Easy ways to practice the art of slow living. Yes, it’s a thing!

Moving and hurrying from one task to another has become the new normal and we have become so accustomed to this way of life that sitting still almost feels like committing a crime. The only solution to this is creating a slow, simple, and mindful way of living, which does not happen fast. Here are some tips.

Make a list of weekly tasks and grade them as essential and negotiable. Divide the tasks for every day equally so as to avoid a maddening day. Take help from others and keep ticking the tasks as and when you complete them. This will definitely give you a feeling of relief.

Being mindful helps one to unwind and stay relaxed. Simple tasks like making tea for oneself and enjoying the view of the kitchen garden at the same time can help. Enjoy your tea by closing your eyes while sipping it.

Making simple rituals can help you take a pause. Connect your ritual with some daily habit to make it easier and unforgettable. You can make a simple ritual of taking 20 deep breaths after brushing your teeth. Be what you are and enjoy tiny moments of bliss.

Track your screen time and it will leave you flabbergasted. Unplugging frees up a lot of your time. You need to know that there is no compulsion to join social media and post pictures on the groups. Most of us tend to be online always. Doing this is pointless. Let go, disconnect from your smartphones and relax. You can start by going offline on weekends.

Getting yourself totally immersed into something is the best way to savour the moment. Small things like watching a puppy play or counting leaves on a branch can help you relax.

Keep a track of the words that you use frequently. If your list includes words like ‘fast’, ‘hurry’, ‘quickly’, ‘too busy’, ‘breathless’, ‘too much’, ‘finish’ and ‘no time’, it creates a sense of urgency that activates the sympathetic nervous system to fight or flight response which was crucial for survival of humans as gatherers and hunters in the past.

The absence of these words from your thought and conversations adds an element of peace to your everyday life.

Being grateful has a positive mental, physical and emotional effect. Satisfaction leads to fewer cravings, binge and want. Time flies when we keep rushing around and we feel we never have enough.

Slow living means finding the right equilibrium and pace to live consciously by enjoying and cherishing every experience.