Simple steps to slowing down in 2023

Let's do this year differently

This New Year, I did things differently.

Instead of launching a new project and setting multiple new goals, I decided that this is the year I will do less. I have only one intention. That is to slow down. This intention will shape my entire year.

To achieve this, I am going to focus in on activities I already do regularly, but prioritising them further, and stopping the temptation to put them aside for work deadlines.

These include cooking, reading, writing & walking. I will continue my yoga and meditation practises, but these are so ingrained I didn’t feel the need to add them to my list.

These are the tools that I have chosen to slow down and live a quiet, content life that is completely authentic to me.

I thought I’d share some more ideas of how you can slow down this year, as I know that its something we would all love to do but struggle to achieve in this modern world. I’ve kept them small and simple, so anyone can incorporate them into their lives.

Set the right intentions

Rather than setting goals with end points, instead take some time to figure out how you want to live your life. Think setting the intention to move your body regularly, rather than having particular fitness goals.

A fun way to achieve this is to create a vision board. I completed one in Pinterest this year, which I’ve saved as my desktop background, so it can act as a reminder on what’s really important to me.

Done for the day list

Creating a schedule and to-do list can be a handy way to keep organised. I love a list!

However, we can feel tempted to overloud our lists and setting unrealistic targets that have us rushing around in our days.

Another option is to create a ‘done for the day list’. This has the dual purpose of making you prioritise what’s really important and also means you are more inclined to stop working when you’ve completed your tasks.

I try to have no more than 5 things on my to-do list every day. Within this, I always know what’s the one thing that’s most important and get that done first if possible.

Another important habit is to do one thing at a time, rather than trying to multi-task. It can feel counter-intuitive, but you will likely find that you actually get more done this way and are able to remain focused rather than getting frazzled being pulled into multiple directions.

Do nothing

When was the last time you did nothing? By this, I mean literally starting-into-space-nothing, not mindlessly staring at a screen.

Chances are, you don’t do this very often. In this modern world with all our distractions, the thought of doing nothing can feel uncomfortable. However, a few moments of quiet time can have a real impact on your mood and, subsequently, your day.

It gives you a chance to collect your thoughts. Breathe. Remember what is important.

This doesn’t have to take big chunks of your time. There are small moments in our days that present natural pauses. Such as waiting for the kettle to boil or standing in a queue. Instead of automatically reaching for your phone, or another distraction, take advantage of this time to do nothing.

A super simple but powerful act that can have a real impact.

Go outside daily

Getting outside is always a highlight of my day.

We are not meant to be inside all the time. Yet, when the weather is against us or we feel too busy/lazy, going outside doens’t feel especially inviting.

However, it is always worth it. Even a few lungful’s of fresh air can blow the cobwebs away. Leaving you feeling refreshed and grounded with the earth.

Try fitting this time into your daily schedule. Whether its a long hike out with the dog or a few moments standing in your garden with a cup of tea. It all counts.

Wake up slightly earlier

Don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest you start getting up at 5am!

Although I am an avid believer in the benefits of early rising, as I regularly get up between 5-5.30, even waking up a few minutes earlier can be a real gamechanger.

There is nothing worse than feeling rushed in the morning. It puts us in the wrong mindset for the rest of the day. If you tend to feel this way, try getting up 10-20 minutes earlier to give yourself space to breathe and savour the quiet before you start your day.

A top tip if you are tempted to hit snooze if to keep your alarm across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. Once you are up, you are much less likely to crawl back into bed!

Pick a slow hobby

Hobbies can really enrich our lives. They take us away from work to spend time on something for the pure enjoyment of it.

Why don’t you pick a slow hobby for 2023? This can be something you already do, but want to spend more time on it, or something you’ve always wanted to try.

Ideas include knitting/sewing/embroidery, painting/drawing/colouring, writing, baking, puzzles or gardening. If your pushed for ideas, trying Googling slow hobbies for some extra inspiration.

Find a quiet corner, turn off all distractions and just enjoy.

Take the slow option

We live in a world of convivence. We are used to turning to technology to get something done as quickly as possible.

Don’t get me wrong, this can super handy, especially when we are in a hurry.

However, there are also benefits to doing something slowly. It often leads us feeling more satisfied and can really enrich our lives.

Some ideas can include cooking from scratch, air drying laundry, walk rather than driving and writing a letter rather than an email. You don’t need to take the slow option every time, but try sprinkling more of this into your life in 2023.

Practise gratitude

This is my most important intention for 2023. We can be so busy working towards the next thing, that we forget to be grateful for what we have now. One of the quotes on my vision board summed this up nicely -

Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. Epicurus.

To incorporate this into your life, try writing down 3 things that you are grateful every day. Its a simple but powerful action that can change your entire life.

I hope you found these ideas helpful. I’ll be bring you along with my year of slow living and would love to hear what you do to slow down, so please do comment below.

Until next week,

Molly xx