What Exactly Is ‘Slow Living’ & How Can You Practice It?

via Cottonbro studio

To master the art of slow living is simple really. Simple, probably because it’s a lucid way of drifting through life… stripping back our complex lifestyles and focusing on the basics; finding details in the little things, and making a conscious effort to live with intention.

Slow living has no direct definition, which is ironic as it is mostly associated with a meaningful life. In this fleeting world where most of our decisions are influenced by outside sources, we must learn to catch up without ourselves and stop chasing our tails. Our lives and minds go hand in hand. If they are out of sync, all will fall apart. This lifestyle trend will allow you to familiarise yourself with what makes you truly happy and to nourish those priorities.

So, where does the idea of slow living come from?

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, we must find motivation in psychological and, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualisation before we can attend to our wants. In other words, true happiness can be found in basic human needs like shelter, food, clothing, relationships, and mindfulness. These are the bare necessities of life.

Slow living could be searching for the simple joys in life and finding the meaning in them. Taking time to cook your favourite meal, dedicating a day to room decoration, going for a walk on the beach with a friend, or doing a solo swim in the sea to clear the head.

Photo by Anastasiia Chaikovska

We’ve put together a list of ways that you can start incorporating slow living into your routine today. It’s time to start romanticising your life.

Living

Your home is a place to seek refuge from the big bad world. Make it your own. Personalise your bedroom. Fill it with your most precious possessions. Make it cosy and warm. This is your safe haven, treat it like your sanctuary. Make your bed the comfiest place you know on this earth. You want to look forward to sinking into your bed at night. It’s your place of rest and recharge!

Eating

Food is the number one basic human need. Without it, we couldn’t survive, not alone be happy. Each meal is like a pillar in your day. Our mood is dependent upon it. So, Indulge! Eat what makes you happy and healthy. Idealise your perfect meal for every meal. Savour every bite and feel as your body refuels.

Wearing

Fashion can be a tricky part of the slow-living concept. It’s important to not let style stress you out. When looking to wind down I usually follow the three Cs’: Comfort, casual and cosy. Think fluffy, oversized, soft, and stretchy. Clothes are like the controls for relaxation and destress.

Loving

Relationships whether they be with a friend, lover or colleague are majorly significant when wanting to remain present and grounded. Life is a series of moments created by you. Do you want to look back at a life full of scrolling and texting? Build a life full of connections with people you have shared experiences with.

Thinking

Mindset is the leading component of slow living way of life. The way you perceive the world and approach life’s challenges is a crucial part of being happy. Practice gratitude, be positive and cherish what you love. Get your priorities in order and detach yourself from the materialistic world.

In August of 2019, the IPSOS carried out a Global Happiness Survey where they asked people what their main source of happiness was. The top five sources of happiness were health and well-being, their children, relationships with a partner/spouse, feeling that their life has meaning, and personal safety and security.

Maybe slow living is the lifestyle trend that the world didn’t know it needed.

By Shauna Whyte. 

• slow living
• wellness