Written by: Vani Wadhwa, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As many of us sit in our little worlds and question what’s real and what’s hidden behind the veil, what information to trust and what not to trust, there is one concept that is gaining traction to find more clarity, peace & balance amidst the chaos. It’s the concept of Slow Living.
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As the world continues to become chaotic & fast-paced either due to global destructive events or because of technological advancements, many of us can end up feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and bombarded with information. With so much going on around us, it’s easy to feel too connected with everything and yet too disconnected at the same time.
There are many moments when we start questioning our reality, our life’s purpose and if there is a way to get out of this never-ending matrix. On the one hand, new technology is helping us to live a life where everything we want is at our fingertips, the other hand, it has also taken away many simple moments of happiness.
During and after the great reset (pandemic), many people around the globe have consciously chosen to leave their fast-paced lives, 9-5 jobs and move away from the city, live on their piece of land with their families, grow their food, home school kids and find inner peace by slowing down and doing simple things. They have consciously chosen not to give in to the hustle culture that promotes constant productivity and busyness and rather savour each moment, and focus on what truly matters.
For those who are not yet ready to take a big leap and disrupt their entire lifestyle, other ways can allow you to experience a slower lifestyle while living in the city and experience the best of both worlds. In this post, we will explore the concept of slow living and why it is so important in our modern society.
Hidden benefits of slow living
Beyond the well-known benefits of reduced stress and increased mindfulness, practising slow living also has less obvious advantages. Let’s explore some of the hidden benefits of Slow Living-
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Improved physical health - Prolonged stress may negatively affect our bodily health. The philosophy of slow living counteracts this by prompting people to place self-care on priority, heed to their body needs, and participate in actions that foster physical health. This might include consistent physical activities, rejuvenating slumber, and healthy eating practices.
Improved mental health - Residing in a persistent state of disorder, perpetually chasing targets, and tasks can result in problems such as long-term strain, sleep deprivation and may eventually cause a mental collapse. Reducing the speed at which you operate and adopting a more mindful approach to activities can aid in alleviating chronic stress, unease, ADHD and agitation symptoms by centring on breathing and fostering a consciousness of the current instance.
Enhanced mind-body connection - A person can be in one place but thinking about something else. Being healthy means the mind and body are balanced. Slowing down and being present can improve mental health. Embracing a slower lifestyle helps with self-reflection and feeling happy, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Improved creativity & performance at work - Taking things slowly can help your brain relax and think of new ideas. Being too busy keeps your mind stuck in a routine and stops it from being creative. Slowing down gives your brain a break and helps you come up with fresh thoughts. Relaxing can improve your brain function and help you perform better at work, in competitions, and at school.
Better relationships - Interestingly, embracing a slow pace of life promotes stronger bonds since it allows us to be entirely present with those we care about, and builds substantial links. As a result, our psychological well-being improves due to these healthier relations with others.
Simple strategies for incorporating slow living into your life
Slow living is not just a trend; it's a lifestyle choice that can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. By incorporating simple practices like mindfulness, yoga, and connecting with nature, individuals can experience reduced stress, improved mental clarity, and enhanced overall well-being.
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Below list of strategies below includes practices that have been tried and tested on clients and have worked well for them.
Practice slow yoga - Yoga serves as a powerful tool for cultivating a slow-living mindset. We will introduce the idea of using yoga as a means to find tranquillity and balance. Hatha, Yin, and Restorative yoga practices are particularly conducive to slow living, as they encourage deep relaxation, mindful movement, and inner reflection. We will provide an overview of these practices and explain how they promote a sense of calm and presence. To help readers integrate yoga into their slow living journey, we will share basic yoga poses and sequences that can be practiced at home.
Meditation & breathwork - Meditation and breathwork play vital roles in slow living. We will discuss how these practices help us cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and find inner peace. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) provide effective tools for slowing down our thoughts, cultivating present-moment awareness, and connecting with our breath. Readers will be able to try these techniques and incorporate them into their own slow-living practice.
Drinking water mindfully - Drinking water mindfully by speaking words of appreciation to it in a seated position can also help you slow down and be present. This simple act can create a moment of mindfulness in your day, allowing you to appreciate the nourishment and hydration that water provides to your body.
Short morning walks - Incorporating slow living into your daily routine doesn't have to be overwhelming. You can start by taking short morning walks for 10 minutes to connect with nature and clear your mind. By immersing yourself in the beauty of the outdoors and allowing yourself to move at a slower pace, you can set a peaceful tone for the rest of your day. These moments of tranquillity can help you center yourself, practice mindfulness, and appreciate the simple joys of life. Remember, slow living is all about savouring each moment and finding contentment in the present.
Sky gazing - Taking a moment to look up at the vast expanse of the sky can evoke feelings of awe and inspiration, sparking creativity and new perspectives. This simple act of connecting with the universe above can help you slow down, appreciate the beauty around you, and find moments of peace amid chaos. Incorporating sky gazing into your slow living routine can be a refreshing way to pause, reflect, and recharge your mind.
Grounding - Grounding techniques like power naps on the floor or walking barefoot on the ground can help you feel more connected to the earth. Eating on the floor or using low-floor seating in the Japanese style can bring a sense of mindfulness to your meals.
Tree Hugging - Engaging in activities like tree-hugging can serve as a powerful way to deepen your connection with nature and promote a sense of peace and tranquillity in your daily life. By taking the time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the natural world around you, you can cultivate a more intentional and fulfilling lifestyle that prioritizes self-care and mindful living. Whether you choose to spend time in a forest bathing in the healing energy of the trees or simply take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of a single leaf, incorporating nature-based activities into your routine can help you stay grounded and present in the moment.
Body scan meditation - It is a practice that involves systematically focusing one's attention on different parts of the body, from head to toe. This mindfulness technique can help cultivate a greater awareness of bodily sensations, emotions, and thoughts. By bringing attention to each area of the body, individuals can notice any tension or discomfort and learn to release it through deep breathing and relaxation. Body scan meditation is often used to promote relaxation and reduce stress, allowing individuals to let go of physical and mental tension.
Other slow movement practices - Other slow movement practices like Tai-Chi, and Qigong focus on gentle movements, breathing techniques, and meditation to enhance your overall well-being and connection to the present moment.
If you're interested in embracing slow living, here are some steps you can take to get started
Reflect on your current lifestyle and identify areas where you can slow down and simplify.
Set boundaries for technology use and make time for slow activities.
Practice mindfulness through the activities listed above.
Slowliving is not about being lazy or unproductive. It's about finding balance and being intentional with our time and energy. By embracing slow living, we can reduce stress, improve our mental health, and find more joy and fulfillment in our lives. So why not give it a try and see how it can positively impact your life?
If you're ready to embark on your journey towards slow living without compromising on your daily responsibilities and experience the many benefits it offers, we invite you to take the next step. Consider booking a free consultation with Raaga Yoga to get your personalized slow-living plan. It's time to prioritize your well-being, savour each moment, and discover the profound joy that slow living can bring to your life.
Love...Heal...Empower
Vani Wadhwa, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Vani Wadhwa is a certified yoga instructor (RYT 500) and she has been helping beginners and seniors improve mental health, strength & mobility through yoga and meditation since 2019. Her yoga journey started back in India at the age of 6. Since then, this practice has been a major part of her life. Slower Yoga practices like yin & restorative sound therapy played a major role in her healing journey after multiple head injuries left her with cognitive issues & learning difficulties. This is what led her to the path of teaching yoga and creating Raaga Yoga. She is dedicated to helping people develop a deeper connection to self and master self-healing through slow yoga & sound healing.
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