In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of slow living has gained popularity as a way to counteract the constant hustle and find a sense of peace and contentment in our daily lives.
And let me tell you, I have first-hand experience…
I’ll explain! For me, embracing slow living has become a transformative journey. It all began with my relentless pursuit to have it all and do it all…, but the toll it was taking on my health pushed me to the brink of burnout and chronic illness. It was in that dark space that I found solace and healing in adopting a slow-living lifestyle.
It’s not easy, but…I can tell you that it all starts with a carefully crafted daily routine. In this blog post, I will share with you the exact daily routine I’m using to finally embrace slow living….
Table of Contents
Embracing Slow Living Starts with a Morning Routine
One key element in my slow living journey has been to establish a morning routine. This intentional practice sets the tone for the rest of the day, allowing me to focus my first and best energy on my quiet time and devotional.
Each morning, I dedicate time and space for God to speak in me and through me. As part of this practice, I have also started writing my own devotional each day. (Stay tuned for when I get ready to publish my very own devotional! I can’t wait to share it with you all!)
The best approach has been to wake up earlier to give myself time to engage in my spiritual morning routine fully. I don’t hit the mark every day, but I’m trying to be intentional with the ways in which I start my day… not checking email, socials, or anything else until I do the following:
- Journal – get my thoughts down on paper
- Quiet time – to pray & do my bible study or daily devotional
- Write my own devotional draft – based on what the Lord puts on my hear that day
- Workout – move my body and get the blood pumping before workday
Btw, Check out my 30-Day Self Love Journal – it’s the exact format I follow each month 🙂
Carving Out Dedicated Time for Deep Work
Another important aspect of my slow living routine is carving out dedicated deep work time. What’s deep work?
Deep work refers to a state of focused, uninterrupted concentration that allows us to accomplish cognitively demanding tasks effectively and produce high-quality work. By minimizing distractions and sustaining focus, deep work enhances productivity, creativity, and innovation.
By setting aside uninterrupted blocks of time, I can give my best creativity and allow my thoughts to flow freely. This focused time allows me to knock out tasks and dive deep into projects without any distractions. (Like writing this blog post, for example 🙂 )
It’s amazing how much more I can accomplish and how much more fulfilled I feel when I prioritize and protect this time for deep work. It does take some discipline, and turning off notifications or turning on ‘Do Not Disturb’ is definitely the way to get started!
Stepping Away for Lunch and Real Nourishment
In the past, I used to live off protein bars and coffee all day, neglecting the nourishment my body really needed – especially since I was training for Ironman, goodness!
However, I learned the hard way through burnout and chronic illness that this approach is not sustainable.
Now, part of my slow living routine includes taking a break for lunch and stepping away from screens. Even if it’s just 15-20 minutes, I prioritize eating real, whole foods and giving myself the much-needed space to recharge. Most days, this means just moving to the kitchen counter from our home office to make myself a salad with animal-based proteins.
Some days, it can still be a challenge to remind myself that I do have time to eat and step away, but I’m working on it!
Not to mention, when we eat at our screens, we tend to overeat or not get the nourishment we need…
Read: HOW I’M HEALING ON AN ANIMAL-BASED KETOVORE DIET
Taking a Walk for Mental and Physical Reset
A short walk in the middle of the day has become an integral part of my slow living routine. Even if the snow, ice, and cold keeps me inside, I will walk around the house or hit the elliptical for 10-15 minutes. (You would be surprised how much a few 10min jaunts can add up?)
Plus, numerous studies and research highlight the benefits of a brief walk for our brain and body. When I step outside and immerse myself in nature, even if it’s just a walk along the little trail behind my house, I experience a powerful mental and physical reset.
Walking regularly has been scientifically proven to boost cognitive function, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Walking increases blood flow to the brain, resulting in the secretion of hormones that facilitate the growth of new neurons, thereby enhancing the overall functioning of the brain.
Have you ever returned from a quick walk and seemed to have all the clarity and answers you were lacking before? That’s why…
Sometimes, I take my dogs with me on a walk, while other times, I choose to walk alone. Either way, this break in the action always resets my mind and body.
Officially Sign Off At The End Of The Day
The lines between work and home have become blurred, making it difficult to switch off and fully immerse ourselves in the present moment.
However, if we truly want to embrace a slow living lifestyle, it is vital to establish boundaries and prioritize our loved ones.
Setting aside dedicated time after the workday, whether it’s at 5 pm or 6 pm or any other chosen hour, allows us to reconnect with our spouse and family members.
By consciously signing off from work and giving our undivided attention to those who matter most to us, we create lasting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
When we reflect back on our lives, it won’t be the completed projects, or work travels that leave an indelible mark, but rather the people who supported us along the way.
Create time and space to cultivate meaningful connections and create real, enduring memories.
Wind Down with a Bedtime Routine for Restful Sleep
Just as a morning routine sets the tone for the day, a bedtime routine prepares my mind and body for a restful night’s sleep.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of quality sleep for our well-being. Obviously, there is TONS of research that supports our need for good sleep. But it’s often the first thing to fly out the window when we get overwhelmed and stressed – right?
To signal to my body that it’s time to rest, I have set an alarm on my iWatch for 9 PM, reminding me to start winding down. Admittedly, sometimes, I ignore it, but for the most part, it’s the routine I like to keep.
Snag my iWatch here!
I turn off screens, decompress, and engage in activities that prepare me for deep, rejuvenating sleep. I brush my teeth, read my book, and turn on my white noise machine.
Btw, I highly recommend this one!
It’s amazing how this intentional routine has improved the quality of my sleep and, consequently, my overall well-being. It really will all be there tomorrow, I promise!
READ: HOW TO DETOX YOUR SLEEP ROUTINE
Start Slow Living Anytime, Anywhere
Slow living is not limited to a specific location or a particular phase of life; it is a mindset and a choice to prioritize what truly matters. You can start embracing slow living anytime, anywhere.
It just takes a few intentional decisions, made consistently over time, to add up to a slow life, a meaningful life, and a life well-lived.
Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progress.
The Wrap-Slow Living Routine
In conclusion, embracing slow living has been a transformative experience for me. By establishing a morning routine, prioritizing deep work, taking time for nourishing lunches, going on walks, and winding down with a bedtime routine, I have found a profound sense of peace and contentment in my daily life.
I encourage you to start small and find your own slow living routine, customizing it to meet your needs and desires.
With each intentional step you take, you’ll be one step closer to embracing the beauty of slow living.
I’m cheering you on!
XO,
Jules
Consider supporting my work!
