The Slow Living Revolution

Why do we need to slow down?

Have you ever felt like you never had enough time to do anything?

Time has been the same since the Big Bang, but we constantly say, “I don’t have enough time.”

Our to-do lists never end and in 2019, the World Health Organization declared burnout a syndrome.

Research has shown that people under 35 are the most stressed generation yet, due to a combination of career and personal life pressures.

I joined the “Slow living” and the “Simple Living” channels on Reddit, which have over 2.8 million members seeking a new way of life.

This is the slow-living revolution

What is Slow Living and why could it save us from the Hustle Culture?

Slow living is a lifestyle that aims to reconnect with our natural and inner rhythms by finding balance in this fast-paced modern world. It originated in Italy in the 1980s, alongside the Slow Food Movement, as a response to globalization, capitalism, and consumerism.

In the past two decades, society has become increasingly rigid, demanding, and above all, fast-paced, with a focus on working hard, multitasking, intense competition, productivity, success, little time for family and friends, constant comparisons, and ultimately, burnout.

Some individuals are beginning to question whether this hectic lifestyle and hustle culture is the right way of living and what kind of benefits it brings. I personally know many millennials who thrive on feeling rushed and always busy, as it makes them feel “alive.”

However, this type of behavior has negative consequences. If you enjoy being in a hurry, it may be because you don’t want to take time to reflect on yourself and your life. Perhaps you don’t want to confront reality and the truth. But eventually, you will need to, and slow living can be a helpful tool.

However, most of us have full-time jobs, likely in a big city, so it’s not easy to abandon everything immediately and move to the countryside.

But this should not stop you from incorporating the principles of slow living into your life

Why should you consider adopting slow living in your life?

Our current lifestyle is not sustainable for human beings: our bodies and minds are not equipped to handle such high levels of stress and anxiety.

Everything evolves rapidly and we view it as progress and modernity: the fear of missing out (FOMO) is becoming more widespread than ever, and we tend to believe that the more we stay updated, the more accepted we will be by the world.

But what if we take a moment to reflect and ask ourselves: is this truly progress? Am I living the life I truly want and am I aware of it?

So, why should you consider adopting slow living in your life?

1. To feel less stressed

We all recognize that stress is one of the primary contributors to chronic illnesses, and we understand the importance of reducing it.

By embracing a slow living lifestyle, we can significantly reduce our stress levels. Even if we live in a busy city or are facing challenges, changing our mindset to prioritize slowing down can bring unexpected benefits.

💡I find that practicing a short meditation session through the Meditopia app and writing a few lines in my gratitude journal app help me decrease my stress levels. It is normal to experience stress, so the most helpful approach may be to surrender and stop resisting it.

2. To avoid burnout and being overwhelmed

Thanks to embracing a slow-paced lifestyle, we can learn to recognize and prevent burnout and alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed.

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized burnout as a syndrome and emphasized the need for treatment. Although it is often used interchangeably with stress, burnout is primarily related to our work lives.

If you feel that your job is taking a toll on you and you are experiencing symptoms of burnout, it is important to speak with your doctor and therapist to understand the underlying causes and find a solution.

If there seems to be no solution, consider quitting, if possible — don’t waste your time and risk your health. I personally experienced burnout in front of my manager and she didn’t understand what was going on, which was not enjoyable.

💡To reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, I am trying to avoid writing to-do lists. Although I love them, I’ve noticed that they add additional pressure to complete tasks. Instead, it may be more beneficial to assess whether a task is truly essential or if it can be postponed. A more effective strategy is to use the Eisenhower Matrix to schedule daily tasks.

3. To rediscover your inner child

As we grow older, we tend to forget the joys and fun of our childhood. But we all know that children have much to teach us. Let’s take the opportunity to learn again.

Recently, I was having a glass of sparkling white wine with a friend and we had a lovely chat about our hobbies and passions. She used to be a ballerina, but once she became an adult, she no longer had time for dance.

She realized that despite running her own bar with her husband and taking care of her daughter, she still needed art in her life. So, she enrolled in a theater course.

Now, she is brimming with excitement and has rediscovered the joy of learning and having fun.

Even if you are a grown-up, don’t let go of your inner child. Make time for your hobbies and passions — drawing, singing, crafting, baking, painting, playing board games, sewing, playing musical instruments, theater, reading, writing that novel (even if no one is going to read it), sports, horse riding, trekking, or anything else that brings a smile to your face and helps you relax.

💡Do something just for yourself, without the need to share it on social media. Find a sense of fulfillment that doesn’t depend on instant gratification or algorithms.

Just do it because you enjoy the process, not because you want to show the world the end result.

4. To focus on what really matters to you

Slow living is like a wake-up call in life, making you aware of what truly matters to you; the Eisenhower Matrix can be useful again.

When you choose to slow down, you have to let go of things and people that drain your energy.

💡 It’s time to start saying “NO.”

Saying “NO” is an act of courage, just like slow living, as there may be judgmental opinions around the corner.

However, slow living helps by focusing on what is truly important to you, and what brings value to your life. There is no need to feel ashamed of this.

5. To fully enjoy your moments with family and friends

Last night, I spent time with my grandmother playing cards. While the rest of the family was occupied with talking and checking on their social media, I focused on the present moment and actively observed her.

I paid attention to her movements, expressions, and the way she handled her cards. I was completely present with her and will always remember those moments.

Slowing down and being mindful allows us to connect with our human senses, body language, and tone of voice. It feels rejuvenating to practice “here and now” from time to time.

💡A simple way to incorporate this daily is through “mindful eating.” This means focusing on your meal as you eat and savoring each bite and sip. Eating food is a great opportunity to slow down and can be done three times a day, so there’s no excuse not to try it. You can also try this exercise while enjoying a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Attempt to savor the aroma, identify the various herbs present, and engage your senses.

What are the main ingredients for slow living ?

No one sets a recipe for slow living; you have to create your own. However, here are the key ingredients to help you get started:

• Move to the countryside (if possible and desired)
• Focus on self-care and beauty routines
• Mental well-being: practice mindfulness and minimalism
• Physical wellness: running, gym, yoga, and exercise
• Stimulate creativity through reading, writing, and drawing
• Embrace the hygge lifestyle
• Tend to your plants
• Bake nutritious treats and experiment with wholemeal recipes while practicing mindful eating

Choose one and start your journey today!

Why is slow living considered a revolution?

Slow living is a sort of revolution as those who embrace this way of life go against society, and it’s never easy to go against the norm.

It may be easier to conform when surrounded by peers, but this is not possible for some of us.

Slow living allows you to not be productive all the time and to regain your time through what was referred to as “otium” and leisure time.

It enables you to not be swayed by trends and algorithms.

It enables you to feel grateful for simple things and to stop searching for happiness because you are already content, which is different. Happiness refers to a temporary feeling of joy or pleasure, while being content is a longer-lasting feeling of satisfaction.

My personal experience

I began my journey in 2022 due to a prolonged stay at home caused by COVID-19 and pneumonia. At the time, I was blaming myself for being sick, feeling like I shouldn’t be and wasn’t allowed to.

Sickness at home made me realize how quickly life can change and how quickly our mindset can shift.

I realized the importance of having a close family, living in a less polluted environment, and looking within to discover what was making me ill.

I then found the courage to leave my former job and found a new one. Now, I am embracing the change and seeing what the future holds.

Being at home forced me to slow down and confront the truth, and I now choose to live intentionally.

And you know what? I am loving the journey 🌟

So, I have decided to start an Instagram page about mindful eating, wine, and slow living. If you would like to join me on this adventure, follow @slowsparklingroot where you will find weekly inspirational posts to remind you to slow down a bit.

I hope my story inspires you to reflect on what truly matters in life. Please let me know in the comments section what your opinions are on this matter.

With love and gratitude, always,

Alessandra 🧡