ASAP: As Slowly As Possible... The Art Of Slow Living

In a world where speed is often equated with success, slowing down might seem counterintuitive. As we rush from one task to the next, jumping between projects and glued to our devices... slowing down, resting and recharging might feel like taking ten steps back, but what if we said it would propel you ten steps forward?  

The hustle, bustle and busyness of everyday life can often leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected and unproductive. But there IS a way to break free from this cycle and live a more fulfilling, peaceful and calm life... As Slowly As Possible.  

What is the art of slow living?  

Slow living is a lifestyle choice, where you actively make the decision to slow down, take a step back, live mindfully and truly live in the present moment. It is about finding balance, prioritising what truly matters and fostering a deeper connection with the world around you.  Slow living isn’t just about completing tasks at a slower pace, but actively choosing to create a healthier balance in life and enhance your overall well-being. The art of slow living offers a refreshing, relaxing and transformative approach to life, where you give yourself the space to prioritise presence over productivity.   

In the fast-paced, ever-changing world we live in today, people rarely stop to smell the roses, to appreciate the first sip of coffee in the morning, to listen to the birds sing or to hug their loved ones a little longer. In the past few years there has been a surge in multi-tasking... drinking your coffee on the way to work, eating dinner while you catch-up on emails, switching between apps or tabs on your computer... the list is endless! We all fall victim to multi-tasking on a day-to-day basis, and while elements of habit-stacking can be very efficient, if your multi-tasking habits are causing you to reduce connection and move away from the present moment, you might need to re-evaluate your choices!  

Completing tasks at a leisurely, relaxing pace might appear counterproductive, but slow living prevents burnout and overwhelm, producing stronger work. 

When we say ASAP (As Slowly As Possible), we don’t literally mean walking at a snail pace or completing tasks in slow motion... it is more about being aware and being present. 

Here are some ways you can embody the art of slow living – the 3 M’s:  

Mindfulness, is at the heart of slow living. This involves being fully present and engaged with each moment, savoring every detail. You can practice mindful eating and really appreciate the flavours and textures, immerse yourself in a walk in nature or meditate regularly to cultivate a calm, quiet and focused mind. Be mindful about your time spent on social media. Disconnect to reconnect! Use this time to journal your innermost thoughts and feelings in The Head Plan Blank Journal, or plan out your goals and action steps to achieve your dreams in The Head Plan Journal. Use this time to better yourself, to deepen your connections and to become the best version of YOU!  

Minimalism, is more than having everything white and free of clutter! To be minimalist also means to be simplistic by having a clean mental and physical environment. Reduce your digital clutter and delete any old screenshots on your phone, any contacts you don’t need or apps you no longer reach for. Prioritise self-care and say no to tasks that don’t align with your current goals, this frees up time for things that really matter and will bring you peace or fulfillment. Prioritise peace and serenity at home, especially in your bedroom... this should be a place of calm and comfort. 

Meaningful Connections, fill your cup and increase your serotonin, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Often we take the people we are closest to for granted, presuming they will always be here and they are available whenever we want. We consider sitting on the couch in the evening with our partner quality time, or believe the 3-minute voice note to our friend while cooking dinner is catching up... Engaging in meaningful conversations, being fully present with those around us and appreciating the outer-world is exactly the grounding we all need.  

True Benefits of prioritising ASAP:  

Reduced stress and anxious thoughts – By slowing down and giving your undivided attention to one task at a time, you are focusing your mind on the task at hand, leading to mental clarity. Meditation helps quieten the mind when it feels like your thoughts are racing, bringing you back to where you are in the present moment and what truly matters.  

Greater sense of fulfillment – as you gain a greater appreciation for life and find joy in the simple moments, you begin to realise it really is the little things that are the big things. By making intentional choices and fostering a deeper appreciation for the slower moments and the moments that bring you the most joy. When you slow down, you can focus on what truly matters, aligning your actions and values. This enhances personal well-being and brings a lasting sense of peace, contentment and fulfillment.  

Improved relationships – Deepening your connections with your loved ones by prioritising quality time and being fully engaged in a relationship will provide a truly deeper sense of belonging. When we slow down, listen attentively and dedicate our full attention to our loved ones, we foster deeper connections, improving both our platonic and romantic relationships.  

Increased creativity and productivity – ever notice that your best ideas come in silence? This is not by chance! When you slow down and lean into the peace and quiet, you are giving your brain breathing space to be creative without any pressure. When you don’t feel rushed or under pressure, you can take time to reflect and brainstorm, producing higher quality work.  

Taking the first steps:  

When you are ready to begin embracing the art of slow living, start small. Take one step at a time, don’t try to climb the whole staircase in one day! Some ways we like to incorporate slow living into our days are: 

• Waking up earlier to have a leisurely breakfast. Start your day with a calm mind, without your usual morning rush. 

• Take a walk in your local park, by the sea, in the woods... anywhere that will allow you to connect with nature 

• Disconnect from technology and see all that you can accomplish! This doesn’t have to be a big to-do list with chores and tasks, you might choose to prioritise connection and spend engaging time with your loved ones.  

• Begin by decluttering one drawer, one corner, one table... take the first step towards eliminating unnecessary purchases you have accumulated.  
  

We often find solitude in the slow moments, the moments of peace, where we can truly reconnect with ourselves. Life can be busy and often feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to feel like this. ASAP is more than a lifestyle trend, where you go all guns blazing for a couple of weeks before reverting back to the hustle and bustle you wanted to escape.  

It’s time to be the happiest and healthiest version of yourself... YOU can make it happen. It’s time to take back control and take back your life... Embracing the art of slow living will create a more meaningful and enriching life! In a world that glorifies speed, trust yourself, trust the process and choose to live more intentionally and mindfully.