Simplicity 101: Slow Down
I firmly believe that living a simple life has less to do with tangible things and far more to do with mindset. It’s a choice each and every day to live in a peaceful environment that is organized, comfortable, happy and productive. There are some days that this goes over far better than others. I have days of feeling like everything is chaotic and out of control because, well, it is. I have days of feeling like everything falls into place perfectly and things could not be better because, well, they couldn’t.
On the more stressful and out of control days, I feel the need to just get back to the basic desire that brought us to this way of life. Slow Down. I have my schedule and my lists of things that need to be done. Sometimes things get in the way, like a sick child or a disastrous house. Those days more than any other, I find the need to just stop, let things go for a little while and focus on being present is absolutely necessary.
When I find myself saying to slow down, I have my trusty list of things I like to do that refocus me and get me back on track.
- Take a walk. Doesn’t matter if the kids and dogs are along. Sometimes that is better. My kids love to stop and look at things as we walk. A not so subtle and literal reminder for me to stop and smell the flowers.
- Let loose. I always find that going back to my inner child helps me get back to feeling more centered. Whether it is taking a run down the slip n slide or letting my kids dump piles of dirt in my hair, letting loose always helps. Forget about the messes and the chaos and just enjoy.
- Play music. Not just having music in the background, but really letting myself listen to the words, soak them in, and dance with my husband or kids.
- Cook dinner with hubby. Whenever we feel like we’re missing moments together by going in opposite directions with kids, an immediate way to get us back on track by talking and working together, is to cook dinner together. We laugh, we talk, we reconnect and we put the focus back where it belongs.
- A personal favorite and what I inevitably need at least once a month is to head to the beach. It’s t he one place we go to get away from it all - to have nothing but family fun and escape all the schedules for a little while.
What are some things you do when you feel the need to slow down? Do you take deliberate steps to make sure you’re living your life in a fulfilling way? How do you relax and get refocused and recentered and more balanced when you need it most?
A day spent reading and spending time with family in anyways is always refreshing for me. I usually avoid tv, laptop, mobiles etc for that day (this works wonders).
I take a scalding bath in the dark for a really long time. It works absolute wonders.
I forgot my cell phone today when I went to the park with the kids and it’s the best thing that happened to me. At first I felt disoriented without my cell. But in the end it felt so good to be unreachable. (and no one tried to reach me anyway !)
I sew, read, garden or take a hot bath. I love those things. I really need to find ways to do them more often! Meanwhile, that gazebo is great — just what I’m trying to build in my garden. Do you have a bigger photo of it I could examine?
~Angela
Angela (Cottage Magpie)s last blog post..Bird & Butterfly Garden Progress
I love the beach idea - it just gets you away from some of the normal activities of the day. And…water and sand - a great combination!
For me, one of the best things is active play. As our kids have gotten older, what that play is has evolved. But still, whatever we end up doing - it is fun and has us laughing. And there’s definitely something about laughing and smiling that makes the stresses of life feel eased.
Lances last blog post..Regrets
take a nap without feeling guilty for doing so
Take my Aussie Shepard for a long walk and enjoy the fall foliage
Franks last blog post..Say Goodbye To Your 401K!
I find that as I get older and discover what is truly important in life that all I want is simplicity. I am working on decluttering my house & my calendar so I can enjoy the time with the people I love the most.
Thank you for this reminder!
Amys last blog post..A Family Day at the Pumpkin Patch
i had a stressful day yesterday. thanks for the tips- they are timely indeed!
neimanmarxists last blog post..Simplify, Simplify
Wonderful ideas! I like to pause between tasks to relish what’s been done and renew energy for the next thing.
Playing the piano or listening to a song without doing anything else helps slow me down.
And I love doing yoga and am learning tai chi.
Plus lots of deep breathing. Whenever I get stressed I notice I don’t breathe as often or as deeply.
Loved the blog entry. Here’s a book that addresses the issue of slowing down…It’s called “Take Your Time”..it was a life changing book for me and an easy and pleasant read!
http://www.amazon.com/Take-Your-Time-Patience-Meaning/dp/1586380184
Christines last blog post..Cheap and Green Christmas Gifts for Kids
This has been one of my primary goals over the last year. Thanks for sharing.
Marc and Angel Hack Lifes last blog post..How Ignorance Can Lead to Success
That photo of you with your baby at the bottom is priceless. My children are older now, but it brought back such memories. I have to walk or do yoga nearly everyday to stay centered. As my kids have grown, my life has become more chaotic, but I still manage to find the small, still space within.
Being in the moment is the best. Thanks for following me on Twitter.~~Dee
Well put! I always have to sit down and write in my journal when I start feeling like life is getting crazy and out of control. It calms me and helps me focus on what’s really important.
Love that photo at the end of the post!
Julia @ Hooked on Housess last blog post..Fantasy Open House: Old Homes Tour #3
When I feel stressed I like to get my stack of Victoria magazines and look through them for decorating ideas. Also, it is nice to walk down the street to the coffee house and just sit with coffee and a good book.
I’ll spend a few hours at the library or bookstore. Sometimes I need to get out in nature and I take a hike. If I find a river, pond some type of water I’m good.
Manuela
the pleasures of homemakings last blog post..Show & Tell Friday!
[...] Simplicity 101: Slow Down from Remodeling This Life [...]
[...] Simplicity 101: Slow Down at Remodeling This Life. Emily shares a great post about keeping things simple. Not necessarily by the things you do, but more of a mindset. I could use to create some more down time by letting loose. [...]