The art of slow living: 8 habits to say goodbye to for a happier, less stressful life

Slow living isn’t about doing everything at a snail’s pace; it’s about doing everything at the right pace. And in a society that’s always rushing, that usually means slowing down.

We often equate busyness with importance or productivity, but that’s not necessarily the case. Sometimes, we’re just spinning our wheels, caught up in habits that drain us rather than enrich us.

In this article, we’ll explore the art of slow living and identify 8 habits you might want to bid farewell to. By saying goodbye to these habits, you could welcome a happier, less stressful life. Who knows? Slow living might just be the speed you were meant to go all along.

Let’s dive in.

1) Embracing multitasking

In this fast-paced world, we often pride ourselves on our ability to multitask. Juggling multiple activities at once gives us a sense of accomplishment and productivity.

But here’s the thing – multitasking often leads to stress, mistakes, and a lack of focus. It’s like running on a hamster wheel; you’re moving a lot but not really getting anywhere meaningful.

The art of slow living invites us to focus on one task at a time. It’s about immersing yourself in what you’re doing, whether it’s washing dishes, reading a book, or having a conversation.

By saying goodbye to multitasking, you’re not just reducing stress. You’re also improving the quality of your work and your relationships.

It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing things more mindfully and effectively. And that starts with letting go of the habit of multitasking.

2) Being constantly connected

I must admit, I was a slave to my digital devices. From morning alarms to late-night scrolling, my day was punctuated with constant pings and notifications. It felt like I was always switched on, always available, and it was exhausting.

Slow living advocates for digital detoxes. It’s not about completely abandoning technology, but rather about setting boundaries.

I started small, turning off my notifications for a few hours each day. The quiet was strangely unsettling at first, but then it became liberating. I found time to read more, go for walks, even to just sit and think.

Let me tell you, the world didn’t end because I didn’t respond to an email within an hour. Instead, I found myself less stressed and more present in my daily life.

Disconnecting can be a powerful tool in slowing down your life. It allows you space and time to connect with yourself and your surroundings without any digital interruptions.

3) Prioritizing quantity over quality

In the world of fast fashion and disposable items, we’ve become accustomed to buying more for less. It’s easy to fall into the trap of accumulating things, thinking that more will make us happier.

However, research in the field of positive psychology has found that experiences, not possessions, are more closely related to happiness.

In the spirit of slow living, we should focus on quality over quantity. Instead of buying a new outfit for every occasion, consider investing in a few high-quality pieces that last longer. Instead of rushing through a packed itinerary on a trip, take time to really soak in a place and its culture.

By choosing quality over quantity, we can reduce waste, save money, and derive more satisfaction from what we have.

4) Living in the past or future

Are you guilty of dwelling on past mistakes or constantly worrying about the future? I know I was. It’s an easy trap to fall into and one that can rob you of experiencing the present moment.

Buddhism teaches us the concept of mindfulness, which is all about being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment. It’s about letting go of regrets and fears and focusing on the here and now.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego,” I delve deeper into how this ancient philosophy can be applied to modern living. It’s a treasure trove of wisdom that can help guide us on how to enjoy each moment as it comes, and not be overly consumed by what was or what might be.

Embracing mindfulness and saying goodbye to constant worry about past or future is a cornerstone of slow living. It allows us to fully experience life as it unfolds, moment by moment, reducing stress and increasing our overall happiness.

5) Over-scheduling

From morning till night, my calendar used to be a flurry of meetings, tasks, and social commitments. I was always on the go, trying to squeeze every minute out of the day. But in rushing through life, I realized I was missing it.

Slow living calls for a more balanced approach. It’s about being selective with your time and energy. It’s about learning to say no to things that don’t bring you joy or value.

I’ve learned to let go of my fear of missing out and instead embrace the joy of missing out. Now, my calendar has plenty of white spaces – times when I’m free to just be.

Letting go of over-scheduling doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means making space for what truly matters, whether that’s time for self-care, quality moments with loved ones, or simply time to breathe and enjoy the day.

6) Pursuing perfection

We often believe that perfection is the key to success and happiness. We strive for the perfect job, the perfect home, the perfect body. But in reality, this relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to stress and dissatisfaction.

Here’s the counter-intuitive part: embracing imperfection can actually make us happier and less stressed.

In Japanese aesthetics, there’s a concept called “wabi-sabi” which finds beauty in imperfection and transience. It’s about appreciating the flaws and embracing the natural cycle of growth and decay.

Saying goodbye to perfectionism allows us to appreciate the beauty in our perfectly imperfect lives. It eases the pressure we put on ourselves and enables us to find joy in the ordinary and mundane. So, let’s celebrate our quirks, our mistakes, our messy houses, and our unique journeys. After all, life isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty amazing nonetheless.

7) Ignoring self-care

We often put everyone else’s needs before our own, thinking that self-care is a luxury we can’t afford. But neglecting our own needs can lead to burnout and stress.

Slow living encourages us to prioritize self-care. It’s not about indulgence, but about understanding that in order to care for others, we first need to care for ourselves.

Self-care can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to relax with a cup of tea, going for a walk, or even just getting enough sleep. It’s about listening to your body and giving it what it needs.

So, say goodbye to ignoring self-care. Make time for yourself every day, even if it’s just a few moments of quiet reflection. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

8) Living life on autopilot

The biggest habit to say goodbye to for a happier, less stressful life is living on autopilot. Going through the motions without truly experiencing life can lead to dissatisfaction and stress.

Slow living is about embracing the present, being mindful, and truly engaging with each moment. It’s about making conscious choices and being an active participant in your own life.

So, switch off the autopilot and take control. Live intentionally, make mindful choices, and embrace the beauty of each moment. That’s the true art of slow living.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

Adopting the art of slow living is not about overnight transformation. It’s a journey, a gradual shift in mindset and habits.

The path to a slower, more meaningful life begins with awareness and intention. It’s about recognizing the habits that no longer serve us and consciously choosing to let them go.

Along the way, you may discover a sense of calm and contentment that was always there, just waiting for the noise to quiet down. You might find joy in simple moments, in the here and now, rather than constantly chasing after what’s next.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego,” I explore these concepts in depth, offering insights and practical tips on how to cultivate mindfulness and intentional living.

Saying goodbye to these eight habits is not an end, but a beginning. It’s the first step towards embracing a happier, less stressful life. So take a deep breath, slow down, and start your journey towards slow living today. The beauty of life is in each moment; all we need to do is pause, be present, and truly experience it.