A Simple Daily Routine That You Will Actually Love

 

A simple daily routine can structure our day and help us achieve more. While not everyone is a big fan of routines, I believe that anyone can benefit from having a general idea of what their day will be like. 

 

Some people say routines are boring and take excitement away from life. I am all in for doing things spontaneously as they come but also believe that a routine can help you stay on top of important things. 

 

Before we break down a simple daily routine, let’s understand what a routine is and why you should have a routine in the first place.  

 

What is a Routine?

 

A routine is a set of activities. It mostly consists of habits and deliberate actions that you do to achieve an outcome, often in the long run.

 

You can do routines in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Or a routine can be more specific such as an exercise routine or a skin-care routine. 

Why you should have a Routine

 

Routines act as a roadmap for our day-to-day lives. By having a routine, you can save up your limited energy otherwise spent on thinking about what to do next. 

 

Having a routine with some flexibility allows you to get straight into the important work while still having open slots to do things that pop up spontaneously and when there is a change of plans.

 

That is why it is so important to have a simple daily routine that is not too packed but still covers the important things and has plenty of breaks and free time.

 

This post will cover a simple morning, work, and evening routine that you can use to create a simple daily routine that works for you. 

 

Morning Routine

 

1. Wake up early

 

Becoming an early riser is one of the best habits you can start. The hours of early morning are said to be the best time for productivity and focus. 

 

By going to bed early and waking up well rested, you are already ahead of the majority of people giving you plenty of time to do things slowly but well. 

 

2. Drink a glass of water

 

As soon as you wake up, drink a tall glass of water and hydrate your body. Especially if you sleep in an air-conditioned room, the body can be quite dehydrated by the time you wake up. 

 

3. Brush

 

Next is to brush and wash your face to freshen up and begin your morning routine.  

4. Move your body

 

Energize your body by doing some form of movement. Some people prefer to go for a walk or run while others prefer to do yoga or a full workout in the gym. 

 

It’s really up to you. You could also be creative and do different exercises on different days. 

 

5. Shower and skin care

 

After exercising, it’s time to take a cold shower. It’s a great way to wake up your body and relax your muscles after a workout. 

 

Cold showers are also linked to many health benefits. 

 

6. Meditate

 

After your shower, it’s time to focus on your mental and emotional well-being. A short 10-20 minute meditation is a great way to begin your day with clarity, focus, and calmness. 

 

Below are some great posts on meditation we have covered on the blog before if you’d like to learn more. 

 

• How to make meditation a habit
• What is Mindfulness Meditation?
• A Beginner’s Guide to Zazen Meditation

 

7. Read

 

Once you’re done with your meditation, brew yourself a cup of tea or coffee and spend the next 20-30 minutes reading.

 

You can read a book of your choice, an article, or simply catch up on world news whichever you feel like on any given day. 

8. Breakfast

 

Make yourself a healthy breakfast and ensure you’re starting your day with the right nutrition and fuel in your system.

 

Work Routine

 

1. Do the most important, and difficult tasks

 

Once you’re ready for work, it’s time to strategically tackle your work day. By keeping it simple yet smart, you can get the most out of the hours you spend at work. 

 

Always remember, in the morning when you’re fresh and well rested, your mind will be at its peak. Spend this time to tackle the most important and difficult tasks. 

 

2. Attend to emails and calls

 

Once you have your most important tasks out of the way, it’s time to reply to your emails and calls. You can also set two time blocks per day for emails and calls.

 

The important thing is not to make the mistake of jumping on emails in the middle of important tasks and losing your focus. 

 

3. Meetings or less productive tasks

 

While some meetings are important, most of them aren’t. In my personal experience, most meetings I attend are unnecessary and can be done over a call or email. 

 

So it would be smart of you to schedule them for the afternoon when you’re done with the important stuff. 

 

4. Plan for the next day

 

Every day, before heading home make a plan for your next day. Decide what are the important tasks for tomorrow and what can be done after that.

 

That way, you’re ready to tackle the actual work as soon as you start your workday. 

 

Evening Routine

 

1. Light exercise

 

Once you’re back from work, especially if you’re an office worker it’s a great idea to do some light exercise to counter all the sitting.

 

Some light yoga or stretching can be a great way to give your body the exercise it needs. 

 

2. Shower

 

Follow that with a nice warm shower or bath to prepare your body for winding down and the rest of your evening routine. 

 

You can add some bath salts to your bath for added relaxation and comfort. 

 

3. Early dinner

 

Make it a habit to eat dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime to give yourself enough time for digestion. 

 

Experts say there are health benefits of having an early dinner such as better digestive health, improved energy levels, and blood sugar control. 

 

4. Brew some tea

 

After dinner, brew yourself a nice cup of chamomile or valerian root tea that has been linked to inducing sleep. 

5. Brush and skin care

 

Brushing and skincare should be an important part of your evening routine to ensure good oral and skin health. It will also make you feel good and ready for bed. 

 

6. Read, Journal, or Meditate

 

Doing some reading, journaling or a short meditation for sleep is a great way to incorporate mindfulness into your evening routine. 

 

7. Lights out

 

Try to go to bed latest by 10 pm. This ensures you get enough sleep if you’re targeting to be up by 6 am. You cannot compromise on sleep if you want to have a productive day without feeling burned out and tired. 

 

A simple daily routine will look a little different for every person. But the above gives you a general example of how a simple day should be structured.

Simplify Your Finances With These Steps – 10 Proven Strategies

 

Finances are one of the biggest stressors for many people, whether it’s due to a shortage of money, high expenses, paperwork, overdue payments, etc. 

 

By simplifying your finances and having a plan to manage them, you can overcome the stress caused by them. 

 

If you’re feeling that your monthly finances have become too difficult to manage and started to impact your mental well-being, it may be time that you took a different approach and simplify your finances. 

 

Why is Money so Stressful?

 

Everything costs money. Our economies and lives run on money today. Your ability to put a roof over your head, pay bills, have food, access healthcare, educate your children, and give your family a good life depends on having enough money. 

 

And when you don’t have enough of it, it can burden the well-being of yourself and your family. 

 

Just earning money isn’t enough, you also need to learn to manage your money, allocate it to the right things, and have a plan to save for the future. (Unless you’re very rich and don’t have to even think about money)

 

And that’s where simplifying your finances becomes important. 

How you can Simplify your Finances

 

1. Make a budget

 

The first thing you should do to simplify your finances is to create a monthly budget. You know how much money you make either as a couple or individual. 

 

Set aside your expenses and savings, and decide how much money you have to spend for the entire month. Your lifestyle should be in alignment with this budget. This means your spending on food, entertainment, and other expenses should not go beyond what this budget can afford. 

 

2. Pay your expenses first

 

As soon as you get paid, set aside the money needed to cover all your monthly expenses. This should cover debts, rent, utility bills, subscriptions, and other living expenses. 

 

3. Categorize spending

 

Once your expenses are paid, you should categorize the balance of your salary into things such as savings, food, entertainment, healthcare, and any other things you may spend money on. 

 

4. Digitalize paperwork

 

Finances are an area that generates a lot of paper clutter. Invoices, statements, receipts, and agreements can all create a lot of clutter and confusion.

 

Overcome this by going paperless and opting for digital receipts. Not only will this save you lots of time and space taken up by paper clutter, but make it so much easier to access them later if you need to. 

 

5. Limit credit or high-interest debt

 

Credit cards are a great option for rainy days or travel points. However, having too many credit cards can lead to overspending without being aware of high interest rates. 

 

Unless you’re very savvy with it, you may find yourself having to pay high interest rates due to missing payments on time. Stick to one credit card and make sure you’re always on top of your credit card repayments.

 

The same goes for high-interest debt such as loans. Take a loan if you must, but be mindful of how much you can afford to repay monthly without going into further debt. Some people have gone into massive debt due to mismanagement of loans. 

 

6. Have fewer accounts

 

If you have multiple accounts in different banks, think again. Do you need them? Or even use them? If you have some money sitting in those accounts, then ask yourself why. 

 

Unless there is a great reason like high interest rates on a savings account, you should move them to a consolidated savings account.

 

You don’t need many accounts. One current account for your daily expenses and two savings accounts (one for long-term savings and one for short-term savings should be enough).

 

It will become much easier to manage your finances and see exactly where you are with your accounts.

 

7. Automate your savings

 

This is a major step. We all say that we will save but never come around to do that. Something will always come up and our savings are how it gets paid for. 

 

The solution? Automate your savings. As soon as you get paid, 10 or 20 percent of your income goes into your savings account. 

 

That way, you learn to work with the rest and adapt your lifestyle to fit the budget you have. 

8. Set fewer goals at a time

 

Having too many goals, financial or nonfinancial can cause stress on you as well as your bank account. For instance, buying a home, repaying all your debts, saving for a world trip, starting your own business, etc all at once can complicate things.

 

Instead, have one or two goals per year and work fully on those. This will ensure that your efforts are not being splattered into too many things and make you feel like you’re making little to no progress. 

 

9. Invest in mutual funds instead of individual stocks

 

If you ask any financial expert for advice, they will tell you to invest to grow your money and let it work for you. 

 

And I couldn’t agree more. But the reality is investing is not that simple. Stocks are complicated, crypto is complicated, and it requires a lot of time and effort to learn and manage your hard-earned money. 

 

Instead, talk to a financial expert and explore options such as mutual funds. This will allow you to have a more hands-free approach and let a trusted expert handle your investment. 

 

10. Track and Review

 

Simplifying your finances is a lot easier once you have these steps and systems properly implemented. Money is something you deal with on a daily basis. Hence it does require you to spend some amount of time managing it. 

 

By tracking and reviewing your spending, savings, debts, and loans as well as investments as much as you can, ideally, once a week, you can stay on top of things and hopefully not stress too much about it. 

 

I hope that you found the above steps and strategies helpful in simplifying your finances and ensuring that you’re making progress every month to eventually achieve your financial goals.  

20 Minimalist Habits To Simplify Your Life

 

A little bit about Minimalism and Minimalist Habits..

 

By adopting minimalist habits, you create more space in your home and life for things that serve a bigger purpose.

 

Minimalism is a lifestyle where you own less, and live simply. It doesn’t mean you live a poor life but one that only has space for things that add value to your life. 

 

Minimalist habits are not just about owning and buying less materialistic things. It’s also about your lifestyle, relationships, and mindset. 

 

If your current lifestyle is one of materialism, overconsumption, and lack of purpose, minimalism might be a great way to turn it around. 

 

Below are some simple minimalist habits to help you get started on this journey that can change your life for the better. 

Simple Minimalist Habits that can change your life

 

1. Budgeting

 

Watching your spending is one of the first habits you can develop to become a minimalist. To do this, you need to create a monthly budget. 

 

Having a monthly and weekly budget can help you minimize spending, only buy what’s necessary, and get into the minimalist mindset. 

 

2. Grocery Shopping

 

Grocery shopping is a great way to practice slow living and be mindful of your eating habits. Minimalism is also about not overeating, overspending on food yet eating enough and nourishing food.

 

I can’t think of a better way than buying your groceries and learning some simple, healthy, and delicious recipes. 

 

3. Meal Planning

 

Today’s modern lifestyle for most of us means, eating out and ordering in during our meal times. I do understand that most of us are busy and do not have time to cook all our meals.

 

However, if you plan it out right and are disciplined, you can easily create a meal plan that will cover the majority of your meals during the week. 

 

Doing meal prep and cooking in batches is a great way to cut down on time and have your meals ready to eat. It is also a good way to cut down on food expenses and nurture food minimalism. 

 

4. Carry your water bottle 

 

Plastic waste is one of the biggest contributors to environmental pollution. It’s so evident simply by looking at the number of plastic bottles on the streets, oceans, beaches, and everywhere in public. 

 

Minimalists care a lot about their carbon footprint too. Carrying your water bottle and refilling it can be a great way to do your part in reducing single-use plastic consumption and saving Mother Nature. 

 

5. Decluttering

 

Clutter is one of the most relatable words when it comes to minimalism. Minimalists hate clutter and always try to keep their homes free of it. 

 

We all know how easy it is for paper and other clutter to keep gathering throughout the week. Cleaning every day may not be an option, but if you just make it a habit to throw out clutter as it comes without letting it hang around, you’ll have very little to throw away later.

 

Decluttering is one of the key minimalist habits. To keep your home, workspace, and other aspects of life clutter-free and with enough space, you should be doing a proper decluttering session at least once a month. 

6. Cleaning

 

Being a minimalist is about keeping your home and surroundings clean and organized. Just like everyone else, Minimalists also have jobs and responsibilities meaning they can get busy and not have the time daily to keep everything organized.

 

Having a weekly cleaning schedule is a great way to ensure you get rid of all unnecessary clutter, dust, and anything else that doesn’t belong in your home. 

 

7. Donating

 

Even if you’re a minimalist and do not buy a lot of things, there are other ways to accumulate things over time. For instance, I only buy clothes once a year or so. But I get clothes, shoes, and other stuff as gifts from people close to me. 

 

This means, I still end up with many things that I don’t necessarily buy on my own. There are so many people in the world who do not have this kind of privilege and are in dire need of clean clothes and other things. 

 

Find some good charity organizations in your area and make it a habit to donate things that you’ve had for a while but do not use. It can help someone in need while saving up space in your home. 

 

8. Mindful spending

 

Finances are a big part of minimalism. Minimalists are careful with their spending and ensure they avoid unnecessary spending. 

 

Whenever you’re paying for something, below are some good questions to ask yourself.

 

1. Do you need it?
2. Is it going to add value to your life?
3. Is there a cheaper alternative?
4. Are you getting the best deal?

 

Once you answer the above, you will be in a better position to decide if that purchase is justified.

 

9. Mindful consumption

 

Another minimalist habit to start is mindful consumption. If you consume excessively, then you will also most likely need to spend excessively. 

 

This is not to be misunderstood as not having enough. You need to have an adequate amount of food, clothing, tech, and other materials as well as experiences. 

 

But do you need a house full of clothing, multiple restaurant meals per week, and five annual vacations? The answer is no. 

 

10. Reusing whenever possible

 

A lot of the single-use items we get can be reused. As a minimalist, you should always consider reusing whatever is possible. 

 

Everyday items such as plastic bags, jam jars, and beer bottles can be reused in many ways. For instance, plastic bags can be used as dustbin bags, jars and bottles as plant and flower holders, food waste can be turned into fertilizer, etc. 

11. Choosing quality over quantity

 

Things like fast fashion are trending and it’s becoming more and more normal to always have new things. But does it add value to your life? 

 

By choosing quality over quantity, you can buy less and use them for longer. It not only saves up space but also can be a long-term financial saving.  

 

12. Digitalizing 

 

Today, we are blessed with technology and we should take full advantage of it. As a minimalist one of the best ways to utilize technology is by digitalizing all your receipts and paperwork.

 

Not only will it save you valuable time but reduce paper clutter and give you easier access to find them later when you need them. 

 

13. Digital Detox

 

Technology is great until you become controlled by it. Nowadays, we see a lot of people who spend too much time on social media. Sometimes to the point where it starts impacting their mental health.

 

Doing regular digital detoxes by taking social media breaks is one of the best minimalist habits to keep your head clear and be in alignment with your true values. 

 

14. Blocking time for Admin work

 

As adults, we have a lot to do outside of work. Taking care of your expenses, mortgage, loans, household responsibilities, family, etc are associated with some sort of admin work.

 

By creating a time block every other week, you can stay on top of things without stressing about it. 

 

15. Saying No

 

Life throws a lot of stuff at us. This includes opportunities, things, activities, and people. To become a minimalist, your mantra should be less is more. 

 

This means you need to learn to say no to most things and only yes to things that improve your life in some way. 

16. Keeping a simple schedule 

 

Keeping a simple schedule is one of the most important minimalist habits. By only scheduling a few important things per day, you can do those things well and more mindfully.

 

I do understand that what needs to be done at work may sometimes be beyond your control. But most things before and after work are. 

 

17. Choosing experiences over things

 

Another great minimalist habit is choosing experiences over things. Experiences add value to your life, things take up your space. 

 

Things will eventually wear out and you’ll have to throw them away. But experiences stay with you forever. 

 

18. Less multitasking

 

Minimalism is also about how you live. It’s about living simply. And to live simply you should try not to do too many things at once. 

 

Except for the times that you have no choice but to multitask, you should always try to do one thing at a time and do that more mindfully. 

 

19. Journaling

 

Journaling is a great way to regulate your thoughts and keep you centered around your lifestyle choices. It can help you stay true to your minimalist lifestyle and understand why you live a certain way. 

 

20. Expressing gratitude 

 

Living a life of gratitude is how you experience a life of abundance. Some people are never happy no matter how much they have. 

 

Others are happy with so little. The difference is in their mindset and beliefs. By practicing gratitude daily, you can feel happy with a minimalist lifestyle and know that you have enough to live a happy and meaningful life.  

 

And there it is. With these minimalist habits, you can soon get rid of all the mental and physical clutter in your life and start living more intentionally. 

Minimalism Simplified – Your Guide To A Minimalist Lifestyle

 

While a minimalist lifestyle usually means owning less, it doesn’t mean a poor life. If anything, minimalism creates more space to express life in ways that are beyond physicality.

 

A house full of stuff doesn’t mean a rich life if most of them have little to no use. A clutter-free home and mind have more potential to create a life that is about enriching experiences and growth. 

 

What is Minimalism?

 

Minimalism by definition is a style in art and design that uses very few elements to create work that is simple, elegant, and mostly empty.

 

A minimalistic lifestyle is a way of living where one possesses things that only add value to one’s life in some form or way.

 

By things, I do not only mean physical things that you own. But also, what you spend your energy and time on, the relationships you have as well as the digital footprint you have. 

 

A Glimpse into the History of Minimalism…

 

The minimalism movement roots back to the 1960s and 1970s when artists started favoring designs with fewer elements and simplicity over abstract expressionism. 

 

Over time, this trend started to take various forms as seen today in architecture, design, and now in interior design and lifestyle. 

Are Minimalists Happier?

 

There is no doubt that minimalism can help you focus on your true priorities in life by eliminating things that do not add value to your life.

 

According to a study by Simplicity Institute on 2500 people from across the globe, 87% of people showed that they were happier now than when they had more possessions. 

 

In my personal opinion, I would agree with the general statement that minimalists are happier. Of course, nothing can be the absolute truth as there are always outliers. 

 

Having less may sound like being poor or being inadequate. But the key is finding the balance and having just enough to thrive and grow. 

 

Most of us have way more stuff than we need and use. More clothes, more decor, more debt, more work, more stress, etc. 

 

Imagine if you didn’t have any of the above in excess but enough. Not more not less. You have more space in your home to do things that make you happy, a clean and organized wardrobe, a simple to-do list, and so on. 

 

Would this not make you happier and less stressed? 

 

Wait… But is A Minimalist Lifestyle for Everyone?

 

Minimalism is still a growing movement. A big majority of us still don’t know what it is and think that more stuff will make us happier. 

 

More money, a bigger house, a nicer car, more clothes and accessories, etc. We have been manipulated by big corporations for so long through advertisements. 

 

There is always something trending and the social pressure to have it is so high. People queue up to buy the newest iPhone every single year. 

 

Not because their current iPhone doesn’t work. But because they have been manipulated to think that they have to get it. 

 

Same thing with fashion. Labeled as fast fashion, the clothing industry has flourished because they have made it so affordable now. 

 

Gone are the days when you would get rid of a clothing item when it no longer fits or has been worn out due to time. 

 

People now get rid of them or worse, just keep them lying around their homes simply because it has gone out of trend. But really who decided the trend? 

 

The reality is most of us still think this way. You need to have all the latest stuff. Be it clothes, homes, cars, tech, or accessories. 

 

However, slowly but surely a lot of people are becoming more conscious of their consumption habits and the impact of their lifestyle on the environment. 

 

All thanks to movements like minimalism, as well as environmental protection organizations educating people on the impact of human beings on the planet. 

 

Minimalism is for everyone. A lot of us simply aren’t aware of our habits and their impacts on our own lives and the lives of others around us. 

 

Being a minimalist doesn’t mean you have one chair in your living room and dine on the floor with one plate and one fork. 

 

It’s just about not owning and consuming in access but being mindful enough to only own things that you use. 

If so, How can I start a Minimalist Lifestyle?

 

If you’re like most of us, you have a house full of stuff that you don’t use, clothes that you rarely wear, some debt in credit cards and loans, etc. 

 

So you ask yourself, How can I become a minimalist? 

 

Below are some practical tips on how to start a minimalist lifestyle and create space in your life for the more important things.

 

1. Make a list of everything you own

 

This is the only way to truly understand how much stuff we own. The amount of things we gather over time piles up very easily and before you know it, you have a house full of things you may not be even using. 

 

2. Identify all the things you have not used in 6 months or more

 

The next step is to identify all the things that you have not used in the past 6 months. If you haven’t used something in over 6 months, it’s a good sign it doesn’t add much value to you. Unless it’s seasonal things like winter clothes. 

 

3. Put them in a box and store it away (Temporarily)

 

This is to give those items away later with even more assurance that you don’t need them anymore. By storing them away for the first 6 months, you get to think it over or pick it up again if you need them. 

 

4. Donate

 

There are a lot of people less fortunate than us. People who need clothes, shoes, and other things that we take for granted. Look for places that accept and utilize donations honestly and donate whatever you feel like. 

 

5. Sell

 

Some things that you own may be valuable even though you don’t use them. If they are in good condition, you could sell them and make some money to use for things such as travel or self-improvement. 

 

6. Digitalize paper clutter

 

Despite the amount of tech advancements, we still see a lot of paper clutter end up in our homes from shops, restaurants, and deliveries. Say no to receipts and ask your regular suppliers to send you a digital receipt only.

 

7. Work on your mindset

 

Giving up a lot of your possessions and adopting a minimalist lifestyle will be hard in the beginning. You may find yourself comparing your life to other people. 

Hence, you need to keep learning about minimalism and the benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle where you create space for the things that make you a better person.

8. Make decluttering a habit

 

No matter how much of a minimalist you are, you will need things and you will buy things. Things will gather and there will always be clutter to clear.

 

By making decluttering a habit, you can keep your home and workspace clean and clutter-free. 

 

9. Make a budget and stick to it

 

The best way to consume less is to buy less. And to buy less you need to make a budget and stick to it. I’m not asking to compromise on quality and good food, but anything else that might be unnecessary like unhealthy snacks and anything else you don’t need. 

 

10. Schedule less 

 

Minimalism is not just about physical stuff. It’s also about how you spend your time. Having a packed schedule doesn’t mean you’re going to be more successful. 

 

Instead, focus on scheduling fewer things into your day and eliminate anything that you don’t have to do if it doesn’t add value to your life in some way. 

 

Where can I apply Minimalism?

 

Minimalism is multi-dimensional and can be applied to different aspects of your life. Below are some areas of your life that can benefit from minimalism.

 

1. Home

 

Home is where you spend a good amount of your life. By decluttering and focusing on only keeping things that you use or are adding value to your life, you can create a simple and minimalist home.

 

Not only will it be aesthetically pleasing, but also give you the space to express your creative side at home. 

 

2. Lifestyle

 

When minimalism is applied to your lifestyle, it usually flows into all other aspects of your life as well. A minimalist lifestyle means doing fewer things but with more involvement. 

 

Planning your day with fewer activities on the schedule and giving them your best is a good example of a minimalist lifestyle. 

 

3. Energy

 

We have a limited amount of energy to use every day. A minimalist would try to utilize that energy to do things that only add value to their life in some way. This is not the same as being selfish. 

Helping those in need also adds value to your life and makes you a better person. 

 

4. Relationships

 

People often think that having a lot of friends means you’ll have a happier life. But the true value of any relationship, be it romantic, family, or friendship is measured in the quality and not the quantity. 

 

So focus on spending your time only with the people who care about you and your well-being and help you become a better person. And do the same for them. 

 

5. Finances

 

Minimalism can be applied to finances too. How you spend your money can be guided by the principles of minimalism. 

 

Making a budget, and looking out for ways to economize, and save are great ways to be minimalistic about money. 

 

It allows you to save more and spend that same money on things that add value to your life such as travel, and other experiences with family and friends. 

 

So…Should I become a Minimalist?

 

Every person has a right to live life on their terms. But if you care about your health, and the health of our planet and want to preserve it for your future generations, then the answer is obvious. 

 

We are burning a lot more than we can regenerate and the way the human race is currently consuming is not sustainable. 

 

Change begins on an individual level, and collectively we can make a difference.  

20 Habits For A Slow Living Lifestyle

 

Are you feeling burnt out due to the pace of life? Start living a slow living lifestyle with these 20 amazing habits and hobbies. 

 

In today’s fast-paced world, if you don’t act fast you’re likely to miss the best of opportunities. 

 

While this is a good mantra to follow when it comes to business and career development, it’s not the best way to live your life on a day-to-day basis. 

 

With a slow living lifestyle, you make time to deliberately schedule habits and hobbies that allow you to take a pause and slow down your pace.

 

It helps you relax, and slow down a racing mind that is always looking for the next thing to do. 

 

If you’re currently living life in a fast lane, now could be the best time to rethink how you spend your time. 

 

Below are 20 habits and hobbies you can schedule into your day to make some mental space and practice a slow living lifestyle.  

 

20 Habits to start practicing a Slow Living Lifestyle

1. Waking up early

 

Early mornings are the quietest hours of the day. By going to bed early and waking up early, you can benefit from the calmness of the morning hours. 

 

It allows you to do a morning routine slowly without rushing anything. Waking up at least 2 to 3 hours before your work day starts can help you slow down and start your day in a calm and still headspace.  

2. Meditation

 

Meditation is one of the best ways to slow down a racing mind and calm your nervous system. It has been proven to offer many benefits to practitioners worldwide. 

 

By practicing meditation regularly, you train your mind to slow down and do things more mindfully. 

 

3. Yoga

 

Yoga is another practice that can give you stillness of mind, body, and spirit. It challenges you to maintain difficult postures. 

 

You learn to slow down through challenging situations and be comfortable in the uncomfortable. 

 

Yoga practices often take time and allow you to be more present with your thoughts. 

 

When you meet regular yoga practitioners, you can usually tell they have this calm energy and are very comfortable with the present moment. 

 

4. Tai Chi 

 

Tai Chi is an ancient martial art from China. Over time, it has evolved into a form of exercise. It is also known as moving meditation.

 

Through slow and careful movements, you train your mind to remain still and focused through these movements by simply observing. 

 

5. Brewing Tea or Coffee

 

We are used to having instant tea or a coffee machine where you just have to insert a capsule. And there is nothing wrong with it.

 

But have you ever tried to brew tea or coffee? It’s a process that allows you to be fully present while making your favorite morning beverage. 

 

It’s usually a much slower process when compared to making instant coffee or tea. 

 

6. Reading

 

Daily reading can be a great hobby to slow down and be present with the book you’re reading. Early mornings or before bed are ideal times to read your favorite books.

 

Reading allows you to be free of distractions and fully indulge in the thoughts of some of the greatest authors to ever live. 

 

7. Journaling

 

Journaling is a very well-known mindfulness exercise to regulate your thoughts and increase self-awareness. 

 

As Journaling requires you to be present with your thoughts, It is also a great way to express yourself and practice a slow living lifestyle. 

 

8. Morning walks

 

Morning walks are also a great way to be by yourself and take in the scenery of nature or the city landscapes wherever you live.

 

A morning stroll can help you get some fresh air and vitamin D, and start your day at a slower pace.

9. Gardening

 

Gardening is also a perfect hobby for anyone who wants to start practicing a slow living lifestyle. Taking care of plants and crops requires plenty of time and observation.

 

Both indoor and outdoor gardening can be a really rewarding and mindful hobby. 

 

10. Knitting

 

Knitting is an amazing hobby that integrates slow living into your lifestyle. The process of interlacing yarn loops is slow and needs one to be present. 

 

11. Embroidery

 

Just like knitting, embroidering is another creative art and hobby that needs one’s focus and presence.

 

It’s a great way to slow down and take your time to create something mindfully. 

 

12. Painting

 

Painting is also a hobby where you can lose track of time and indulge in a slow creative process. 

 

Through painting and creating art, you can integrate slow living into your lifestyle and cultivate a creative mind. 

 

13. Photography

 

Photography requires a lot of time. You need time to find good locations, angles, and lighting and spend even more time editing. 

 

14. Pottery making

 

Pottery making is a process that involves making vessels and other objects using clay and other ceramic materials. 

 

It requires focus, a lot of practice, and patience and therefore is a great hobby for slow living enthusiasts. 

15. Baking

 

Baking is another hobby with multiple processes and layers, taking time to learn and perfect. It’s a good hobby to do a mindful activity and prepare something slowly. 

 

16. Cooking

 

Nowadays, it’s so convenient to just order in all the time. It saves time for busy people and through this, eating has become another chore.

 

Whenever you have the time, try to experiment with different ingredients and cook some dishes. It can be a fun and rewarding experience and improve your mindfulness. 

 

17. Making a puzzle

 

Puzzles take a lot of time and require you to be patient making it a great activity to improve mindfulness.

 

To complete a puzzle you will need to spend enough time and there’s just no other way around it. 

 

18. Learning a musical instrument

 

Unless you’re a musical genius, chances are you are going to struggle with learning a new musical instrument.

 

It will take a lot of time, practice, and patience to learn and play a musical instrument. 

 

19. Making fermented foods

 

Fermented foods aren’t just a great slow hobby, but also good for your gut health. The process of making fermented foods can help you appreciate slow processes in life which usually means bigger rewards. 

 

20. Skincare routine

 

All of us should have a skincare routine. It’s not just for women but for men as well. Having a morning and evening skincare routine is a mindful process and can be a part of your daily slow living routine. 

 

Conclusion

 

Slow living is a lifestyle choice for many and a conscious process. You have to integrate different activities into your daily schedule to help you start a slow living lifestyle. 

 

I hope this post has inspired you to slow down your life and do things more mindfully. 

Slow Living For Common Folks

 

What is Slow Living?

 

Slow living is the art of living your life at a slower pace. It is doing your daily activities more mindfully while being fully present.

 

Slow living is also about scheduling less and doing those with more involvement and care. 

 

In a fast-paced world like today, productivity and doing more has been glorified. While being productive is great, it’s not how you should live 24/7.

 

As human beings, we need restfulness as well. And slow living is one of the best ways to slow down your mind, body, and spirit, and live more mindfully. 

 

What Slow Living is Not

 

Slow living is an amazing way to spend rest days or the early hours of the morning and the evenings after work.

 

However, it should not be confused with laziness. Just because you’re doing things slowly and more mindfully doesn’t mean you’re less productive or lazy. 

 

Doing less doesn’t necessarily mean being lazy. It’s more about not doing many things mindlessly just to be active. 

 

How did it all start?

 

It all started in the 1980s in Rome, Italy. With the opening of McDonald’s, Carlo Petrini and a group of activists formed Slow Food, a movement that defends regional food traditions.

 

The Slow Food Movement has now spread across 150 countries and is working on promoting food traditions, sustainability, fair pay for food producers, and encouraging the enjoyment of good quality food.

 

Today, the slow movement has taken many shapes and forms. Slow travel, slow fashion, slow gardening, and slow design have burst into the slow living landscape. 

 

The pace of our lives keeps increasing every year with the rise of capitalism, technology, and consumerism. It’s understandable, that more and more people are heading towards slow living and trying to slow down as much as possible.

 

If you can relate, but don’t know how to start slow living, keep reading as we dive deeper into this topic. 

How do I start Slow Living?

 

1. Figure out why

 

To incorporate slow living into your life. You need to know your why. If you’re here just because it’s trendy and keeps popping up on your feed, it may not be the best reason.

 

But if you’re here because you seriously feel that it could help you by slowing down a little bit and doing things more mindfully, it’s a great place to start.

 

For most of us, it’s usually the constant pressure at work in a fast-paced environment, the endless list of things to finish, and the overall pressure to always be high-performing. 

 

2. Know that it’s a Slow Process 

 

Just like the name suggests, you should understand that slow living indeed is a slow starter and a slow process as well. 

 

You cannot just change your life overnight and decide not to do much today or tomorrow. You need to start incorporating it into your life bit by bit.

 

3. Break it down into smaller habits

 

Take some time to think about how you spend your time from morning until you go to bed. There are parts of your day that you just can’t afford to change at the beginning like meeting your deadlines at work. 

 

However, there are small changes you can start with such as going to bed a bit early and waking up a bit early. This gives you time to start your day slower and do things at a slower pace.

 

You can also look at what you do right after you’re back from work such as an evening routine. 

 

4. Start with a slow morning

 

If you wake up early, you’ll have more time in the morning to do things slowly. And by things, I mean a few things that help you become more mindful and start your day with a calm and steady mindset.

 

Every person has a different preference for things they like to do in the morning before the busyness of the workday starts. 

 

For me, an ideal morning looks like waking up between 6.30 to 7.00 am, drinking a glass of water, brushing and showering, meditating, reading or writing for 20 minutes, having breakfast, and commuting to work. 

 

The above would take me approximately 2.5 hours and I still feel a bit rushed. I would like to do it slowly and reach the office on time. The only solution would be to wake up earlier and sleep earlier.

5. Mindful eating

 

Eating today has become a chore for most of us. We rarely take the time to enjoy our meals with friends and family at the dining table and spend time with each other. 

 

I understand this is not possible for every meal. We all have responsibilities and too limited time. While lunch is understandably a faster meal (Let’s grab a quick lunch in office language), breakfast and dinner can be enjoyed at a slower pace if you plan it right.

 

Another great way is to cook for your family and friends whenever you can like over a weekend or holidays, and enjoy sharing food with them. 

 

6. Schedule less

 

If you get your priorities right and eliminate or delegate what you can, you can find a way to schedule less work. 

 

By scheduling less work and doing the important work, you can do things at a much slower pace and still achieve great results. 

 

Scheduling less is the most effective way to incorporate slow living. 

 

7. Disconnect

 

Sometimes, even if we may not be actively working on something, our phone still reminds us of things we need to do tomorrow and in the coming days. 

 

This can increase our anxieties about the future and before you know it your mind is restless even when you’re not doing anything.

 

Whenever possible, disconnect your phone from Wi-Fi and keep it on silent mode while you do things such as read, cook, watch TV, or simply talk to your partner or a friend. 

 

If something urgent comes up, people always tend to call. You don’t always need to be on the edge and available for the next call. 

 

8. Pick up a hobby

 

Picking up a hobby, especially something you can do at a leisurely pace is a great way to incorporate slow living. 

 

Knitting, painting, reading, writing, gardening, cooking, etc are all slow hobbies that you can start to bring your life into a calmer rhythm and enjoy the benefits of slow living. 

Is Slow Living good for me?

 

Slow living may sound like being slow at finishing things or a fancy word to justify being lazy. But it’s really not. 

 

It’s quite the opposite. It helps you prioritize mental health, know your priorities, and enjoy a better quality of life. 

 

Let’s look at some of the reasons why slow living is good for you. 

 

1. Increase your awareness

 

When you’re doing fewer things and have fewer distractions, it increases awareness of your surrounding environment and what’s happening around you.

 

2. Improve mindfulness

 

By not rushing through things and doing them at a slower pace, you increase your awareness of the present moment and connect to things on a deeper level.

 

3. Better quality of life

 

By only doing things that are important, such as things that grow you in your career, and improve mental and physical health.

 

It can also make you happier, and improve the quality of life drastically. 

 

4. Reduce stress and burnout

 

The more you try to do, the higher your chances of feeling stressed and burnout.

 

Slow living is a great way to do less and combat the stress that seems to be waiting around every corner. 

 

5. Simplify Life 

 

Most importantly, slow living helps you live a simple life, forget about the little stressors, and enjoy the fruits of simplicity. 

Your Guide To Living A Simple Life

 

In today’s world, most of our lives are filled with many things that take up most of our time. Living a simple life can be perceived as boring or uneventful for many people. 

 

For the past 10 years, I have been trying to simplify my life to make time for things that add value and meaning to my life. 

 

By living with purpose, letting go of what doesn’t serve me, and cultivating a mindset that less is more, I have made good progress in this journey. 

 

I am not in any way trying to say that I do not own what is needed in today’s world to thrive and make progress but to say that everything I own serves a purpose. 

 

Of course, I still have to clear clutter occasionally, sometimes buy things I thought I needed, and waste time on unimportant things. 

 

But compared to before, it’s much less and has brought more clarity and purpose to my life.  

 

Secrets To Living A Simple Life

 

1. Decluttering

 

Owning more may be seen as having a rich life. Having a big house, the nicest car, expensive gadgets, branded clothing, etc may all sound like it can make your life complete.

 

The truth is quite the opposite. Owning things can only make your life happier to a certain extent. Beyond that, it just becomes an added stress and takes up more of your time. 

 

On the other hand, having just enough to live a happy and comfortable life can bring simplicity and calmness to your life.

 

Below are some things in your life to declutter and make space for.

 

• Declutter your paperwork
• Declutter your wardrobe
• Declutter your finances
• Declutter your home

 

2. Reducing Distractions

 

Nowadays, distractions are waiting for us around every corner. The news, other people’s lives on social media, your friends and family, social events, etc, are all potential distractions that can make your life more complex. 

 

I am not saying that these aren’t important. But you should be selective with the news you consume, social media habits, who you spend time with, and where you go. 

3. Routines

 

Routines are a great way to bring simplicity and awareness into your life. It brings structure and balance to your day.

 

Routines are also a great way to keep things simple, limit the time you waste on unimportant things, and simplify your life overall. 

 

If you want to learn more about routines, below are some in-depth posts to help you. 

 

• How to create a powerful morning routine
• Habit vs Routine: Understanding the difference
• How to Create A Daily Routine For Productivity
• A Simple and Mindful Evening Routine for Busy People

 

4. Eating Healthy

 

Food is fuel for the soul. However, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to make the right food choices. Mainly due to the growth of fast food and advertising. 

 

We are bombarded with ads for things that look good but are bad for our health. While it’s okay to occasionally treat yourself to fast food and other things that bring joy, you should do your best to eat clean, simple, and healthy on most days. 

 

5. Commit to Less

 

Another key to living a simple life is committing to less. In other words, committing only to things that bring meaning and value to your life. 

 

There will be a lot of things that come up in our lives and we need to learn to say no to most of them. By saying no to most things, you say yes to things that truly matter and give you more time and space to live a simple life. 

 

6. Only buy what is necessary

 

Today, we live in such a materialistic world. Our success and happiness are often measured in the things that we own rather than the quality of our lives. 

 

It can become too tempting to buy many things because you can either afford to or due to social pressure to have what others have. 

 

Make a conscious decision to only buy things that you need and add value to your life. Owning more things takes up more space physically and mentally, and can be a hurdle to living a simple life. 

 

7. Mindset

 

Living a simple life can feel like living with fewer things and fewer experiences. But it is not equal to a life of scarcity. Always remember quality over quantity. 

 

To be happy with living a simple life, you also need to believe that a simple life is the right lifestyle for you. 

 

Being content with what you have rather than always wanting more is key to living a simple life. 

8. Mindfulness

 

A simple life is incomplete without mindfulness. Mindfulness and simple living come hand in hand. Mindfulness is an important part of living a simple life. 

 

Meditation and other mindful habits are great ways to bring mindfulness into your life. By being mindful of your habits, actions, what you consume, and how you spend your time, simple living becomes a way of life naturally. 

 

Below are some resources you may find helpful to get started with mindfulness.

 

• What is Mindfulness Meditation?
• 10 Simple Mindfulness Exercises to Learn
• A Guide to Mindful Breathing

 

Some Hard Truths of Living A Simple Life

 

Living a simple life is one of the best things you can learn. However, like everything else, a simple life is not perfect either. 

 

It’s important to understand what living a simple life is not as well. 

 

1. It will not solve all your problems

 

A simple life can lower your stress and make things easier for you. But it will not solve all your problems. 

 

No matter how much you simplify your life, life will throw challenges at you, and you will have hurdles to overcome. 

 

2. It’s a lifetime commitment

 

Another hard truth about simple living is that there is no finish line. It’s not something you do once or a few times a year. 

 

It’s more like a lifetime commitment. You need to live the lifestyle daily to your ability to feel the goodness it brings to your life. 

 

3. You will fail 

 

Sometimes, no matter how much you simplify your life things will not go your way. You will fail to keep things simple and even make things more complicated.

 

When this happens, take some time to review, improvise, and try another way to simplify things. Always remember, none of us are perfect and it’s okay to fail. 

 

Why You Should Be Living A Simple Life

 

While a simple life may not be for everyone, I believe most of us do want simplicity in our lives in one way or another. 

 

It reduces stress, contributes to your overall health and wellness, and gives you more time to do the things that make you happy.

 

Living a simple life is a possibility for all of us. It just takes willingness, the right mindset, some planning, and a daily commitment.  

A Simple and Mindful Evening Routine for Busy People

 

By doing a simple and mindful evening routine, you can ensure you get a good night’s sleep and feel well-rested and rejuvenated for the next day. 

 

An evening routine is a set of purposeful actions done a few hours before going to bed. A simple and easy-to-do evening routine is the best way to incorporate self-care and mindfulness into your day. 

 

If you come back from work and mindlessly spend the remaining hours of the day eating and lazing around the house until you pass out on the couch, it might be a good time to make a conscious effort to implement an evening routine. 

 

It’s also important to understand that none of us are perfect and it’s fine to miss out on your evening routine on days you don’t feel like it.  

 

With that in mind, below is a simple evening routine to put you into an ideal state of mind and body for bedtime.   

 

A Simple and Mindful Evening Routine

1. Eat dinner 3 hours before bedtime

 

Experts recommend eating your last meal at least 3 hours before bedtime. This is to allow your body to digest the food before sleeping. 

 

It also reduces the chances of sleep disturbances due to indigestion, gastritis, and discomfort.

 

After you eat a meal, it can take several hours for the food to move from your stomach to the small intestines. Lying down makes the process even slower. 

2. Brushing & Flossing

 

Brushing twice a day is the bare minimum for good oral health. After your last meal, brushing and flossing should be an important part of your evening routine.

 

Regular brushing and flossing give protection against cavities and gum disease. It also protects your teeth and gums from decay and bad breath. 

3. Shower & Skincare 

 

A warm shower is a perfect way to cleanse your body from the day’s dust and negative energy. It purifies your body and can relieve accumulated muscle stress and tension.

 

A warm bath or shower can cool down your body and help you get better sleep. Research suggests that it can also reduce our body’s core temperature and signal the body to get ready for sleep. 

 

4. Disconnect

 

In today’s digital world, we are always connected and our phones never stop giving us notifications about other people’s lives, world news, and celebrity gossip.

 

While keeping yourself updated and educated on such things isn’t a bad thing, too much of it can harm your mental health. 

 

Make a conscious decision to disconnect your phone from social media and all other apps at least an hour before bed. The best would be to disconnect before your evening mindfulness and relaxation routine starts. 

 

5. Meditation

 

Just as your body needs to be cleansed and relaxed before it can sleep, so does your mind. Meditation is the simplest way to calm your mind.

 

It has been linked to stress reduction, improved mindfulness, reduced heart rate, and bringing a sense of calm and relaxation to your mind. 

 

Below are some informative posts to learn more about the benefits of meditation for sleep and general well-being. 

 

• Meditation for Sleep
• Meditation for Anxiety
• A Beginner Guide to Zazen Meditation
• What is Mindfulness Meditation?

6. Brew Tea

 

The act of brewing and having tea is a mindfulness practice by itself. It helps your mind to bring awareness into the present moment and indulge in the calmness of now.

 

It can also help to slow down a racing mind and enjoy being in the moment. Teas like chamomile and valerian root have been linked to better sleep. 

 

7. Read/Journal

 

A fictional book or something that doesn’t cause your mind to go into problem-solving are some great genres to read before sleeping. 

 

If you don’t feel like reading, journaling your thoughts is also a good way to take the edge off and bring your mind into a space of calm and relaxation. 

 

8. Set the mood of your room

 

To fall asleep, it’s important to set the right ambiance in your room. Start by making your room tidy. A messy room is not an ideal space to rest. 

 

Next, you can set the ideal temperature that works best for you. Blue light from electronics can disturb your sleep. Ensure all digital devices are kept in a way that doesn’t emit light into your room. 

 

Using blackout curtains and very dim lights can help you get the right lighting conditions. A diffuser or room spray is a great way to enhance your room’s aroma for bedtime.  

Why is it important to have an Evening Routine?

 

Let’s look at some of the most important reasons for having an evening routine. 

 

1. Better eating habits

 

An evening routine reminds you to eat dinner around the same time on most days. It also guides you not to eat unhealthy food after dinner. 

 

Eating before bed, especially unhealthy snacks is bad for your health. An evening routine is a great way to quit that habit entirely or cut it down drastically. 

 

2. Maintain good oral health

 

Brushing and flossing every evening will help you maintain good oral health and keep it that way for years to come.

 

3. Improves hygiene and glowing skin

 

Warm showers and a skincare routine ensure good hygiene and a healthy, glowing skin. 

 

4. Make you more mindful

 

Habits such as disconnecting from social media, skin care, meditation, brewing tea, reading, and journaling can bring a new level of mindfulness into your life.

 

5. Improve the quality of your sleep

 

An evening routine can help you establish a consistent sleep cycle by regulating your circadian rhythm. It also ensures you’re well-rested for the next day. 

 

Conclusion

 

An evening routine can be one of the most powerful ways to establish a healthy daily routine when combined with a morning and work routine.

 

After all, it is the grit and compounding effect of healthy habits and important work done regularly that leads to success, health, and joy in life. 

 

Remember, you’re only as good as how you live your life. Now is the time to create an evening routine that works for you.