How to get back the taste for life and start enjoying it again? How to stop rushing through life and start actually living? Here are 11 ways to start slow living and to create a More Meaningful Life.
Is it possible to stop rushing but still get everything done? And actually feel the joy and taste of life while you’re at it?
This seems pretty impossible in our reality, right?
When we try to fill every single minute of our time…
When our to-do lists keep growing and growing each year…
When our entire lives are literally scheduled down to the minute…
We’re all trying to accomplish as much as possible, focusing on speed. But what if we focused on intention and quality instead? Then our lives would be filled not with the number of completed tasks, but with bright and precious moments. Those moments we’ll remember when we’re old, sitting by the fireplace with our loved ones, reminiscing about “the good old days.”
Should We Rush or Not?
Think about it – what’s better:
- A book skimmed through quickly (just to check it off the list – everyone else read it, so I should too) OR a book you dive into completely, savoring every moment, every word, having time to reflect and absorb important and valuable thoughts?
- 10 tasks you’re trying to do simultaneously OR one project you’re completely focused on?
- Three hours with your child in a rush of “Come on, hurry up or we’ll be late for the next activity!” OR 20 minutes devoted entirely to your little one – talking, playing, or just cuddling – a full, present 20 minutes?
- Time with loved ones constantly interrupted by emails and calls OR a relaxed evening when you can truly focus on connecting with the people you love?
- Eating in a hurry while distracted, just shoving food down OR a leisurely meal where you can savor each bite and enjoy the variety of flavors (and often great conversation with your loved ones)?
Life becomes fulfilling when we learn not to rush. When we can smell the fragrance of each moment!
As the saying goes: “Be happy in this moment. This moment is your life.”
Such simple yet profound wisdom. It’s impossible to say it better!
When Should We Slow Down?
ALWAYS! Little by little, we need to gently remove this feeling that we have to do everything, accomplish as much as possible…
Because we’re just stressing ourselves out! Cortisol levels spike, which causes all sorts of problems, like weight gain, sleep disturbances and relationship issues, to name a few. Hey, if you feel like your cortisol levels are getting the better of you, why not try out this easy one-week plan to bring your stress levels down a notch? It’s full of simple tips and tricks to help you feel your best again.
By the way have you noticed that life sometimes (okay, often if we pay attention!) gives us hints about when we need to slow down?
For example, our illnesses are nothing more than our body’s way of telling us there’s too much stress in our lives. We get sick, no matter how much we boost our immunity, from too much stress and rushing… It’s our body’s way of saying: “Stop, lie down for a bit, rest!”
All this rushing and busyness drains us from the inside, stealing our energy…
But when there’s harmony inside, it spreads to all other areas of life – including our health.
Here’s another example: My phone was recently stolen, and I spent two days without social media, photos, calls… What a relief that was! I don’t want to say I’m glad my phone is gone, but I’m grateful I had the chance to live a little without it and COMPLETELY enjoy time with family and friends.
It’s About Priorities
I’m not saying that not rushing means relaxing and doing nothing.
No, you just need to figure out which tasks you can speed through and which ones you should freeze in blissful moments. Set priorities, so to speak.
Many people will argue that they can’t choose not to rush because life pushes them to hurry. But you CAN! Your life is YOUR life, and these are exactly the small moments you can control (I’m not talking about the universe’s grand plans that we can’t influence no matter how much we fool ourselves).
These are the little changes we can make to slow down our lives a bit, to catch all the tiny details of each moment.
It’s the ability to hit pause and see the bigger picture. It’s internal cleansing: of our thoughts, feelings, and intentions.
How to Slow Living?
It’s both easy and difficult at the same time!))
All the following suggestions might seem too simple or obvious, but that’s the secret! If you introduce them into your life gradually, one at a time, your life will slowly but SURELY become more joyful and happier!
Want to test it out?
Here are several ideas for how to slow down in life. I’m sure you’ll want to try some of these today!
Which idea makes your heart skip a beat? My advice: start with that one – it’s your intuition guiding you!
11 Simple Slow Living Practices to Enjoy Life Again
1. Create a Morning Ritual with Your Favorite Drink
Make yourself a slow, pleasant ritual that can breathe energy into your day. When you’re drinking your favorite coffee (or better – its healthy alternatives), detox drink, or wellness shot for glowing skin – just sit quietly and look out the window, at your loved ones, at the flowers your partner gave you.
Do this without rushing, not on the go, not checking your phone (you can always do that later!) – just enjoying the taste and setting yourself up for a beautiful day.
Think about all the wonderful things that will happen today, what a great mood you’ll be in, and how beautiful life is!
2. Prepare Everything the Night Before
If we prepare everything we need for the next day in the evening (clothes, documents, school bags, snacks, tea in thermoses, etc.), we’ll save tons of time in the morning for our gentle morning ritual with our favorite drink! And for any other morning rituals too! Mornings will be much calmer and kinder! Tested by a mom of three!
“A good morning makes a good day.” – Jewish proverb
3. Let Yourself Get Enough Sleep
This is actually one of the most important points! Your morning – heck, your whole day – will go completely differently if you get enough sleep.
It’s best to go to bed before 10 PM (I know this seems impossible to many, but trust me, it’s not that hard to arrange if you really want to).
Try doing this for just one week. You can give yourself this gift! I believe in you!
Or if possible, take a short afternoon nap to restore your energy. If you can’t do that, then you might want to try my energy drink menu. That’s what I call my favorite drinks to keep me going all day (and no, those AREN’T coffee)))).
4. Wind Down Gently for Sleep
At least one hour before bed WITHOUT devices!
NO computers, TVs, phones, tablets, etc.
YES to books, pleasant conversations, light walks, aromatic baths, daydreaming, and warm memories with a cup of mint tea or golden milk!
This is crucial for lowering cortisol levels and helping your nervous system transition into rest mode naturally. When we expose ourselves to blue light and stimulating content right before bed, our stress hormones stay elevated, making quality sleep nearly impossible. For a simple plan to manage stress hormones, check out my 1-week plan for cortisol reduction that actually works with the route cause of the problem.
This gentle wind-down is important so we can follow the previous point and GET ENOUGH SLEEP!
5. Focus on One Thing at a Time
For us women, it’s very natural to multitask: cooking dinner while helping the older child with homework, rolling a ball with the younger one, texting the husband a shopping list…
Nature designed us to be multitaskers! Men’s brains just explode from this – have you noticed?))
But if we focus on one thing during important moments, we’ll do it much better and with more soul:
- If it’s dinner with family – focus on time with loved ones, not trying to finish work issues
- If it’s a work question – don’t get distracted by other things (like seeing how that TV show ended!)
- If it’s watching a show with your husband – give all attention to the movie (not scrolling through social media)…
I think you get my point)).
6. Cook with Pleasure
Don’t rush, worry, or stress while cooking. All the energy we put into making dinner for our family transfers to them with the food. We women create magic in the kitchen!
It’s more fun to put on your favorite music and light a candle, then sing and dance while preparing the most delicious dinner for your loved ones!
Even better, use this cortisol-balancing meal plan to give yourself energy during the day and sweet dreams at night!
I know we all have limited time (I totally understand – I’m the same way!), but there’s always a solution – you can prepare a bit more food ahead of time. Maybe your family won’t have their usual variety, but they’ll have a happy and calm mom!
7. Eat Slowly
Let’s learn from the French – try to eat without rushing. They know about delicious and proper eating, right?
Light candles, have easy conversations with loved ones, laugh and dream (about anything – celebrating Christmas or the most unrealistic plans).
The main thing – together, unhurried, and without any devices!
8. Practice Yoga and Meditation
They’re invaluable always, but especially for slowing down life and feeling its taste. They let us freeze in a moment and look around. See our happiness from the outside.
Yoga basically improves all areas of life (which is why I recommend all moms start doing it), and meditation adds mindfulness.
When stress hits and you don’t know what to tackle first, give yourself 5 minutes – and try some anti-stress yoga.
9. Take Walks in Fresh Air
They can be long or short, purposeful or just because, in sunshine or evening before bed – doesn’t matter, but let them happen! In any weather!
I used to hate walking in rain or cold until I realized that if you dress properly, a walk under an umbrella or through crunching snow can bring unforgettable pleasure – especially when a warm, cozy home is waiting for you! Try it!
10. Take Example from Kids
I’m serious! Just be with them and watch how they enjoy life! They’re amazing at it! Every little thing, every moment – pure wonder and delight!
They’re still so close to the universe, completely unfocused on “shoulds” and absolutely happy! Children are our best example!
11. Stop and Literally Smell the Flowers!
Or marvel at today’s beautiful sky, or listen to an amazing bird’s song…
Every moment can give us countless magical details we usually don’t notice.
Our world is so amazing, diverse, and beautiful! It lives at its own pace, doesn’t rush, and gets everything done.
And we – a tiny part of this big world – can also learn not to hurry.
Let’s just give ourselves permission to slow down in the chaos of days, look around, and see that the world is truly beautiful! Especially during this colorful season.
How many of these ideas are already part of your life? Write in the comments – let’s celebrate together! And I’m sure you have your own ideas too – please share them!
Wishing you an unhurried and joyful life!
Sofi