Slow Living Activities

Living on my own for the first time has really changed my perspective on how I spend my time, but, not only that, it has changed my perspective of how I view my time as a whole.

I used to live in fear of wasting time – I always had to be productive.

Wasting time: what does that mean to my backwards brain exactly? Well, anything that doesn’t produce some sort of outcome; time that is, spent without anything to show for it.

I’ve spent the last 3-4 years changing my mindset around this – as it started giving me anxiety + I would do things half-heartedly just to get them done – to feel that I had been productive in one way or another. I am finally in a place where I find pleasure in ‘doing less’.

Lazy days, quiet moments, meandering without a plan – all of these can be just as fulfilling as a day filled to the brim.

Here is something that I’ve recently started to understand: Some days will be full of adventure and breathtaking moments; one in a million experiences, all-encompassing happenings. But not every day will be lived in this way. And – maybe more importantly – not every day needs to be lived in this way.

There is great comfort in simple. There is a wonder in little moments. There is magic in stillness.

And while I haven’t rid myself of this “productivity-is-above-all-else” mindset entirely, it is one that is strengthening every day.

If you are looking to bring simple pleasures and small activities into your days – ways to fill afternoons or wee hours of the morning without much effort or overthinking – continue reading below for some of my favourite slow-living activities.

Reading + a good beverage – a comforting cup of tea, my current favourite is Chai Latte
Cooking or preparing a meal – and eating it without doing anything else
Take a bath – add rose petals, oil or bath foam* for a dreamy touch
Forest Bathing – enjoying the scenery and the sounds of nature
Swimming at the beach – the chill of the water, the weightlessness of floating
Unplug – a time to redirect your attention or engage in activities you typically don’t turn to
Do a hair mask – a pampering activity that takes a bit of time but is worth it
Doing something that puts you into a flow state – a way to pass the time without even realising it – for me, is watching Lifestyle videos that inspire me to give my home some TLC
Laying in bed with the windows open – tranquillity without fuss – I absolutely LOVE doing this while snuggling up with my weighted blanket
Baking – it is always worth the effort to bake up your own little treats – I tend to bake bread a couple of times a week
Creating something with your hands – crafts, art, food, woodworking, flower bouquets…
Writing / Journaling – thoughts, brain dumps or creatively writing
Declutter one small area or a pile of stuff in your home – decluttering your physical space always has a good impact on your mental state
Listen to music and sing, dance or cry along – music is the most cathartic thing I know
Check-in with your partner – what do they need from you right now?
Visit a farmers market – I visit my local Farmer’s Market a couple of times a week and buy seasonal produce
Pick wildflowers to bring inside – bringing nature inside always adds life to your space
Care for plants or a garden – it’s always nice to nurture something outside of ourselves
Make an extravagant breakfast – breakfast just feels like a special meal to me. Go over the top with a full English fry-up or mountain of waffles
Sit and observe nature – feel the breeze move around you and the birds chirp above you
Go for a bike ride – a way to get outside and move your body while feeling the wind rush through your hair
Watch a movie without checking your phone – I can’t remember the last time I’ve done this. Hard, but worth it
Write a letter to your Future Self
Listen to a guided meditation – a way to get centred and quiet any ugly thoughts
Invite over friends for dinner – good food, good company, good times
Play board games, puzzle games* or card games – a little competition never hurt anybody
Have a picnic – nothing is better than eating outside in my opinion
Bundle up and walk through the snow – appreciate the way the snow lands on the trees or the crunch under your boots
Find some water – a stream, creek, lake, whatever, and just sit and listen
Forage for something and add it to your next meal – just be sure to be safe with what you harvest!
Go barefoot and get grounded – the beach, the grass, or the forest floor
Decorate your home for the season – fairy lights, garlands, seasonally inspired pieces…
Visit the library or a coffee shop to read, sip, study or write with a pretty atmosphere – a nice setting can make all the difference
Make a vision board or future journal/sketch – include things you dream to have, places you wish to go, or who you want to become
Deep clean your space – get to all the dust that collects in hidden corners, bringing freshness and newness to your home