If you’re familiar with my site, you know we prize getting out there, accomplishing tasks, and allowing those projects we set for ourselves, be that homesteading or otherwise, come to fruition. This not only provides us with deep satisfaction but helps us put something of worth into the world, which is the root of all happiness.
That said, sometimes it’s good to take a break and sit back if only to think over your next steps with a calmer mindset. It’s important to recognize that sometimes, your solemn duty to yourself and those around you is to take a load off, sit down and calm yourself. It’s a virtue to be able to do this, as go-go-go all the time can only lead you to fray at the edges, especially if you have a family, a career, and a home to look after in that order.
In this post, I hope you can learn the value of slowing down, step by step, and enjoy everything that entails. Without further ado, please consider:
Soothing Activities To Help You Slow Down
Slowing down is important for our mental and physical health, and there are many activities that can help us do so. Engaging in self-care practice is one of the most effective ways to slow down and recharge. This can involve taking a relaxing bath, practicing yoga or meditation, getting a massage, or simply taking time to read a book you’ve been meaning to get to.
We’d also include general self-care in this, as caring for restorative hair treatments, practicing skincare, and heading for a spa day with your partner or friend can leave you feeling refreshed in the best way. The more you can put yourself as the priority when you have the time to do so, the better off you tend to feel.
A Calming Creative Hobby
A creative hobby can also be a great way to slow down and focus on the present moment. No matter, if it’s painting, drawing, knitting, or gardening, engaging in a creative activity, can be a great way to de-stress and rejuvenate your well-being. This can also quiet your mind because an activity you can lose yourself in without pressure and heavy financial management (like renovating a house can involve) will help you keep that singular focus more easily.
By focusing on the task at hand, we can allow our minds to be quiet and feel more relaxed. You may come out with a simple journal, or a small vegetable patch you feel proud of. The latter can even provide you with great exercise! You will also find that in the following activities:
Slow Walks In Nature
Going for a slow walk in nature can also be a great way to slow down and connect with our surroundings. By taking the time to appreciate the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world, we can feel more centered and at peace. It’s great to walk in a park, beach, or forest, as taking a slow walk in nature can be a great way to recharge and feel more relaxed – and truly help you see some wonderful sights.
Never discount the value of walking either, it can be tremendously good for you exercise-wise, and help you feel ten times your usual self when returning back from a calming stroll. Better yet, bring your pet to stretch their legs, and you’ll have killed two birds with one stone!
Appreciating Art You Care For
Appreciating art is a no-pressure but soul-inspiring means of slowing down and focusing on the present moment. Visiting a museum, listening to music, or simply enjoying a beautiful view, taking the time to appreciate the beauty around us can help us feel more relaxed and refreshed.
Too often we can focus on being productive, intensive, and planning our path forward in the best way. It’s tough to detach from this. Appreciating art can be a fantastic means of achieving that though, because someone has done the work for us, allowing us to ponder the meaning and implement our own worldview through that lens.
For instance, reading classical literature, heading to a local art museum, learning about a famous writer from your town or city, and keeping up to date with the local folk music scene (or whatever genre you’re most into) will help you absorb some of the cultures of your local area. It’s a great way of feeling connected and in the right place, as you are.
With this advice, we hope you can learn the value of slowing down step by step.