Slow living is not doing everything as slow as possible or getting rid of everything you own. It surely doesn’t have to look a certain way and it is not anti-technology! The slow living movement advocates a culture shift for slowing down life’s pace.

How did slow living start?

There’s a consensus that slow living was spearheaded by the slow food movement, which is really an anti-fast-food moment sparked by McDonald’s trying to open a store in Rome. There was a huge protest, and it sparked the movement.

Tip #1: Prioritize (Lose the FOMO)

It’s about doing what’s most important to you. You may have done a little less, but you’ve done the things that are most important to you. Everyone’s list will look different, so take some time and consider what is of value to you. You’re going to miss things, that’s okay! You won’t miss the important things by not showing up to every event.

Tip #2: Be Present

You think you’re getting more done because you’re multitasking, but you’re rushing through these tasks. Feed the baby, then make dinner and then vacuum. Be present for all of it. Though you can do anything while breastfeeding, it adds a level of intensity and pressure that we really don’t need.

And I know we’re hearing this word “Present” everywhere now. Being present doesn’t mean multitasking three tasks at once. It means doing each task separately to be fully invested in the things that you’re doing! You can’t be listening to the kids argue, while checking your phone and getting a spin class in. No more!

Tip #3: Make A Meal

Take the time to cook and sit down for meals. Don’t set yourself up to make 3 square meals completely from scratch, seven days a week.

Instead have one meal a day with the whole family. One meal allows for a point in the day where the workday stops and everyone shifts into meal preparation and dinner. It can become a great marker for being “off” from work and shifting into family mode.

Tip #4: Conscious ConsumptionAnother way to add the slow living mentally to your life is to consider your consumption. Slow down your purchasing, stop to think –do I really need this? Is there a local business I can support?

Tip #5: Connect With Nature

Prioritize getting out every day and moving, we know it’s important to get outside, and get moving. In Japan, they practice something called “Shinrin Yoku”, shinrin means forest, and yoku means bath. You’re bathing in the forest atmosphere, with all 5 of your senses. Put your phone away, follow the sounds and smells.

These five tips are the key to slow living! It starts as intentional changes, and these changes become a ritual rather than routine. And over time, you feel better and relaxed.

You can live slowly anywhere, it’s about making those intentional changes in your routine which then become rituals that keep you going.