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Finding Balance: How To Enjoy Slow Living Part-Time

Do you want to craft more, knit or crochet more? Or maybe you want to learn a new hobby or finally finish writing that book? Slowing down to fit in relaxing hobbies – or slowing down at all – is becoming more challenging these days. For some, living off grid or in tiny homes is one way to escape the urban jungle and live affordably at a slower pace. But for many of us, this isn’t a realistic option. And yet…DEEP DOWN we know there has to be a way to BALANCE FAST AND SLOW LIVING, however imperfect it may be. Whether it’s finding time once a week or once a month, we can all challenge ourselves to carve out a little time to ‘slow down’ and unwind. Today, I want to explore ways you can engage in relaxing activities, feed your soul, and Enjoy Slow Living Part-Time.    

Looking to embrace a slower pace of life? Discover how to start slow living part-time with simple steps. From cultivating mindful habits to choosing slow living hobbies, this guide will help you find balance, reduce stress, and enjoy the little moments. Whether it’s setting boundaries, unplugging from the hustle, or picking up a calming hobby, learn how to integrate peaceful practices into your routine and start living with intention. #SlowLiving #MindfulLiving #SlowLivingHabits #PartTimeSlowLiving #SlowHobbies


 

BUT FIRST:  My No-Pressure New Year’s “Aspiration” To Slow Down

I can’t recall the last time I wrote down my New Year’s resolutions.

It was probably back in my school days when it was assigned to me by my teacher. Looking back, it feels like a quaint idea of a bygone era; something that has no place in modern times.

But in recent years, I’ve returned to the idea of establishing annual goals – well, sort of. 

My honest review of Ruggable Washable Rugs. The pros and cons after 2 years of use.

Not quite a ‘resolution’ but a no-pressure, low-stakes aspiration (or aspirations) for the year. 

This year, one of those includes slowing down enough to find more time for hobbies  – old or new – to feed my soul. 

For this reason, I’m INTEGRATING SLOW LIVING into my life in 2 WAYS:

1.  FINDING A WAY TO ENJOY THE ‘ROUTINES’ OF LIFE: Whether I’m vacuuming the house, washing the dishes, or decluttering or organizing my home, I want to find enjoyment in the mundane things, and feel the satisfaction of a job well done.

2.  REWARDING MYSELF WITH SLOW LIVING HOBBIES: A good book or craft project will suit me just fine 🙂

Finding balance between the fast and slow pace of life is where my head’s at!

If you, too, are looking for a way to balance daily responsibilities with much-needed downtime, here are 5 ‘GENTLE’ WAYS TO INTRODUCE SLOW LIVING INTO YOUR LIFE, PART-TIME. 

 

5 WAYS TO ENJOY SLOW LIVING PART-TIME

1.  Try a Slower Evening Routine

Our list of 22 Amazon home essentials and must-haves: Loloi power loom area rug.

If the very idea of ‘slow living’ has you thinking ‘that’s IMPOSSIBLE’ then introduce it slowly, gently with a slower evening routine.

If you are anything like me or my husband, you may not have much control over the number or pace of your daytime responsibilities. Whether it’s a busy job or full time management of your home, this kind of frenzied schedule may leave you feeling exhausted in the evenings.

So why not try making your evenings a time to slow down, even if it’s simply creating a slower bedtime ritual (after the kids have been put to bed).

Instead of rushing to finish other tasks or zoning out in front of your small or large screens, CREATE A CALMING EVENING RITUAL.

DIM THE LIGHTS. DO SOME READING. DO A 10 (or even 20) MINUTE STRETCH BEFORE BED. Let your body and mind wind down gradually before laying your head down on your pillow.

If you can do JUST THAT ONE THING – and make it a habit – this will go a long way in helping you slow down, relax, and feel more rested.

 

2.  Try Slowing Down Tasks or Chores (Enjoy the Process of “Doing”)

5 quick tips for new year home reset.

Whether it’s washing dishes, folding laundry, or taking the dog out for a walk, try to slow down, focus on the task, and enjoy the process of “doing” your chores. 

In the winter months, for example, we use our wood burning stove to keep the house warm and cozy. We keep the fire going all day long.

But that also comes with A LOT OF WORK: Hauling wood from outside down the stairs (our stove is in the basement), piling the wood, stoking the fire, adding wood to the stove – several times a day – not to mention removing the overnight coals every morning, dumping the ash outside in the freezing cold, sweeping the hearth pad, vacuuming bits of ash and bark that find their way on the floor and carpet…

It’s become a big part of a series of chores we engage in regularly – like cleaning, vacuuming, or organizing the home – that come with both responsibility and reward. 

As I recently shared on Instagram, it’s a process I’ve come to really enjoy – if not all, then most of the time 😉 

But IF SLOWING DOWN TO ENJOY A TASK – especially if you can’t find a way to enjoy it – try and MAKE THE PROCESS EASIER TO BEAR:

–  Listen to a podcast while you mop the floors

–  Watch a Netflix show as you fold the laundry

–  Declutter a drawer or closet while listening to music or an audiobook

This may help you enjoy your chores – even a little – or at least look forward to doing them knowing you’ll be engaging in some of your favourite pastimes, too.  

 

3.  Stop Multitasking and Try one of these TWO THINGS Instead

Quick tips for a new year home reset.

In my younger years, I thought I could multitask. But with age comes wisdom and I’ve learned that multitasking doesn’t speed things up – quite the opposite.

As I discussed in 3 Quick Tips for a New Year Home Reset multitasking takes much longer than you think. As studies suggest, this is because of the constant interruption and additional time required to refocus and regain momentum.

Instead try THIS:

Do ONE TASK AT A TIME. This will help you BE FOCUSED, MORE PRODUCTIVE, and complete tasks faster without doing them at a frenzied pace.

OR try THIS:

‘TASK STACKING’ is another (and far better) alternative to multitasking.

This is when you group two or more tasks together that are compatible. 

For example:

– washing dishes while dinner is cooking

– tidying a space just before vacuuming it

– dusting bookshelves as you organize your books

When you multi-task, your attention is divided

When you task stack, you lean into the natural momentum of doing related chores.

Whether you choose to do ONE TASK AT A TIME or simply STACK YOUR TASKS, you will (hopefully) slow down, focus on the task at hand, and become far more efficient at getting the job done.

 

4.  Try to Simplify Your Schedule (wherever you can)

Rather than loading up every day with a multitude of tasks or meetings, try to streamline or at least schedule your days more efficiently.

I often like to change up the days: one day is filled with lots of small tasks that can be done quickly; another day is focused on just 1 or 2 large projects that require a lot of time and focus with no meetings scheduled.

Focusing on one task for longer periods of time or blocking off time to get things done can be far more productive in the long run. Better to have 1 or 2 projects complete than 5 or 6 half done tasks still waiting for you the next day (and the next).

 

5.  Try a Slow Hobby

Loom weaving.

Okay, so now we’ve gotten to my favourite part – finding a slow hobby.

Whether you choose to craft, unplug and read, listen to or play music, hike or walk, volunteer or join a club (virtual or in-person), find at least 1 slow hobby that you can integrate into your life.  

This may be an hour a day, an hour a week, or even once a month. Whatever feels right for you is right to do.

Don’t jam this into an already busy routine. START SMALL. LIKE, TINY.

However you do it, starting a new hobby – or getting back into an old one – is a great way to relax, unwind, and practice slowing down.

 

Some Hobby Ideas To Get You Started

The following is a list – not exhaustive by any means – but maybe you’ll find something here that will spark an idea to help get you started: 

CREATIVE HOBBIES:

1. Drawing or Painting (get tips on how to find time for art in a busy life).

2. Photography

3. Writing

4. Crafting: I’ve shared dozens of tutorials on this blog from weaving to macrame to learning basic embroidery stitches to wreath-making and so much more.

But you can find so many other craft hobbies to start this year. It’s just a matter of finding the right craft for you.

ACTIVE/OUTDOOR HOBBIES:

5. Hiking or Walking

6. Gardening

7. Pilates

INTELLECTUAL/SKILL-BUILDING:

8. Learn a new language: There are plenty of apps, in person or online classes available out there.

9. Reading

10. Puzzle Solving (there are so many benefits to engaging in ‘puzzling’): Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, sudoku, or even picture puzzles are a great way to relax and unwind.

11. Chess (checkers, too!)

12. DIY projects like fixing things around the house or making home improvements, however small.

13. Learning an instrument (at any age)

14.  Cooking or Baking

SOCIAL/INTERACTIVE:

15. Board Games or Card Games

16. Volunteering or Joining a Club like a wine tasting club, quilting club, or bird watching club. 

 

Final Thoughts

I hope today’s post on how to enjoy slow living part-time provides you with some sources and ways to get started. Remember, slow living isn’t about perfection—it’s about carving out some time to enjoy the small moments in your everyday life. You don’t need to overhaul your entire schedule; just begin with a few small, achievable changes. 

Embrace the journey, and don’t rush the process!

 


If you enjoyed this post, here are some other helpful resources:

10 Creative Nature Crafts to Kickstart Your Summer

• 11 Cozy Season Crafts To Welcome Fall In Style

• 15 Crafty Links to Kickstart Your Summer

10 Peaceful Home Tips to Create Your Perfect Nesting Space

 

 

 

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