14 Ways to Practice "Slow Living"

“Slow living” is a philosophy of life that advocates living with full attention, focusing all the senses on the present. It's about enjoying every moment and dedicating the necessary time to each task to do it well and without rushing.

This movement was born in the 80s as a response to the fast-paced lifestyle that many led, marked by urgency and the accumulation of tasks. Followers of “slow living” seek to do fewer things, but truly enjoy them. An example of this is 'slow food' restaurants, where the food is savored slowly, over several hours.

The concept of “slow living” is closely related to the “slow food” movement, which was started by Italian journalist Carlo Petrini in 1986. Petrini founded the movement as a response to the opening of a fast food restaurant in Rome, advocating the importance of local food, traditional production and a slower pace of life.

Although Petrini focused primarily on food, his philosophy influenced the expansion of the idea of ​​“slow living” to other aspects of life, such as work, education, consumption, and personal relationships. This lifestyle proposes giving everything its time and reserving space for each activity, avoiding multitasking and focusing on quality rather than quantity.

Phrases like “when I eat, I eat and I only eat”, “when I sleep, I sleep and I only sleep”, “when I study, I study and I only study” and “when I work, I work and I only work” perfectly encapsulate this philosophy.

Tips to incorporate 'slow living' into your life

Although it is not always possible to fully adopt 'slow living' due to daily demands, it is advisable to dedicate a small percentage of your time to this practice. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Wake up without rushing: Start the day calmly, avoiding using the phone and spending a few minutes breathing deeply or meditating.

2. Savor your food: Eat slowly, enjoying each bite. Pay attention to flavors and textures, and avoid distractions while you eat.

3. Reduce multitasking: Focus on doing one thing at a time. This will allow you to do tasks with higher quality and enjoy the process more.

4. Practice daily gratitude: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. This will help you maintain a positive and focused mindset.

5. Take conscious breaks: Throughout the day, take small breaks to breathe, stretch, or simply enjoy your surroundings.

6. Enjoy nature: Go for a walk, go on a hike, or just spend time outdoors. Connecting with nature will help you relax and reduce stress.

7. Simplify your space: Get rid of what you don't need and organize your home and workplace to create a calmer and more orderly environment.

8. Create daily rituals: Establish routines that allow you to enjoy simple activities, such as reading before bed, having a cup of tea in silence or listening to relaxing music.

9. Disconnect from technology: Set limits on the use of electronic devices, especially social media, and spend time on screen-free activities.

10. Dedicate quality time to your loved ones: Spend time with friends and family without distractions, paying full attention to conversations and shared moments.

11. Practice 'slow food': Cook with fresh and healthy ingredients, enjoying the preparation process without rushing.

12. Plan with intention: Organize your day so that important tasks have the necessary time. Avoid overloading your schedule and leave room for improvisation and rest.

13. Take care of your mind and body: Practice yoga, meditation or breathing exercises to stay more relaxed and reduce stress.

14. Adopt a minimalist approach: Reduce unnecessary consumption and focus on purchasing only what you really need, prioritizing quality over quantity.