We may think we’re familiar with the concept, but what does slow living actually involve? The thinking behind slow living grew from the Slow Food Movement, a philosophy which started in Italy in the late 1980s in opposition to fast food culture. From here came the broader Slow Movement which crept its way into Slow Cities (Cittaslow) and Slow Travel.
To the uninitiated, shifting down a gear to life in the slow lane seems, at first, to be contrary to everything we learn about ageing. Aren’t we meant to keep as physically and mentally active as possible as the years whizz by? But rather than slow living being about getting lazy or even doing less, it’s more about re-assessing where and how you want to expend your energy and enjoying what you do.
Fast-Paced Life
All sorts of things can lead to a pace of life that can, at times, feel quite overwhelming. Work is, of course, a significant contributory factor and achieving a healthy work-life balance can be tricky. We may need – or simply want – to continue working but might feel pressure from continually having to perform our best.
When caring for elderly parents, worrying about grown-up children and perhaps setting aside time for babysitting duties for grandchildren also enters the equation, it’s not surprising that this relentless pace of life can take its toll.
And against all this, there’s the constant hum of digital noise and the self-imposed drive to seek perfection.
Benefits of Slow Living
Before we look at ways to embrace slow living, it’s important to know how it might improve our lives. The physical benefits of easing stress levels can be enormous, from reducing blood pressure and the risk of heart disease to improving digestion and our immune system. It also naturally improves our quality of sleep which in turn makes us sharper, more focused and better able to cope with what life throws at us.
But on a very basic level, I find that when I am able to incorporate elements of slow living into my day-to-day life, I just enjoy what I’m doing more and appreciate the simple things rather than stressing about the minutiae.
Reconnect with Nature
The single most effective thing for me is to be outside, reconnecting with nature. Even when I’m leading hiking tours, and therefore in a position of considerable responsibility, I love the grounding aspect of being in a natural landscape, whether in a forest, on a mountain path or on a coastal track.
When I walk alone or with friends, the biggest gain is the pleasure of switching off from everyday issues and the focus of being completely in the moment. In fact, being outside has been proven to boost serotonin, our sense of well-being.
Practical Solutions
Of course, if you’re beset with multiple responsibilities and struggle to find even 5 minutes to yourself, a completely new mindset might seemlike a step too far. A small but effective way of implementing change might be to set limits, for example on screen time or working hours, and just take small steps at a time.
Try also to structure your day to incorporate rituals such as gardening, yoga, walking, cooking or reading, a brief respite when you focus on one thing in isolation and switch off from the swirl of other activities and chores that need to be done. Any of these activities can be very energising, even if only for 10 minutes a day.
These are my top tips for a gradual shift to life in the slow lane:
Eat Slow
Think about both what and how you eat. By aiming to buy local seasonal food wherever possible, you’ll not only eat better but will also benefit the local community and environment. Try also to find time to prepare home-cooked meals and enjoy them with others, focusing on quality over quantity.
Spend Time Outdoors
Prioritise the importance of immersing yourself in nature if you can. Just taking a quiet walk allows you to switch off from the niggle of daily chores.
Focus on the Moment
Try to forget about your ‘to do’ list and instead pay attention to your surroundings and what you’re doing at that precise time.
Digital Detox
Most of us acknowledge how distracted we are by screens and devices. Try to turn off or stay away from screens for a fixed period each day.
Stay Interested in the World Around You
Learning a new skill will take up all your attention and is a brilliant way to focus on the present moment.
Restore Your Life Balance
Re-organising your schedule to incorporate some personal wellbeing time will reduce daily stress naturally.
Say ‘No’ More Often
If you’re a natural people pleaser, it may be that you’re over-committing at your own expense. Learn to say ‘no’ or offer alternative solutions when things get too much.
Reconnect with People
Social isolation has been identified as a significant contributor to cognitive decline and a shorter lifespan. Chat with friends and neighbours to boost wellbeing and spend time in the company of others with similar interests.
Share Your Thoughts:
How many of these things do you do in your daily life? Would you like to do more? Can you recommend anything else that has helped you?