What is Slow Living?

We live in a world where many describe how they are as good but busy. Where we spend more time staring at screens than at nature and where we often connect online instead of in person. Instead of technology giving us more time to enjoy life, it has has lead to us working quicker, longer and harder because it is now possible to do so.

This state of constant busyness and stress however has also had an impact on our health. For me, and definitions and interpretations may differ a little, this is where the slow living movement comes in. Slow living is about taking a slower approach to everyday living when and only when you have time to do so. Its about taking the opportunities when you can to take your time and to be conscious of the different paces of life, not punishing yourself for sitting around for an hour or spending the evening cooking. It is the awareness and ability to contrast living fast and living slow so that you look after your self and the world around you.

The easiest way to think about slow living is through the acroym

Sustainability
Local
Organic
Whole
with the idea that, you try to buy less processed, mass produced, damaging or global chain products, instead choosing to support local businesses, whether that be green groceries or  fashion boutiques
which all have a positive impact on communities.

Slow loving therefore presents a slower, simplier and more mindful way of living which allows you to not just reconnect with yourself and the world around you. It can help with everyday stress the working environment can place on us and also can help you combat stress when it arrives.

For me, slow living has allowed me to take that much needed time out from fast paced living and also allowed me to put myself first and say no to social things if that's what I need. It's taught me that being selfish is OK and so is stopping and that I am exceptionally grateful for.

Slow living may not be for everyone, but I would highly recommend giving it a go if you're even a little bit intrigued. After all, the worst that can happen is you cook something from scratch, take some time out for yourself and get a better understanding of when you're mega busy.

Have you ever thought about slow living? Would you be willing to give it a try?

Love
Erin