Slow living is a lifestyle that celebrates mindfulness and intentionality in everyday life. It encourages people to be more present and take a step back from the fast pace of modern society. Slow living also fosters quality experiences and deeper social and emotional bonds with loved ones.
When families adopt a slower lifestyle, it helps them find joy in small moments and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Stephanie O’Dea, author of Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World, urges parents to make the most of family time. “Snuggle on the couch together, read the same book over and over and have fun squishing playdough on the kitchen countertop,” O’Dea says. “Embrace your inner child while learning everything you possibly can about your own [children]. Ask open-ended questions and listen deeply to answers.”
Embracing a slower paced lifestyle offers endless opportunities to make the most of family time and be fully present with your children. If that sounds like something you’d like more of, here are tips to incorporate the principles of slow living within your family:
- Prioritize family time. Make intentional time to do something together on a regular basis, whether it be playing a game, cooking a meal together or discussing interesting topics at the dinner table. Focus on connection with each other to foster stronger relationships and create lasting memories.
- Simplify your schedule. Choose a few activities each week that bring joy to your family and say no to filling every afternoon with unnecessary busyness. Allowing your children to relax or play together at home should be prioritized as much as structured activities.
- Encourage mindful eating. Instead of rushing through meals, sit down together, savor the food, and start a conversation. This helps promote mindful, healthy eating habits while strengthening family bonds.
- Limit screen time. Set screen time limits and encourage kids to play outside or find a creative outlet. Spending less time in front of screens helps families engage with each other, among a host of other benefits.
- Embrace nature. Go for a hike, plant flowers in the yard, watch the cloud formations overhead or head to the beach and listen to waves. Nature-based activities and fresh air encourage curiosity, improve mood and create a sense of calm.
- Practice gratitude. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for as a family. Practicing gratitude helps bring you closer to one another, fosters empathy and emotional bonds.
- Embrace play. Give your children the freedom to explore and play without structure. Either inside or outside, playtime helps spark creativity and develop problem-solving skills.
Other benefits of a slower lifestyle include:
- Reduced stress. Being mindful and more focused on the present leads to a reduction in stress and pressure caused by fast-paced lifestyle practices.
- Improved mental health. Fewer distractions foster less overwhelm and helps people focus on things that matter, fostering more contentment and alleviating feelings of anxiety and sadness.
- Stronger relationships. Slowing down creates more time for meaningful moments, intention and connection with loved ones.
- Increased creativity. Fewer tasks and a shorter to-do list make space for creativity and efficiency.
- Improved physical health. Slower living often includes a focus on self-care, such as getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious foods and spending time outdoors, all of which lead to better overall health and well-being.
Slow living boasts a path to a more balanced, fulfilling life where personal well-being and meaningful relationships take center stage. It allows families to prioritize what truly matters, enhances mental and physical health, and encourages appreciation of life’s simpler moments.
Amanda Cavallari is a lifestyle writer residing in San Diego.
