Life is hectic and in this modern world hardly do we make or find the time to release the tension we are building up.
We move around every day without engaging in activities that can calm our minds and bodies down.
In this article, we will explore 11 of the best slow living hobbies that can bring calmness into your life.
What are the benefits of slow living?
One of the primary benefits of slow living is reduced stress and anxiety. The constant rush to get things done and keep up with the demands of life can take a toll on your mental health. When you adopt a slow living lifestyle, you focus on the present moment, prioritize self-care, and take things at a slower pace.
The truth is your whole life will take a positive turn.
Journaling
The simple act of writing out your thoughts on paper is therapeutic. You feel relaxed and in fact, it is one of the best skills to reduce your stress levels and feel more energetic.
If you have not journaled before, check our journaling section for ideas on how to start.
Reading Slowly
There is a popularity of speed reading online.
It is proposed by many YouTubers and bloggers. However, if you slow down your reading, it puts you into a state of calm. You are better able to assimilate information at a higher level.
The next time you get a book whether it is a novel or a non-fiction book slow down the process and take each sentence slowly and calmly. You will transform your mind into a calmer state.
Meditating
Just 5 minutes of meditation can alter your state of mind.
It gets you in the zone. Most experienced meditators call up such states on command. If you want to feel calmer and relaxed, then meditating daily is a good choice.
Stack it up with other habits like bathing or reading. You can do a quick 2-minute meditation before either bathing or reading a good book.
Playing board games
Board games from our perspective are social endeavours.
When you have people playing with you for at least 30 minutes, you feel a sense of belonging which will induce a sense of clam.
You don’t need to visit a board game community to play with others. Call a few of your friends and you have a group of enthusiasts to cheer yourself up.
We have articles on how to play some of the best board games. Feel free to check them out.
Playing instruments
Playing a new instrument has the power to uplift your mind and keep you relaxed.
An instrument like a Guitar requires a focused mind. If you start learning how to play, it will start training your mind to experience calmness.
Another added benefit of playing an instrument is that it keeps your brain active. As you learn a new skill, the brain starts creating new connections which keeps it flourishing and strong.
Start learning one right now.
Coloring
Scientifically, coloring is therapeutic.
Many research studies have illustrated the mind-calming effect of coloring consistently. You can go with flowers, animals or whichever you want. Just the act of coloring will improve your mental environment. It will help you remain relaxed.
Get an adult coloring book at Amazon or any convenient shop in your local community.
Painting
Painting is similar to coloring.
When you start painting, you experience all the effects coloring affords you. You become more relaxed even if they are just strokes on a piece of canvas.
Photography
You don’t need a fancy camera to start this hobby.
Just your smartphone will do. Many smartphones come with amazing features that can get you to take quality pictures in a matter of seconds. Go into nature and start taking simple pictures of the world around you. You will be amazed at how relaxed you will feel. We move through the world without actually experiencing it in detail.
If you, however, decide to invest in a fancy camera, jump onto Amazon where you will some of the best and most affordable cameras on the market. There are cameras that cost as little as $199.
knitting
To the layman, knitting is just the art of using needles and a piece of cloth to make nice things. However, underneath all that is a lot of benefits.
The art of knitting enlivens the soul because it stimulates the mind creatively. In addition, it brings you a sense of calmness.
Walking
You may be walking every day but do you know that a mindful walk on a consistent basis can keep you feeling calmer and stress-free?
According to research studies, walking is one of the best habits that can help you improve your fitness. Your blood pressure and stress levels are improved. Even your immune system is bolstered against diseases. Many cardiovascular diseases can be traced back to a lack of or a small amount of movement.
Slow but effective.
Despite the encouraging benefits of walking every day, many people shun this simple action.
Dancing
There are different types of dances.
Salsa and Tango are two of them.
Choose one that requires slow and rhythmic movements.
Salsa obviously sounds romantic and is probably the choice of many people. If you want to learn how to move in differently, try it out.
However, don’t make the mistake of thinking you might master with a few short practices. It will take time.
Do so and you become frustrated and lose sight of the goal – Calmness.
