Take it easy HOW TO EMBRACE SLOW LIVING
Experts agree, there are many benefits to slowing down and enjoying the simple things
With family and work commitments and our increased reliance on technology, our lives seem to be getting more chaotic and busier than ever. Feel like it’s time to do something about it? Take a step back and assess your life with these expert tips on how to slow down and appreciate every minute...
Make time to do what you love
How many times have you said how busy you are this week? It’s almost a brag. Recent studies by researchers featured in the Harvard Business Review found busier people were perceived as having a high status.
‘We place a high value on hard work and rewarding effort, which is really rewarding activity and not necessarily achievement,’ says organisational psychologist Woody Woodward.
When you learn to say ‘no’ and use that time to reconnect with family and friends, or simply read a book or garden, you slow down. After all, who wants a gravestone that reads: ‘She was always busy.’
Take a digital detox
Admit it, it’s been minutes since you last checked your social media accounts or email. Doing this takes up valuable time that could be spent living in the real world.
We’re not saying go cold turkey – simply consider minimising the number of times you check your email per day, perhaps by setting up certain times of the day to log in. And consider unfollowing those people who are on your feed that have a negative effect on you, in order to reduce stress levels.
‘If you’re feeling overwhelmed with too many status updates, it’s OK to let go of connections that drain you,’ says Suzanne Degges-white, professor of counselling at Northern Illinois University.
Clear the clutter
By joining the minimalist movement to get rid of stuff, you’ll not only have more room to live, your mind will also be freer of clutter. No time for a spring clean? Then start small.
‘When you walk through a room, find one thing to put away. If you’re going from your bedroom to the living room, find one thing during that trip to put away,’ says Leo Babauta, author of The Simple Guide To A Minimalist Life (becomingminimalist.com). ‘When you shower or change clothes, instead of leaving them on the floor or on a piece of furniture, put the clothes away or in a hamper.’
Connect with people
We’ve all read those pieces on elderly people’s biggest regrets – it’s never that they spent too much time at work, it’s that they didn’t take time out to truly appreciate family and friends, even in the workplace.
‘Set a reminder to pause once a day and spend a few minutes with a friend at work for the pure sake of socialising,’ says Leo. ‘Call instead of email.’