5 Simple Ways To Slow Down This Week
One simple thing to do each day this week from Monday-Friday to embrace more peace + presence
Hi, friends!
Lately I have been thinking about the busy-phase of life I’m in. Despite my desires and best efforts to live more slowly and embrace ease and simplicity, the reality is: I’m a mom of 2-under-2 with a full time job. I also try to you know, have a life - keep the house clean, workout, make friends and embrace our community. There’s basically always something on my to-do list. That’s just where I’m at.
So instead of constantly trying (and failing) to finish the entire list every day, I’m shifting my mindset:
What actually needs to get done today?
What would actually make me feel better - not just accomplished, but genuinely fulfilled?
What if my to-do list didn’t resolve solely around productivity? What if I intentionally added moments of relaxation and slowness - and prioritized them in equal measure with the chores, the work tasks, the errands? To let joy and peace and presence be just as important.
I brainstormed a simple 5-day challenge, where each day I prioritize something to slow down and reconnect with myself.
PS: If you think you “don’t have time”, check your screen time. If you’re spending more than two hours a day on your phone… then you do have time for these things, friends 😉
Day 1: Take a walk while listening to your favorite album, from start to finish - in order. No shuffle! Get lost in the story of the album while enjoying fresh air. I’ve currently been revisiting The Tortured Poets Department for walks and let me tell you, that is an album where the songs really are pieces of puzzles to one another. I’m thinking my next album-walk choice may be Rumors by Fleetwood Mac.
Day 2: Put your phone in another room while watching your favorite movie (not show, movie). Indulge in a lovely-long-watch. My favorite movie? Legally Blonde. I never get tired of it. A seasonal favorite for summer? Mamma Mia - unpopular opinion, but I like the second movie more.
Day 3: Go to the library and find a book to read. Browse the aisles. Let yourself be intrigued by the covers. A lot of libraries will have a ‘popular’ or ‘new’ shelf if you want some guidance, and I always snag one from the shelf when I go. You can do this at a bookstore too, but libraries are lovely and free :)
Day 4: Eat all your meals outside for the day. Again, put your phone away and just enjoy your food and fresh air.
Day 5: Call your grandma. Or just a loved one you are grateful to have in your life. Phone calls with my Mugga always make my day. Moments of connection mean everything.
Consider this your permission slip to start prioritizing the small and simple things to make you feel alive. Life may never slow down, but we ourselves certainly can. ☺️
Thanks for reading, friends!
Yes! No shuffling! I've noticed everything in life has to be in bite-sized pieces now for our distracted brains. Excellent idea (implementing today--what album shall I listen to?)
Hang in there. You're in a BUSY season of life.
I don't think that liking "Here We Go Again" more than "Mamma Mia" is an unpopular opinion. We can all agree that it's SUPERIOR to the original.