5 Myths About Slow Living

In our fast-paced modern world, "slow living" often seems like a distant dream, reserved for those with ample free time or a penchant for boredom. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there lies a quiet revolution—a movement towards mindfulness, simplicity, and a deeper connection to the present moment.   

The Myths About Slow Living  

Setting the Stage: Understanding Slow Living in a Fast-Paced World.

Slow living isn't about idleness or indifference; it's a deliberate choice to savour life's moments, prioritise what truly matters, and break free from the relentless pursuit of productivity at all costs.  

In this blog post, we'll explore five common myths that surround slow living and debunk misconceptions that often prevent people from embracing this lifestyle. From the notion that slow living is only for the lazy to the belief that it's incompatible with the demands of parenthood, we'll unravel these myths and uncover the truth behind the slow-living movement. 

Join us on a journey to reclaim time, find joy in simplicity, and discover the beauty of living life at a slower pace.  

There are many myths about slow living, but the ones below are the ones I hear most frequently. They aren't helpful and often seem to make slow living feel unattainable for many, which couldn't be further from the truth. So, let's look at them and put them to bed once and for all.  

Slow Living in a Fast-Paced World.

Myth 1 - Slow living is for the lazy – embrace the hustle wimps!  

First, let's cover the myth that slow living is for the lazy. The pervasive culture of hustle and grind often paints slow living as a luxury reserved for the lazy or uninspired. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Slow living isn't about idleness; it's about reclaiming control over our time and energy, focusing on what truly matters, and finding fulfilment in the present moment.  

Talking about the hustle and grind, especially in the UK, has become quite the thing. It gives the impression that if you're not up before 5:00 am (known as sparrows fart in the countryside) and hustling until your head hits the pillow 18 hours later, you are a slacker who will never succeed.  

I have never been "driven" enough to give this a go (which could be why I am not a millionaire, but I can live with that). I also can't see how anyone who isn't on some crazy substance of some sort can be effective for an 18-hour day. 

Maybe occasionally, when you have an unexpected deadline or an early flight to somewhere exotic, it's doable, but day after day... there's no chance (after all, sleep deprivation has been a prisoner interrogation technique for centuries). I can only speak for myself here, but I need a solid 8 hours of sleep (otherwise, the people around me go off me a little as, apparently, I get a little cranky!).  

In reality, slow living can actually make you more productive. There is more time to sit and think, and doing easy tasks gives your mind time to wander, increasing creativity. When it comes to working, you can focus and get tasks done quicker than before because your mind is clear and without many distractions.  

For me, this wasn't an overnight change; it took time to adjust to and reap the rewards. The main change has been realising I don't need as much as I thought.  

I have also had to get used to sitting quietly for a while without feeling guilty that I should be doing something (I come from a long line of doers, so it has taken time to reframe this from being lazy to being kind to myself).  

Is slow living isn't possible with children?

Myth 2: Slow living isn't possible with children.  

Incorporating slow living principles into family life can enrich our relationships, foster a sense of mindfulness, and create lasting memories. Slow living is about taking a moment to connect with the world around us, which is something young children do all the time. 

Children discover new things all the time that we often take for granted, like the butterfly on the flower or the joy of rolling down a grassy hill. Taking a leaf out of their book and seeing the world through their eyes is an excellent reminder of what an amazing planet we live on.  

From cooking together to embracing outdoor adventures, there are countless opportunities to slow down and savour the joys of parenthood. Cooking a meal and sitting down to eat it together is a great way to take things slowly, and getting children involved in the creation of the meal engages them in tasks and helps them to learn how to cook (a vital skill for life).  

Yes, it will probably give you a bit of extra mess to clear up, to begin with, but this will reduce in time, and you can create a mini workforce to help you - they may even offer to cook dinner for you one day!  

Is slow living boring?

Myth 3: Slow living is for the boring.  

The idea that slow living is boring depends on your perspective and what you find boring. Slow living is about embracing a more intentional way of life and prioritizing activities that bring us joy and fulfilment.  

I find watching TV for hours boring (we've been without a TV for nearly a year now, and I don't miss it), but others find it a good use of their time and a way to relax. The beauty of slow living is that you can make it your own. If you want to watch TV or party into the early hours, you can! It is about finding out what fulfils you.  

Do you have to live life at a snails pace?

Myth 4: Once you start to live slowly, you live your life at the pace of a snail.  

Some people focus on the word "slow" and think that all life must be lived at a snail's pace when it is more about being present in the moment than speed. Some parts of life may be fast-paced and hectic, like running for the bus, working or getting the children to school when they announce it is food tech this morning.  

Start with small things, like sitting quietly and enjoying your coffee instead of drinking it while trying to do five other things.  

Are there lots of rules for living a slow life?

Myth 5: There are too many rules to living a slow life.  

The beauty of slow living is that we all design our version to suit our lives, so we create our own rules.  

If we all connect more to nature and the world around us, we will naturally look after it. If we realize we don't need as much stuff as we thought, we will need fewer resources. The need for less is good for your bank account and the planet, as the less we buy, the less will go to landfills, which must be positive.  

The best way to embrace a slower life is to pick a few things you want to change and start there. Put aside 10 minutes for your morning coffee (even if you must get up 10 minutes earlier, it will be worth it), or have a sort out and donate, sell, or give away some things that no longer serve you. Freeing space will help you feel lighter and stop you from having to wade through unwanted stuff to find that thing you need, saving you time and headspace.  

Is it time to reclaim you time and purpose?

Embracing Slow Living: Reclaiming Time and Purpose.

Slow living offers a powerful antidote to the relentless pace of modern life. It invites us to reclaim our time, reconnect with our values, and rediscover the joy of living in the present moment. If you want to grind and work 18 hours a day, then go for your life, but for me, doing less and achieving more is definitely the way forward.  

By debunking these five myths, I hope to help you achieve a more mindful, fulfilling, and purpose-driven way of life.