21 ways to Try Slow-Living

I used to hate the idea of slow living. My childhood consisted purely of it, long summer holidays of self-reflection surrounded by fields and sheep were the norm so by the time I hit university age I was more than ready for my city escape.

Now, a good few years later, I’m starting to really relish in the slow-life and realise its worth. I can actually feel the days that I stick to some of the ideas behind it and the days I let chaos creep in and take over. Although slow-living may not appeal to everyone it certainly appeals to my mind and body. It reflects in my wellbeing, health and overall creativity too.

I’ve made a little list of 21 ways to challenge yourself to try out the slow living ethos, perfect for those days when you feel anxious, overwhelmed and out of tune with life.

slow living challenge hygge ideas

21 ways have a more Slower Life:

  1. Go for a nature walk daily: Whether you live in the city or countryside find some green space, take out the earphones and look around and connect with nature.
  2. Have a routine for your day: This is a huuuge game-changer for me! If I structure my day so I get into my office, studio and tick off some tasks I can fully relish in a slow afternoon without the dreaded guilt creeping in!
  3. Give yourself fully to each task: Again GAME CHANGER! Phones have made us obbsessed with checking emails non stop making just doing one thing really challenging. When I’m doing a daily task I try and give myself totally to it. Otherwise I start to feel really discombobulated (great word right?!).
  4. Journal: I dont do this as often as I’d like but I always reach for it when I feel confused and off kilter. It really does help calm me down.
  5. Cook: Simple but a good one. Chopping onions to some good music is a great way to get back into the moment!
  6. Set aside some reading time: There’s something very grounding about reading a book and a great way to slow yourself down.
  7. Connect to your surroundings: Have you taken the time to pause and look around you? Notice what day it is? What season we’re in?
  8. Stop multitasking: Put down the iPhone and focus purely on one thing at a time.
  9. Try a no t.v/tech evening: Try making this a fun occasion as opposed to feeling “without”.
  10. Remember what’s actually important to you: Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in wanting/changing things that we forget the things we actually care about-our families, pets, simple joys…
  11. Don’t compare yourself to others: A fast track way to feel awful and out of tune with your own life.
  12. Be grateful: Yup appreciate what you’ve already got, in all it’s glorious imperfection!
  13. Engage fully with people: Again put down the iPhone and take part fully in conversations, be generous with your time.
  14. Sit in silence for 1 minute: Feeling at your wits end? Take a minute to sit, breath and unstress. Simple but effective.
  15. Delight in the simple things: Think like a child and find laughter, smiles and joy in silly jokes, a slice of cake, an animal, the rain…
  16. Stop spending mindlessly: How many mascaras do you actually need? Buy things that “spark joy” a la Marie Kondo.
  17. Buy and support from ethical, small brands: Get pleasure from researching small brands and boutiques and spending your hard earned cash on items that really thrill.
  18. Start a small garden: Even a little window box can become a thing of joy and there is nothing quite like growing something from a seed. It’s also a crash course in seasonality!
  19. Try out a capsule wardrobe: The start of my Slow Living journey! It triggered so much for me and made me realise I was holding onto so much old stuff for all the wrong reasons. Plus getting dressed in the morning is easy peasy now.
  20. Go to your local farmers market: Connects you with your food, the seasons and producers.
  21. Get creative-start a sketchbook: Being creative, whether it’s doing some colouring, painting or crafting is a briliant way to slow down and be in the moment.

I’d love to hear what your favourite Slow Living ideas in the comments below? x