Embrace the ‘Slow Life’ With These 8 Rituals

Do you ever scoff down your dinner in front of the television (guilty), overcommit to others leaving you with no time for yourself, or dedicate far too many hours at work only to feel unfulfilled? You're not alone. There’s no denying that we live in a high-speed world. Work and our personal lives often cross over, technology has become more rapid, and information is delivered to us faster than ever. Taking a break and switching off isn’t always easy (or possible!) and many of us feel overwhelmed by our lives.

Slowing down is a conscious choice, and not always an easy one, but there are some things we can incorporate into our lives every now and then to help us live more intentionally and calmly.

Below, we're looking at what the 'slow life' actually is and how to embrace it in our own lives.

Slow-living rituals to embrace

1. Prioritise sleep

Sleep is an essential physiological process that affects our basic biology. It's closely connected to our mental, emotional, and physical health and not being fully rested can negatively affect how you feel and perform each day. Prioritising your time so you can get enough sleep for yourself (revenge bedtime procrastination be-gone!) will make you feel both mentally and physically better.

The activities you do during the evening hours can have a significant impact on your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep each night, so formulating a wind-down routine that relaxes you is key to getting a better night's rest.

2. Declutter

Clutter, particularly in the rooms you spend the most time in – like the bedroom – can leave you feeling sluggish, stressed, and anxious. Take some time to donate or throw away things you don't use or need that are taking up space in your home. Also, consider adopting minimalist principles in your home decor.

3. Embrace the outdoors

Spending time in nature is an easy way to reconnect and feel grounded. Go for a leisurely walk in the park or a nearby forest/bush on your lunch break to help you slow down and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

4. Meditate

Meditating is a great way to help you become more present. Spending even just a few minutes every day meditating can help increase your mindfulness and in turn improve your ability to regulate emotions and decrease stress, anxiety, and depression.

5. Take time for yourself

In a fast-paced world where demands and responsibilities can be overwhelming, taking time for yourself isn't selfish; it's necessary for your own health and happiness.

Being alone can provide an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. If you're a parent (particularly those with young children), it can be tricky to find any alone time, so it's worth taking advantage of small moments. For example, you could add a luxurious soap, face wash, or hair product to your shower routine to make it more special.

6. Digitally detox

Setting aside dedicated time to disconnect from screens may allow you to slow down, unwind, and fully switch off. Whether it's an hour in the evening or a full day on the weekend, you can use this time instead to read, have face-to-face conversations, or engage in hobbies.

7. Adopt a morning routine

Mornings can be chaotic when you're speeding around trying to get ready for work and/or have children to attend to. The morning does, however, set the tone for the day, so having a good routine in place can help you kick goals and make you feel better about the day ahead. If possible, start your day with intention. This might include meditation, deep breathing exercises, enjoying a nice breakfast, or simply savouring a cup of tea or coffee without distractions.

8. Plan mindfully

When making plans, avoid over-scheduling yourself. Leave room for spontaneity and relaxation in your daily or weekly agenda so you can do what you want as you want.