Slow Living: Prioritise Rest

In our fast-paced world having nothing to do is seen as ‘dead time’ that is wasted, or worse laziness; time we aren’t ‘making the most of’. But when you stop and think about it, isn’t that very thought coming from fear? The fear of not having enough time? I realised this was true for me.

I was raised in a culture that glorified being busy, having lots on our plate and tying our self-worth to our productivity. Letting go of that fear, resting and having weekends where we do ‘nothing’ has made me so much happier, both physically and mentally. Our bodies need rest to repair and strengthen, and our minds need the quiet to process all of the feelings we have.

Since slowing down I have endured much less burnout and experienced far fewer mood swings and episodes of crying for no apparent reason. I still get grumpy and have sad days, alas, that’s a part of life, but I normally know why, and that’s powerful; I’m in control of how I feel, not the other way around. I’ve also found, after years of trying to fit hobbies into my life, that with more rest comes more creativity. Letting my mind wander brings me far more inspiration than endless to-do lists ever do.

The places I find to be the best for true rest are at home on a cold, wet day (in a clean home, I can’t rest properly surrounded by mess or clutter) with the fire on, reading books to the children, as well as cooking and being out in nature.

We try to get outside every day; it’s such an important part of our lives, it makes all of us happier. It’s not always a beach trip or woodland walk, sometimes it’s a wander through town, or ten minutes on the trikes in the back garden. But if you can, get out for a wander every day and daydream, it does wonders for the mind.

I was pleased when I found studies proving that time outside is beneficial to you in more ways than I was aware of. Since making more of an effort to get outside I have noticed that it has helped with my anxiety and creativity but studies show that as well as reducing anxiety it also helps to boost our immune system.

Take the time to do nothing, to look around you, to people watch. Times when you’d normally take your phone out and scroll, don’t. Be awkward, be present, centre yourself within the moment and see what changes it brings.  

Happy resting,

Livvy