In a world that glorifies busyness and productivity, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of constant movement and hustle. But what if we took a moment to step off the fast track and embraced a slower pace of life? What if, instead of chasing deadlines and schedules, we allowed ourselves the luxury of time—to enjoy the simple pleasures, to savor the moments, and to truly live?
Taking Life Slow: My Personal Journey
I'd be lying if I told you "I used to be someone constantly on the go, always rushing from one task to the next, multitasking my way through life". No, that's not been my case. But I have seen people that are close to me, work insainly hard day after day, week after week, month after month, without ever pulling the breaks, leading to some horrific burnout, and splitting their minds. I saw how these people I care about were merely skimming the surface of existence, never truly immersing themselves in the richness of living, just passing by, without ever doing anything they love or having time to enjoy anything. To proper savour it. I am writing this for them. To raise awarness of this common issue that happens to millions of people around the world. People have the time they need, but they don't allow themselves to slow down.
The Art of Doing Nothing
One of the simplest yet most profound ways to slow down is by embracing the art of doing nothing. Set aside some time each day to just be—to sit quietly, to gaze out the window, to float in water (if you live close to the sea like me), to daydream. In those moments of stillness, you’ll find a profound sense of peace and clarity that is hard to come by in the midst of a hectic day. I cannot express enough what a strong positive effect a few minutes of calmness, doing nothing can have on you. I say this all the time but... I invite you to try it. Give yourself 10 minutes every day to just sit around and do nothing. On the weekends, give yourself even more time, and practice the art of doing nothing.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
Life is made up of moments, both big and small. But all too often, we overlook the small moments in pursuit of the grand ones. Take the time to notice the beauty around you—the people passing by, the smell of your coffee, the sound of birds chirping, the warmth of the sun on your skin. It’s in these everyday moments that true joy resides, waiting to be embraced by those who are willing to slow down and pay attention. Find the little things in every day life that you love, and enjoy them. They can be as simple as putting on your soft scarf before heading out to work, having a pleasant chat with a stranger on the tube, greeting your server at your regular coffee shop by their name and with a smile. Look for the joy in every day mundane actions.
The Power of Rest
Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Yet, in our fast-paced society, it’s often the first thing we sacrifice in the name of productivity. But what if I told you that taking time to rest and recharge is one of the most productive things you can do? A well-rested mind and body are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and to savor its joys. I am sure we are all too familiar with going into work having slept only a few hours, and the whole day being a massive drag.
Another practical tip I recommend: Have at least one day per week (I do it on Sundays) where you don't set an alarm clock and let your body rest until it naturally wakes. If I have been waking up at 7, and then on Sunday I wake up at 7:15, that's perfectly fine, as long as I wasn't awakened and my body naturally woke up at that time. Essentially, have one day per week where you allow yourself to sleep in. Also, on regular days, don’t feel guilty about taking a nap, reading a book, or simply lounging in the sun. Proper rest is essential to be healthy. Your future self will thank you for it.
Disconnect to Reconnect
In a world dominated by screens and notifications, it’s more important than ever to disconnect in order to reconnect—with ourselves and with the world around us. Set aside some time each day to unplug from technology and immerse yourself in the present moment. Take a walk in nature, have a face-to-face conversation, or simply sit quietly and meditate. You’ll be amazed at how much more connected you feel when you give yourself the gift of presence.
I like to give myself one day per week - usually on Saturdays or Sundays- where I don't use my phone. Literally just leave it in my room and not touch it at all. I understand this one is a little bit harder. I too don't do it every week, but when I do, it feels marvellous. Having just a few hours to disconnect and get back in touch with our "roots" of a calmer time where we weren't hyper connected... Again, I cannot express enough how good this is for your mind.
Embracing Slow Living for a More Meaningful Life
Living slowly isn’t about being lazy or unproductive; it’s about being intentional and present in everything you do. It’s about savoring the richness of life, finding joy in the ordinary, and prioritizing what truly matters. So, I invite you to join me on these practices of taking it slow, living life at a leisurely pace, and discovering the beauty of living in the moment. Remember, life is not a race to be won but a journey to be savored.
By taking the time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude, contentment, and fulfillment. So, let’s make a conscious effort to enjoy the moments, to rest when needed, and to embrace the art of living slowly. After all, life is not about how fast we go but about how well we live. I feel like I've said this 10324 times before, but... It's not about the time you have, but the quality of the time you have that counts.
Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea, taking a leisurely walk, or simply basking in the sunshine, let’s make time for the things that bring us joy and allow ourselves the luxury of living at our own pace. Giving yourself time, allowing yourself to enjoy the time you already have, is a big part towards living life your way.
So, let’s slow down, breathe, and experience the magic of a more meaningful life.
As always, sending love xxx
Ivan
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