How to Slow Down

In a fast-paced world, the benefits of slowing down are endless. From the immense clarity you’ll receive to the additional time that seemingly appears out of left field, don’t let anyone tell you that slowing down won’t drastically increase your quality of life. On that note, we’re talking about a few ways you can slow down, no matter where you’re at on your journey.

READ MORE >> Ultimate Guide to Slowing Down

start saying no

Seriously, it’s about time you start saying no to things you don’t want to do.

If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.

That was one of the best lessons I learned when I embarked on my path of an alternative lifestyle. Not to say I didn’t learn it the hard way and completely burn out… More than one… Hell, more than twice. But hey, we all gotta learn somehow.

Don’t let yourself get to the point of pure overwhelm. Start now, and say no to everything and everyone that doesn’t light you up.

get quiet

I cannot express this enough. Meditation changed my life in all the best ways.

It wasn’t until I got quiet that I started hearing my inner voice. It wasn’t until I got quiet that I started noticing what emotions I was feeling rather than staying in denial (read: disassociating). Don’t wait until the universe slaps you upside the head to get you back on your path only to realize that you had been receiving pings the entire time.

Or do; I suppose it’s all a lesson anyways. Life will happen exactly the way it’s supposed to.

go on a slow walk without your phone

Taking a stroll without anywhere to go is powerful. Taking a stroll without a destination and without a phone/music/podcasts/photos to distract you is nothing short of magical.

Notice the sounds. Notice the sights. Get into each and every sense. Name the colors. Talk to yourself. Smile at every animal you meet.

You’ll be amazed what comes to you in this practice alone. Your next business idea? Your next travel destination? The solution to a problem you’ve been trying to solve for weeks. Some of my best problem solving happens when I’m out on a walk, not even kidding.

figure out what actually matters to you

And I don’t mean what you think should matter to you. I mean what actually matters to you.

This goes hand in hand with saying no. In all honesty, this step should probably come first because it’ll help you determine what’s actually a hell yes for you. Is going out every weekend drinking with your friends truly adding value to your life? If it is, more power to you. If you’re anything like me, and those two day hangovers are in no way worth it, then stop.

There’s absolutely no reason to do anything because you think you should. Don’t try to fit yourself into a box because you think that’s what others want from you. They’re going to perceive you based on their own projections anyways, so you might as well be unapologetically yourself.

cook a meal from scratch

I’ll admit that I still struggle with this, so I’m learning right there beside you. Cooking a meal from scratch benefits us in more ways than one.

First of all, the energy you’re in while you’re cooking (and eating) really matters. Keep that in mind as you follow a new recipe.

Make it a priority to connect with the food. Fill it with pure love. Think of the energy of a frozen meal that you heat up in the microwave. Now think of the energy of a home cooked meal infused with love, laughter, and good vibes. I’ll take the latter, please.

I hope this helped give you some ideas for how to take the slow route. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done for myself, and it’s my honor to pass along some of the important lessons I’ve learned since I began my journey to a slow lifestyle.

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