We are so incredibly well trained to race against the clock and fill our time with endless tasks and obligations. As our culture glorifies busyness, we wear our busy schedules like a badge of honor and focus intensely on moving on to the next task or next achievement, convinced by the belief that our worth is measured solely by our productivity and accomplishments.
In trying to do everything, we forget to ‘be’. We forget to pause, and catch a breath while moving from one task to another or one goal to another or one moment to another. It’s as if we are passengers on a speeding train, where the scenery of our life is passing by in a haze. But what if we could step off that train, slow down, and truly savor the journey?
Sometimes, taking a step back is really what we need in order to move forward. Slowing down helps us reconnect with ourselves, balance between being and doing, and value quality over quantity. When we adopt a slow living lifestyle, it becomes easier to find joy and satisfaction in the mundane, like the way the sun filters through the kitchen window, or the comforting ritual of drinking a cup of tea in the morning, or the feeling of the warm blanket on a chilly evening. In moving on a slow pace, we give our mind and body a chance to relax and we allow our soul to recharge.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, here are some tips to embrace slow living and become more present:
Take a break from technology. Engage in hobbies or activities that don’t involve technology.
Your phone with social media, emails, and other notifications are silent thieves of your present
moment. Keep your phone away from you or silence your notifications during your screen break
time to rest your eyes and mind
Nature is like a medicine for the soul; it rejuvenates, heals, and brings clarity. Sometimes, a ten
minutes walk in the park is all you need to clear your head, reduce stress, and reconnect with
the simple joys in life.
As the mantra says: ‘Clear space, clear mind’. The more clutter that surrounds you, the easier it
is to become distracted. Eliminate the unnecessary items in your home or office so you can
create an environment that promotes peace and tranquility. As you let go of what no longer
serves you, you will find that not only does your physical space become organized, but your
mind also becomes more peaceful and focused.
Journaling is a powerful tool to remove the clutter in your head and regulate your emotions. By
writing down your thoughts and feelings, you create a safe space for self reflection. Gratitude
journaling is considered one of the simplest ways to slow down your living, as being appreciative
of what you have requires slowing down to recognize the blessings you have in your life.
Check out Vitamin G journal to start your gratitude journey today.
The worst thing you can do to yourself is to leap straight from your bed into the hustle and
bustle of the outside world. When you wake up a little earlier, you give yourself time to ease
into the day without feeling rushed. Start your day by hydrating your body with a glass of water.
Spend a few moments setting your intention for the day, and reflecting on what you want to
achieve through your day. Engage in some gentle movements such as yoga or stretching to
awaken your body and improve your mood. These simple activities can help you step out into
the world feeling prepared, positive, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Once you
start feeling the positive effects of your morning ritual, you will thank yourself for investing
those extra minutes in the morning in your self care and day preparation.
Set your intentions with Vitamin G journal and start your day with purpose.
While engaging in these practices might not control the waves of the speedy world we live in,but it can change the way we perceive time and allow us to experience joy amidst the ordinary. Imagine your life as a beautifully written book. Each day is a page, and eachmoment is a sentence. When we speed through our days, we skim the pages, overlooking the richness of the story. Slow living invites us to read each page with care, to immerse ourselves in the story, and to find meaning in the details. Remember, slow living is not about doing things in slow motion;
it’s about being mindful and intentional with our time by appreciating the small details, savoring each moment, and creating space in our life for reflection, and self-care. There are many amazing things happening around you, remember to be in the moment.