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What is slow living? -

As technology has advanced, so has the speed of life. Information and communication travel faster than ever, and smartphones mean we are contactable 24 hours a day. Slow living is a response to this hectic lifestyle, encouraging people to take a step back from the daily grind without making drastic decisions.

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Ukiyo -

The Japanese word ukiyo is a term used to describe living in the moment, far from life matters. It encourages adopting a slower approach to life and living intentionally.

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What slow living isn't -

Slow living isn't about moving through life in slow motion or shutting down. It's about stepping back strategically and doing things at the right speed.

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Burnout -

Modern "hustle culture" has people working to the point of burnout. Adopting a slower lifestyle can reduce the chances of burnout and assist in burnout recovery.

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Mindfulness and presence -

Slow living encourages being fully present in each moment, whether you are at work, at home, or engaging in hobbies.

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Simplicity and minimalism -

Slow living aligns with minimalism, which encourages reducing clutter and simplifying life to focus on what truly matters.

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Connect with nature -

If you live and work in a busy city, it's important to spend time in nature and create a connection with the environment. Being in nature helps reduce stress and promotes mindfulness, key aspects of slow living.

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Focus on relationships -

Slow living creates deeper connections and meaningful relationships by allowing more time for family, friends, and community.

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Purposeful work and leisure -

A slow-living lifestyle emphasizes finding purpose in work and leisure activities, encouraging you to engage in tasks and hobbies that bring fulfillment and align with your values.

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Balanced work-life approach -

Slow living encourages a balance between work and personal life, prioritizing well-being and mental health.

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Prioritize what matters -

Identify the most important aspects of your life, such as relationships, health, and/or personal growth, and focus your time and energy on nurturing them.

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Reduce waste and consumption -

Slow living promotes conscious consumerism, aiming to reduce waste, support sustainability, and emphasize quality over quantity.

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Simplify your schedule -

Reduce the number of commitments in your daily, weekly, or monthly schedule (where possible) to allow for more downtime to relax and recharge.

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Practice mindfulness -

Make a habit of engaging in mindful practices like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or tai chi to stay grounded daily.

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Limit screen time -

Reduce the time you spend on digital devices and social media to focus on real-life interactions and experiences.

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Create a morning routine -

Instead of rolling out of bed and immediately checking your emails, start the day intentionally by having a cup of coffee or tea, stretching, or reading a chapter of a book.

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Enjoy simple pleasures -

Find joy in simple activities, like walking in nature, reading a book, or sitting down to a tasty dinner.

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Cook and eat mindfully -

With busy lifestyles, it's easy to reach for processed food. However, slow living encourages making meals from scratch, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

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Cultivate hobbies -

Spend your free time indulging in hobbies that encourage mindfulness and creativity, like gardening, painting, or knitting, for example.

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Disconnect regularly -

Schedule regular breaks from technology to reconnect with yourself and others.

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Engage in volunteer work -

Dedicating some of your time to volunteering or giving back to the community promotes a sense of purpose and connection.

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Cultivate a garden -

Whether you grow a single basil plant in your kitchen or a vegetable patch in your garden, planting, nurturing, and harvesting reminds you to slow down and take notice of life's little things.

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Create a nighttime routine -

While it's tempting to scroll through social media at bedtime, it can cause poor sleep quality and increased daytime tiredness. Instead, develop a calming nighttime routine to promote better sleep and relaxation.

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Self-care -

Self-care is a vital component of slow living. Recognize and address your physical, emotional, and mental needs, and make time for activities that rejuvenate and nourish you.

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Walk instead of driving -

When possible, choose walking or cycling over driving. Not every journey needs to be completed as quickly as possible; walking is a great way to remind yourself to slow down.

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Listen to calming music -

It's no secret that the music we listen to can affect our mood. Choose slow, gentle songs or nature sounds to slow your heart rate and keep calm.

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Learn to say no -

Setting boundaries and learning to say no when necessary allows you to focus on what truly matters. It also avoids you overcommitting yourself, and reduces the risk of burnout.

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Practice doing nothing -

Carve out some time in your schedule to simply do nothing. Sit in a comfortable spot with no distractions and enjoy the silence.

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Take your full lunch break -

While it can be tempting to complete a task or reply to emails during your lunch break, use this time to eat something nutritious, practice mindfulness, or take a short walk.

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Live in the moment -

Slow living is all about being present in the each moment, letting go of the need to rush or multitask and embracing a more deliberate approach to life.

Sources: (Stylist) (Healthline) (Field & Nest) (TheCollector)

See also: Which type of meditation is right for you?

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