Here's how to master the art of slowing down

Modern life is like a high-speed train. People step on and off the train, always heading to their next destination, the next item on their to-do list, the next big thing. The landscape is just outside the window, but most of us are moving too fast to truly see and experience the beauty it radiates. How can we change this?

The answer is simple: slow down, take a step back, and embrace a moment of silence.

Because life isn’t about the ultimate stopping point, it’s about finding happiness between destinations. Stop living on autopilot and be present in the moment—every moment. Take the time to transform everyday routines into meaningful moments and you’ll rediscover the beauty of life.

We can hear you thinking, “that sounds wonderful, but I’m just too busy. Besides, I don’t even know how to start slowing down.”

But as the Zen proverb goes, “You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day—unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.”

Meditating outside the box

Now, we’re not so naïve to think that everybody has a full hour to meditate every day. In fact, we even consulted our meditation expert Deborah about this very issue, and in her exclusive video, she teaches you a meditation practice that fits even the busiest of schedules.

However, slowing down is about more than traditional meditation. We’ve created a list of ways you can slow down by infusing meaning into everyday tasks, creating unique moments of meditation that don’t require mantras, incense or a 60 -minute chunk of your day.

1. Take the long way home

Instead of taking the fastest mode of transport, take the one that brings you the most pleasure. One that allows you experience the sights, sounds and smells of being outside. Put on your walking shoes or get on your bike, because nature moves as its own pace, and you can, too.

2. Create the soundtrack to your life

Music is said to be the language of the soul. Put on your favourite playlist and let it wash over you for a few minutes every day. Sing aloud with a track and move to the beat: both are scientifically proven to lower stress levels. Need some inspiration? We’ve curated some Spotify playlists for you to help you slow down, including one designed to help you slow down and unwind at home.

3. Do a digital detox

We all love our smartphones and enjoy the convenience of being “plugged in” 24/7. But when we rely too heavily on the internet, it can take a toll on our mental health. Here are some tips to get you started—try them and you’ll notice that slowing down your social media presence helps you rediscover the beauty of everyday life.

4. Bring soulfulness into your kitchen

Take the time to prepare and savour each meal. When you do this, you transform a daily routine into a moment of meaning that gives you the opportunity to empty your mind and focus on the food. For more information on the soulful kitchen, click here.

5. Live from A to ZZZZZZ

Your mind, body and soul depend on sleep. Make your bedroom your sanctuary with candles and relaxing scents for the sweetest dreams. Also, check out these tips to ensure you get the most out of your 7-8 hours of sleep.

And we’re just getting started…

These are just 5 ways you can slow down the busy pace of everyday life—by doing things you already do, just a bit differently. We also recommend adding some new routines, like starting a home yoga practice or turning your home into a relaxing oasis by decluttering. Or treat body and soul by exploring Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic magic of self-massage. These suggestions may require a bit of extra time, but they’ll definitely reward you in the days, weeks and months to come.

In this must-have, go-get-it, do-it-all modern world, there is hardly any time to reflect on what we’re doing—and more importantly, why we are doing it. Slow down. Take a step back and embrace a moment of silence. Remember that life is not a race, and it’s only when you pause to take in the scenery that you rediscover all the beauty and happiness it has to offer.