31 Days of Slowing Down

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Stargaze 

For a frame of reference on just how small we are, and also to appreciate nature’s beauty. This can give us an opportunity to shift our perspective on our priorities. Stargazing may require driving or travel, which may not be possible for everyone. If so, you could opt for a documentary about space or the night sky.

Now that you’ve experienced 31 days of slowing down, it’s a good time to reflect on what enriches your life and nourishes your soul. It may be a fun experiment to write down what you’ve discovered over the last 31 days and compare your answer with what you wrote on our first day of slow living practices. With a better understanding of how we can improve the quality of our lives, we can focus on those slow living practices that empower us to live our most intentional and meaningful life. This is not the end, but the beginning of our slow living journey! I hope you continue to join me on a quest for a rich and purposeful existence.

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Try Deep Breathing

 Aside from all the health benefits, it allows us to ground and be present.

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Be Resourceful

Use, make, mend, reuse, and be creative rather than buying something new. Slow down consumption and be sustainable for the planet (and your wallet).

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Try Growing Your Own Food

While this isn’t necessarily possible for everyone, most people can at least manage growing a few herbs on a windowsill. This is rewarding and educational and reminds us of the time and effort it takes for our food to be produced. There’s lots of inspiration for food scrap gardens on the internet too!

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Do Something Kind for Someone

 Focus on another person’s wants and needs and do something to brighten their day. Now that we have given ourselves lots of self care and and mental health boost this month, with our cups full we can be of service to others. Give your time, energy, a helping hand or even a gift to someone who could use it. Random acts of kindness is not only welcomed by the recipient but also feels great!

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Give Yourself a Break 

Don’t hold yourself to a standard that’s not attainable. We’re a work in progress. Physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually give yourself a break.

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Prepare Food and Beverages From Scratch

 Take the time to nourish your body and soul. Enjoy the entire process.

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Simplify

Whether it’s an over complicated skincare routine (unless this brings you joy, of course) or paper bills that could be made into automatic payments, there’s room to simplify to make room and time for the important things.

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Do a Digital Declutter

Declutter emails, photos, documents, apps, subscriptions, notifications and anything else bogging up your ether space to minimize the number of distractions and mental space these take up in your day. This frees up your mental space for the things that matter most to you.

Slow Living Practice of the Day: Declutter Your Home 

A wonderful quote from the film, Fight Club: “The things you own, end up owning you.” Things require space, time, and energy. Be mindful of your belongings. Own only things that are of significance to you or that serves a specific purpose. The fewer things you own, the fewer things you have to care for, think about, provide room for, pay rent for, etc.