How to live a slow successful life – Part 2
In last week’s article, we discussed the benefits to living a slow life – check it out here.
It’s easy to define living a slow life, what it involves, and how its beneficial – but living it can be a little more challenging, especially at first. So, in part 2, we’ll take a look at how this is possible, in such a fast-paced world.
It might be really tough to let go and slow down because we are so accustomed to going non-stop. In a day when we have duties, access to advanced technology, and the capacity to be connected to everyone at all times, we often feel guilty about switching everything off for a while.
Those who believe in “slow living” will tell you that life is better when you move more slowly. As opposed to frantically checking items off your to-do list, taking things one at a time and never rushing or overcommitting yourself to your schedule, allows you to appreciate things more.
The idea has a mindfulness component to it. Slow living is all about being aware of the present moment, making deliberate choices regarding how you spend your time, and appreciating the simple things in life, all of which are good for our mental health.
So how can we do it?
Tips for living a slower-paced and successful life
1-Eliminate clutter
Having a easy to manage and simple home is the first step towards a slower and successful life. Your mind will seem congested and messy if your home is similarly disordered. Even when there is nothing to overwhelm you, you will experience overwhelm.
Get rid of whatever you don’t need or use anymore. Find a space for each object in your home to keep things neatly organised.
When everything has a place, cleaning up is much simpler and quicker, freeing you up to spend your time on other activities.
2-Get a good start to your day
No more rushing to get out of bed, grabbing a cup of coffee on the go, and heading out the door in order to arrive at work on time. Set your alarm for even just 20 minutes earlier if you need to take it slowly. Get up, move about, do meditation, or walk your dog.
Get your day off to a good start each morning by giving yourself enough time to feel content and at ease.
Making a healthy, homemade breakfast for yourself is a terrific way to start the day off doing something you enjoy and that is nourishing for your mind and body. This can even be prepped the evening
3-Get outside in nature
There are so many ways to get outside and connect with nature, and everyone should do it. Some examples include going on a stroll, caring for your garden, even taking up bird watching.
When you step outside, you’ll start to observe how everything seems to flow naturally—trees, plants, animals, even ponds—and how nothing is hurried. Nature moves slowly and anticipates the future to avoid rushing through the present.
Being outside can teach us a lot, and it’s also a terrific way to clear your head, take in some fresh air, and have time to enjoy everything our planet has to offer.
4-Switch off
As much as we have all heard it before, electronics play a significant role in stress. The majority of people are unable to avoid them for an extended period of time because they have become such a large component of our daily life.
However, we can all put our phones aside for a brief period of time each day.
Learn to occasionally step away from all screens, whether they be the television, phones, or computers – turn them all off and do something you love.
5-Learn how to say no
If you remember nothing else from these articles – at least take this point away. It’s OK to say no from time to time. Many of us are people-pleasers and overachievers; we want to be seen as the individuals who are always willing to help and who always say yes.
Unfortunately, you won’t often receive the credit you deserve for continually saying yes, and instead, you end up with an excessive amount of work and stress. People can even begin to take advantage of you and put more and more of their load on you.
Everyone has limitations, and this is OK, it makes us human. When you begin to decline requests, you make time for the activities that bring you joy and allow yourself time to fill up your own cup.
Now, we’re not suggesting you be completely selfish and should never offer assistance; just know when it’s appropriate and when you need to say no because your own needs are falling behind. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
In summary
It’s good to realise that you will not benefit from slow, successful living if you only attempt it occasionally, or for a month or so – it’s not a detox or weekend cleanse. Slow living needs to become your way of life. For those accustomed to a fast-paced daily life, it will take some getting used to, but it will be worthwhile.
Recognise that everyone will experience slow life in a different way. Never put yourself in a position where it would be difficult to follow through or where it would be uncomfortable to live. Find a way to make this fresh perspective on life work for you. It could be cutting down on bills, debt and work if you can or even just taking a few extra moments each day to really be present in the moment.
If you can’t carve out an hour for yourself, try 30 minutes. If you can’t, schedule time each day to prepare healthy meals at home, meal prep on the weekends, or team up with a partner and designate days when you are each in charge of providing a meal. If you find it impossible to put your phone down at all during the week, only leave it off on Sunday.
You can make this work for you in a variety of ways, so there is no reason not to try it!
Note, if you are struggling with a mental health condition that interferes with your daily life and makes everything seem too difficult, we can help. Our team of experienced psychologists are here to guide you and offer practical suggestions and coping techniques to help you find your way. To book, click here or call our friendly reception team on 1800 327 477 (AU) / 0800 327 477 (NZ).
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