Why having a slow weekend might be just what you need

Slow living is the best way to enjoy your life wholeheartedly. It's all about living a simpler life where you make intentional decisions to slow down the pace or tempo of your daily schedule.

Sure, it sounds like a good way to get more rest on paper but I know it's not a realistic option for all. That's why I recommend having a slow weekend every once in a while.

First, think about the answers to all of the questions below. If you answer yes to more than a couple, then you need a slow weekend and I'll give you some ideas on how to do that!

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• do you feel increasingly tired?

• are you low on energy?

• are you doing a lot of people-pleasing?

• is your job causing you burnout and stress?

• do you feel anxious?

• do you feel unhappy?

• are you experiencing headaches and/or migraines?

• do you feel like you just want to sleep?

• are you looking for ways to relax but can't seem to?

What is slow living?

Slow living is a mindset and lifestyle. It's about living intentionally, doing the things you love, and living at a slower pace. Forget the hustle and bustle of the city and think slow, relaxing, and nature-filled adventures in the countryside.

Of course, if you live in the city, you can still enjoy a slow lifestyle by practicing a mindful life, doing more self-care activities, spending time on personal development, and making intentional choices.

You can curate a more meaningful and conscious lifestyle that is actually in tune with your values.

This means slowing down and allowing life to take its course without keeping yourself overly busy all the time.

It's all about focusing on yourself and your surroundings. This means living with intention and not trying to be like others or conforming to other people's definition of success.

Having a conscious lifestyle that's in tune with what you want in life is really important.

Slowing down and intentionally putting your true values at your heart will encourage you to live in self-awareness, make conscious decisions and improve the well-being of others.

Slow living is about living longer, better, and smarter. It rejects the notion that being busy is a sign of being important or successful, at work or in your personal time.

Also, it rejects the expression "I'm too busy" and acknowledges that in order to have more time for your true passions or self-care, you need to sacrifice some things.

That involves saying no sometimes and only saying yes to the things that you find valuable or worth your time.

How to have a slow weekend: ideas & tips

Do you feel like always need to fill up your schedule for the entire weekend? Do you feel pressured to always do a lot of things so you keep yourself busy?

But sometimes the body and mind need relaxation. So, don't be afraid to take a weekend off to yourself and indulge in self-care and things you like to do.

Here are some ideas for a slow weekend at home:

1. Do some baking & cooking

Making a cake from scratch is actually really satisfying. Even something simple like a brownie is a good way to focus on the act of baking. It helps clear your mind.

If you don't like baking, why not try some tasty new recipes? There are plenty of healthy (or indulgent & comforting) recipes out there you can try.

Trust me, it's much more satisfying than order takeout. Plus you can do batch cooking or baking and enjoy tasty food the whole weekend.

2. Go out for brunch

Going out for brunch is a great way to get in a short walk and move your body but also nourishing yourself.

Feel free to indulge in whatever your body craves and don't you dare feel guilty about it. The goal is to feel good, not deprive yourself of food and drinks.

Brunch will not only get you started on your day, but it will also provide the fuel and brainpower to continue with your day and keep going.

3. Create a mood board or Pinterest boards

Making a mood board, collage, or creating Pinterest boards with your favorite images can be truly inspiring.

For example, you can pin outfit inspiration, home decor finds, activity ideas, and anything that gets your creative juices flowing.

If you have a project in mind, these boards help to establish a solid foundation. After the initial project is completed, creating a mood board helps you to envision the final result.

4. Light candles around the home

If you like a cozy atmosphere, then you HAVE to light those scented candles.

I have a bad habit of hoarding candles but then I forget to light them and now I am consciously making an effort to light them and enjoy their ambient light.

Candles are super relaxing, there's no question about that. Light it up, no matter if it's a vanilla tealight, a cute candle holder, or that lovely Bath & Bodyworks one, and you will be relaxed. It creates a calm atmosphere and a focal point.

You can meditate, do yoga, or read by candlelight.

5. Read

I'm sure you have a long to-read list and you just don't seem to find the time to read all the books you're interested in.

Ever wonder how some people manage to read lots of books each year? Well, they spend their free time reading.

Do you have a book that's been on your bedside table for months?

Grab it, flip through the pages, and savor every word. You can spend an hour just to escape into another world and lose yourself in a book.

Whether you like fiction or non-fiction, you'll surely discover a story worth reading.

Conclusion

If slow living is a topic that interests you, I recommend reading up on it. It will help you implement real changes and achieve balance.

A book like Seeking Slow by Melanie Barnes is an easy way to understand the concept and find actionable steps you can take right away.

This book is a concise introduction to slow living and offers seven ways to reduce that feeling of extreme burnout and busyness. This book is focused on techniques such as gratitude, single-tasking, and disconnecting from technology.