Most of us have accepted that never-ending to-do lists and jam-packed schedules are a normal part of modern life. But what if that wasn’t the case? What if instead of embracing exhausted and overwhelmed as cultural norms, we all decided to take small, intentional steps in the opposite direction?
During this pandemic, we’ve all had to live differently than anything we’ve experienced before. And with that, we have the option to do lessor; live at a less hurried pace, and know that every day doesn’t have to be a sprint. Even for those with children and possibly still working right now or in school, we can choose the pace at which we live, in order to add more peace into our lives.
This is what I like to call Living Slowly. A life that is not characterized by rushing or a list of never-ending tasks, but one that’s about being present in all you do and with the people you’re with.
Living a slow life you almost immediately become so much more aware of what’s going on not only around you but even in you. Your senses are switched to a calming alertness to every breath you take and every step you make; all of which are fertile grounds for making you super grateful for the small moments.
Some days it’s just easier to live on autopilot. You know, let your body do the work without recognizing all the work it actually does (was that an amen I heard?) But it’s time to be mindful of yourself…for yourself.
Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed—by the amount of work you have, by the way the hours seem to pass by when you have free time but slow down when you have work—just take a breath.
When you finish one task, take a breath or quick break before you head to another. Focus on something far removed from what you’re doing and slow you thinking.
Slow living in quarantine comes down to this: focusing on a single thing at a time and finding a piece of joy there. Measure each moment as important— spending time with friends, working diligently, taking breaks to be outside, walking in nature, taking up a tech-free hobby, and each breath that fills your lungs—they all matter.
Feeling introspective? Here are some more of my musings about life:
What do you find small joys in?
18 Comments
I’m desperately TRYING to live like this. Quarantine has certainly made me slow down; but I wish I was able to focus more.
Totally agree quarantine has almost forced us to slow down, but mentally getting there for sure takes some time. It’s like your mind is racing with ideas but the world is like ‘jk where are you going’?
We should always remember that life is just one. Leaving slowly isn’t that bad and I’ve learning this day after day moreover since I’m practising yoga I see things in a different way, well not always but i’m working on it x
Such a great reminder! Yoga has been so helpful to slowing down and just having a moment to unwind.
Living slowly has been so foreign to me most my life. It took an auto immune disease to slow me down, sadly. I wish I had learned to take things more slowly sooner!
Oh wow, I hope you’re managing okay! It’s so scary how life sometimes throws out the big slow down sign before you can isn’t it? I was on autopilot x2 before I had a huge anxiety breakdown/burnout that forced me to slow down.
I should definitely slow down, but as I work (from home) in e-commerce, this period has been busier than ever. I do feel really overwhelmed at times and I know I should slow down, but sometimes it’s hard as a feel so motivated to do so many things in my personal life.
I completely get it! Sometimes when you’re super motivated and passionate about goals slowing down makes you feel like you’re missing out on important steps. From someone who burnt out (really hard), the small steps to slowing down really help!
I definitely need to slow down, I don’t get to enjoy the calm times because I’m constantly rushing to do something…. Love this
That was so me! When you slow down you feel like you’re missing out on something right? I found that semi-relaxing music (the kind that’s mellow enough to calm you but not put you to sleep) instantly calms me down because I’ve associated it with moving at a slow pace.
Life has certainly slowed down over here since quarantine! I’m now homeschooling my 3 kids which is kinda crazy town but we don’t have a tired angry frustrated morning rush anymore which has been life changing!!
Oh wow! Big props to you on homeschooling that switch was probably a big change. Hahaha, the morning rush was a nightmare so I feel you on skipping that ?!
This is very hard for me to do but I really like the idea of it. 2021 goals!
That moment when you forget 2021 is right around the corner ?! But yeah for new year’s goals, I would for sure try to start small first. Like incorporating moments in your day where you have just 15-30 mins to quiet down.
I love this! You are so right. Taking in those breaths sometimes would definitely be very helpful. Thank you for the reminder. 🙂
So glad it could help ☺! OMG those breaths (I call them yoga breaths) are so so helpful. A long inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth does a world of difference!
I definitely struggle with this, I’ll try and slow down maybe in the new year XD
It’s so difficult especially when we’re used to running around and juggling a bunch of things! Fingers crossed for you slowing down ??!