Today, the world is dominated by the relentless pace of capitalism. Hyperconnectivity makes it hard to balance between work and rest and the slow living antidote offers a much needed solution. This philosophy focuses on mindfulness, intention, and deliberate pacing, pushing back against the hyper-productivity narrative. The integration of slow living and productivity may seem paradoxical to many but really is a symbiotic relationship when we dig deeper.
Hyper Productivity and Discontent
The modern era’s obsession with perfection, efficiency, and the best outcome possible has been shaped by surveillance capitalism and screens. Social media algorithms, work from home setups and app notifications promote a culture where productivity is equated to one’s self-worth. This can feel really taxing and the feeling can get worse over time. The constant surveillance and pressure to perform create a stressful environment often leading to burnout and dissatisfaction with one’s life. Hyper productivity may fill the hours, but it empties the spirit.
In contrast, slow living encourages a conscious break from this cycle. It allows us to take time to ourselves and understand what is truly important to us. It aligns our actions with intention. We all, at some point in our lives, hear that the outcome is the best when we put our heart into it – when we are truly interested and enjoy doing something. Back in high school, my mother would say “No one can make you do anything until it comes from within you.” At that time, it just felt like daily nagging but as I grew older, I understood the significance of that sentence. Rather than an abandonment of goals and success, slow living is a recalibration of how we define productivity. It’s about working smarter instead of harder and ensuring that rest is integral to our routines.
Mindfulness and Meditation: The Foundation
Meditation is an ancient practice intertwined with mindfulness and it is essential to the philosophy of slow living. Over the years, research has repeatedly supported its benefits which include reduced stress, improved focus, and better emotional regulation. However, meditation does much more beyond the data. It develops a sense of being present, a quality that can enrich daily work lives.
In my personal experience, meditation has been transformative. Initially, I struggled to sit still for even five minutes but over time I found a method that worked for me. I started small with a two minute guided session on YouTube and gradually built up to five and later ten to fifteen minutes of deep breathing. This routine now serves as a mental rest allowing me to go into the day with a clear, calm and positive mind.
If traditional meditation may seem hard to you, there are a few alternatives I use at times:
- Mindful walking: Walking while paying attention to your footsteps and surroundings.
- Intentional breaks: Taking 5-10 minutes every work hour away from screens. Take a quick walk outdoors or savour a cup of tea.
- Gratitude journaling: Reflecting about your day and what you are grateful for each day.
The Role of Slow Food in Slow Living
Readers, as we all know, “Health is wealth.” Slow food sheds significance on the importance of cooking and eating timely, healthy and with care. It focuses on eating sustainable, local produce over ‘junk’ – fast, processed meals. Preparing food completely by yourself without rushing can feel meditative.
One of my go-to recipes embodies this ethos perfectly: a warm hearty lentil soup. It requires a few basic ingredients, is healthy and simple to make. You require:
- Red lentils
- Fresh vegetables (carrots/celery)
- Olive oil
- Spices (turmeric/cumin/paprika)
- Lemon juice
Chopping the vegetables, stirring the pot, and savouring the aroma creates a sensory experience that connects me to the moment. Sharing meals with family or friends adds more joy to eating.
A Gentle Reminder to Just Slow Down
Life isn’t supposed to be a race. By deliberately decelerating, we can reconnect with ourselves, nurture well-being and paradoxically, achieve more by doing less. The girls know that this is true for fashion and makeup as well. “Less is more.” Less is always more. Productivity and mindfulness are not at odds – they thrive when we allow them to coexist.
So, as you read this last sentence, take a deep breath, step away from the screen, and savour the beauty of right now – the present moment.
Slow down to thrive, you deserve it.
References
- Ldn, S. L. (2022, April 25). #SlowFoundersStories: Leisurely. Slow Living LDN. https://slowlivingldn.com/journal/interiors/leisurely-interview/
- The Slow Living Guide. (2024, May 20). What is Slow living? | UK Simple Living Blog | The Slow Living Guide. https://theslowlivingguide.co.uk/blog/
- Slow Food. (2024, November 4). Slow food – good, clean and fair food for all. https://www.slowfood.com/
- Goyal, M., Singh, S., Sibinga, E. M. S., Gould, N. F., Rowland-Seymour, A., Sharma, R., Berger, Z., Sleicher, D., Maron, D. D., Shihab, H. M., Ranasinghe, P. D., Linn, S., Saha, S., Bass, E. B., & Haythornthwaite, J. A. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018
- Slow living. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Slow_Living.html?id=ysOvAwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y