I think fall is the perfect time to reflect and see if there’s anything you want to change in your life. I did that recently, and I realized one thing: I’m always rushing. I’m never really slowing down, not even on the weekends. And I think it’s time to change that.
I think it’s time to slow down this fall and create a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for myself. In this blog post, I’m sharing the ways I’m slowing down this fall.
Ways I am slowing down
1. Spending more evenings at home
Honestly, I’m the kind of person who already enjoys being at home, but I want to be more intentional about it. I want to make my home feel extra cozy. I’m adding some pillows, blankets, and candles, and then I can simply sit down and read a book or two. I’m not staying home just to watch movies or TV shows all day. Instead, I’m creating a safe and cozy space where I can relax after a long day or a busy week.
Sometimes, I’m the kind of person who feels like she has to be productive all the time. But there needs to be balance in your life. So, I’m basically forcing myself to slow down and give myself permission to relax without feeling guilty about it.
2. Taking my time in the mornings
They always say that the way you start your day sets the tone for the rest of the day. I know a lot of people will recognize this when I say that everything seems to go wrong when you have to rush through your morning. So, instead of rushing through my morning routine, I’m going to do things completely differently this fall.
I’m actually going to slow down and take the time to enjoy a cup of tea in the morning. And instead of looking at any screens, I’m just going to sit down and maybe read a chapter or two of my book. I’m also going to take a few minutes to do some breathing exercises and meditate. I want to start my days feeling calm and relaxed instead of immediately feeling like I have to rush into everything.
3. Going on more walks
It’s something I’ve been doing for the last two months now, and it feels great to start my mornings with a morning walk. It’s so relaxing, and it’s nice to get some fresh air after sleeping for a couple of hours. It helps you slow down, and it’s also beautiful to notice all the little things around you before the rest of the neighborhood wakes up.
And I love walking during the fall because it’s not too hot but also not too cold. Sure, it might rain, but raincoats and umbrellas exist for a reason.
4. Cooking more slowly and simply
One thing I always do is not take enough time for my meals. I just throw something together and then eat so quickly that I finish the whole meal before you can even blink. It’s not healthy, and it’s not very enjoyable either. I don’t hate cooking—in fact, I kind of love it—but for some reason, I’m always rushing.
I want to be more mindful when I’m making my meals and maybe even try some new recipes. I want to enjoy the whole process instead of thinking of cooking as just another task I need to get through. I want to slow down, actually enjoy preparing my food, and take the time to sit down and enjoy my meals too.
5. Reading instead of scrolling
Doomscrolling is something I’m very familiar with, and I hate it. It’s so interesting how I keep scrolling when I would much rather read a book instead. It’s just so addictive. But I’m trying to break that habit, and instead, I want to have more time for myself and slow down.
Seriously, when you stop scrolling on your phone, you’ll realize how much time you actually have. You’ve just been wasting so much of it on your phone. I don’t hate social media, but you need to be more mindful of how you use it before it starts using you.
6. Leaving more space in my calendar
My workdays are always planned out until I basically go to bed, and even on the weekends, I constantly make plans. Every Saturday, I make sure I have something to do, and honestly, I don’t remember the last time I just stayed home on a Saturday. I want to do that more often.
Maybe I’ll go outside for a walk, then come home, make myself a cup of tea, and read for a little while. I don’t always have to be somewhere or do something. I want to make more time to do nothing, simply relax, and slow down.
7. Paying more attention to the little things
Maybe you can relate to this, but when you’re always busy and rushing through your days, you miss a lot of beautiful moments. I’ve had days when I was doing nothing, and suddenly, I started noticing all those little beautiful things around me. I also started to enjoy the present moment a little more.
It’s kind of sad when I think about it. I was always rushing around and so focused on getting things done that I missed so many of those beautiful little moments that make life amazing.