Life is complicated in today’s world.  Why not make it easier on yourself and simplify.  Slow living is now something that is catching on.  I was born in Ghana, a country pretty much located on the equator. The sun rises at 6am and sets at 6pm.  In the village, back in the day, people spent their evenings sitting by candlelight or a kerosene lantern.  They didn’t do a lot in the evening except talk while sitting under the stars.  This way of life research is finding to be so beneficial to our bodies and minds.  No artificial blue light disrupting our circadian rhythm making it harder to sleep.  No rushing around trying to fit that last item on your to do list in.  Just calmly, slowly getting your body ready to sleep, ready to repair, ready to ponder effortlessly so that the imagination can be set free.  You may feel that it is impossible to live like this, that life is just too demanding, and that this way of life has long past with the horse and wagon. Well, it hasn’t.

So, what exactly is slow living? At its core, slow living is about intentionally choosing a slower pace of life that allows us to be more present, mindful, and fulfilled. It’s about prioritizing self-care, cultivating meaningful relationships, and connecting with nature and the world around us.

In this post I will give you a few different ways to make this way of life so doable. It’s not as hard as you think. 

First off, it’s important to remember that simplicity means different things to different people. It’s not necessarily about living without any technology or modern conveniences, but rather about intentionally choosing what adds value to our lives and what doesn’t.  Incorporating some slow living practices into your daily routine can be a great way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Here are several tips to help you embrace a slow living lifestyle:

1. Set aside time for self-care. Whether it’s taking a long bath, stretching, or reading a book, make time for activities that help you relax and recharge.                                                                                                       

2. Connect with nature. Spend time outdoors, go for a walk, or start a garden. Connecting with nature can help us feel more grounded and present.

3. Practice mindfulness. Pay attention to the present moment, without judgment. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply by focusing on your senses.                                                                                                                                                                     

4. Declutter. Take a step back and evaluate what’s truly important to you. Eliminate unnecessary clutter. We accumulate so much stuff without even realizing it. Take a day to go through all your possessions and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. Donate or sell unwanted items and keep only the things that are essential to your daily life                                                                                                                                 

5. Simplify your schedule. Look at your calendar and prioritize the events or meetings that are truly important to you. Remove anything that causes unnecessary stress or anxiety. Say no to things that don’t align with your values and goals.                                                                                                                                                                                    

6. Cultivate meaningful relationships. Spend time with loved ones and prioritize quality time over quantity. Slow down your consumption. Instead of buying everything new, try repairing or repurposing old items. Choose quality items that will last a long time instead of cheap, disposable ones. Invest in experiences instead of material possessions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

7. Disconnect from technology. Take a break from social media and email after a certain time each day. Put your phone away during meals or spend a day without any technology at all. Disconnecting will allow you to be more present in the moment and open yourself up to new experiences.

These are just a few ways to simplify your life and live a more meaningful one. By slowing down and focusing on what truly matters, you can reduce stress and find joy. Remember that simplicity is not about depriving yourself, but rather about creating space and time for more joy, meaning, and fulfillment in our lives.

So, take a deep breath, slow down, and enjoy the journey.