Living Slow in Practice: A Beginner's Guide
Written by: Nina Branco
Published on: February 23, 2024
Estimated Reading Time: 18-22 minutes
The demands of the world are many: sometimes it feels like we're living on autopilot, and realizing this and breaking that cycle are the first steps toward a more conscious life. But... would you know where to start?
Embracing "slow living" practices involves a mindset shift and the incorporation of habits that promote balance in life, whatever that may mean for you.
This guide will help you adopt some practices that you can start right away.
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Take time to reflect on your values, goals, and what truly matters to you. Paper and pen in hand (nothing slower than writing and feeling your writing rhythm) and list everything you consider important. Whether it's spending more time with your family, having moments of solitude, or exercising.
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After thinking about objectives, goals follow. How to make all this viable? When we think in the third person, we distance ourselves from the "problem" and can see more clearly the solutions and paths.
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This is a big, big deal and you can start now. Reduce the time spent on your phone. A simple way to start is by turning off social media notifications. You can access them, but only when you want to, not when the device demands attention.
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Establish Specific Times to Check Emails and Social Media - Try not to open your phone before bedtime. Besides, blue light causes insomnia, and the anxiety of solving problems when you're already in bed or starting to compare yourself to that friend from school 6792 years ago is shooting yourself in the foot.
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Practice meditation regularly to promote mindfulness. At first, it can be very difficult: your mind goes to places you think, "Why am I thinking about this right now?!" Calm down, breathe. Let the thought come, let it go. If meditating alone is too much of a challenge to start with, try guided meditations on YouTube.
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Learn to Focus on the Present and Appreciate Each Moment - Imagine the situation: You went out to dinner with friends and suddenly silence: everyone with their phones in hand. One friend on a social network, another answering an email, another setting the alarm for tomorrow. Focusing on the present with so many stimuli is an even bigger challenge. Try putting down the phone and thinking of it as an ally you use when you want. It on the table, even upside down, is a temptation. Leave it in your bag. You can filter calls from urgent numbers so that only these ring in case of an emergency.
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Opt for foods that make you feel good and are real. If you can, give preference to small producers and research companies that invest in zero-kilometer (short supply chain). Ultra-processed foods are
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Assess your belongings and reduce excess. An airy and organized environment helps us have more mental clarity. Take some time to review your things and evaluate what is truly necessary. Ask yourself if each item contributes to your happiness or if it's just taking up space. If minimalism is not part of your plans, that's okay! Think about everything you have and what makes you happy.
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Routine Simplification - Not only your belongings, but your routine can also be simplified. Taking time to mentally prepare in the morning for the day ahead may mean waking up a little earlier and going to bed earlier. Think practically about how your routine could be easier.
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Reflect on Your Consumption Habits - Practice restraint when acquiring new items, evaluating if they are truly essential before making a purchase. Give preference to companies that also value Slow Living and contribute to a better planet. Research if companies have sustainability seals, certifications, and values that you admire. Opt for experiences instead of accumulating material goods. Value moments and memories rather than material things.
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Identify core priorities in life, whether related to relationships, your work, your health, or your personal development. By setting clear priorities, you can direct your energy to what truly matters, avoiding distractions and burnout.
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This is a challenge! Establishing boundaries and understanding that we can't hug the world with our legs is a form of self-respect, preservation, and mental health, essential points for slow living. If something doesn't align with your goals, values, or desire, and "no" is an option, fill your mouth and say it, without justifying yourself. We can - and should - set our boundaries clearly and politely. Recognize that your time and energy are valuable resources that need to be managed wisely.
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Set aside time for outdoor activities and connect with nature. Combine the useful with the pleasant: Do some kind of exercise like hiking, running, or cycling, or just enjoy a quiet moment on a beach, boardwalk, park, or waterfall. Nature is an eternal source of connection. It's an invitation to pause. It does not succumb to our will - the waves form as the tides, the stones turn into sand over time, and the plants grow even in the asphalt.
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Creative and Manual Activities - Explore creative activities like art, writing, gardening, among others. This tip is to appreciate both the process and the end result. Choose maybe an activity that you can listen to music you love, that you can focus on without thinking about other things.
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Some connect with themselves on a run as a form of active meditation, some prefer yoga. The important thing is to choose a practice that brings pleasure and well-being. It's worth trying a few and deciding which one you like best.
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Establishing some small rituals throughout the day can be very effective. At the break from work, have you ever thought about using that time to, instead of swiping up to see updates on social networks, call a friend, read a few pages of a book, make tea, or write moments of gratitude in a journal?
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A longevity study showed that as or more important for happiness good food and physical exercises are interpersonal relationships. It can be a friend, a family member, a child: sharing moments gives meaning to life. Take time for those you love and have good laughs, share a meal, have fun.
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Be open to learning and growing constantly. Practicing slow living is a gradual process. If doing everything at once is too many changes, adopt the practices that make sense to you. Research, study about it.
It's in our nature to be curious, to want to improve, learn, and evolve. You've come this far and that says a lot about your willingness to adopt slow living, and wellness practices, and have a more conscious thought about life. This is all a construction, so be patient, move forward, and breathe.
