choices may affect the planet and the people around us. This is when we start shifting to eco-friendly products instead of non-eco-friendly ones.

Slow living helps you find your true life purpose. This is when we seek to serve society with our skills, talents, and even resources. To help make the world a better place. And you find fulfillment doing it because you are the reason someone is happy and smiling somewhere.

Slow living involves reconnecting with nature. And taking time to truly look around and appreciate the natural beauties that surround us. Take time to embrace the seasons, and enjoy taking walks outside your home to get some fresh air.

      (Image by notesbythalia)

                          SLOW LIFESTYLES

Slow Design-

Recognizes the creative process behind a furniture piece – and not only how the finished product looks in your home.

Slow Fashion-

Ethical, sustainable, and eco-friendly clothing.

Slow Food-

Home-cooked meals, Traditionally prepared meals, and Unprocessed foods.

Slow Money-

Financially empowering local businesses by buying from them.

Slow Exercise-

Yoga, Meditation, Swimming, Dancing, Walking.

Slow hobbies-

Reading, Painting, Journaling, Baking, Puzzle, Writing.

Minimalism-

Declutter, quality over quantity, enjoying the simple things of life.

Biophilia-

Connecting with nature & other forms of life.

Take a walk on the beach.

Gardening.

Relationships-

Build meaningful relationships and bonds.

Connect daily with your loved ones.

Learn to say No.

Wabi-Sabi-

The concept of seeing beauty in imperfections.

Slow living is not about alienating yourself but rather learning to adopt a hygge-like lifestyle while fulfilling life's purposes.

Slow living is not anti-technology but rather acknowledging the need to always take digital breaks when necessary.

So many unpleasant things are happening in the world right now, and it's hard not to get depressed by it. This is why we need to learn how to be more intentional with our lifestyle for the sake of our mental well-being.
Learn to take a deep breath and embrace the slow lifestyle. And you will start to experience clarity and serenity.

It is wrong to assume that slow living is for persons who are unambitious or boring.
Instead one should learn to apply some form of mindful slowness into our everyday lives.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below.

Article by;

Gbemisola Akinwale

Interior Stylist & Design+Lifestyle Writer