Slow Living Lifestyle: How to Answer the Call and Unplug from the Modern World

In a world that never stops, where hustle and hurry are praised, and productivity is king, it can feel impossible to catch your breath. But what if I told you there was a different way? A way to slow down, breathe deep, and find contentment in every moment. Welcome to the slow living lifestyle – a secret path to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It’s time to unplug from the modern world and discover the balance, serenity, and mindfulness that await us.

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Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #5

Before I jump into how to answer the call for a slow living lifestyle, I want to mention a fun fact about myself! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!

So, for my fifth fun fact, I want to share that I am, unfortunately, a plant killer.

I love having house plants, and, I feel like I’m getting better, but somehow I always manage to kill them. I think I overwater them, but hey who knows? Do any of you green thumb people have any tips? Would love to hear them in the comments!

What is Slow Living?

The slow living lifestyle, as the name suggests, is all about embracing a slower and more deliberate approach to life. It’s about intentionally pushing back against the fast pace of modern living, creating space for ourselves to breathe, and finding solace in simplicity.

In a society that constantly demands our attention and values productivity above all else, the idea of slowing down may seem counterintuitive.

However, at its core, slow living is not about doing less, but rather about doing things with greater intention and mindfulness. It’s about savoring the present moment, instead of constantly chasing after the next thing on our to-do lists.

By prioritizing slow living, we permit ourselves to unplug from the constant noise and distractions that surround us.

We carve out time for activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, whether that’s reading a book, taking a leisurely walk in nature, or enjoying a home-cooked meal with loved ones. Slow living is about savoring these simple pleasures and finding contentment in the here and now.

Slow living also emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-reflection. It encourages us to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life and evaluate what truly matters to us.

By practicing mindfulness and being fully present in each moment, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our values. This self-awareness allows us to make deliberate choices that align with our authentic selves, rather than mindlessly following the expectations and trends set by society.

Ultimately, slow living is a mindset and a conscious choice to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It’s about reclaiming our time, our energy, and our sense of self in a world that often feels overwhelming.

The Role of Homemaking as a Christian Wife

One aspect of slow living that holds particular significance for Christian wives is the role of homemaking. In today’s fast-paced world, where the expectations and demands on women can feel overwhelming, homemaking provides a sanctuary—a place where the slow living philosophy can truly thrive.

It allows Christian wives to cultivate an environment of peace, order, and warmth within their homes.

Homemaking as a Christian wife goes beyond mere housekeeping; it is about intentionally creating a nurturing and welcoming space that reflects a woman’s faith and values.

It involves not just the physical act of cleaning and organizing, but also the emotional and spiritual care of those within the home. It means prioritizing the well-being of family members, fostering a sense of connectedness and love, and incorporating biblical principles into daily life.

See, when a Christian wife embraces slow living within her homemaking, she recognizes that it is not just about the outward appearance of her home, but also about the inward transformation that occurs within herself and her family.

Some of you may be wondering what homemaking as a Christian wife looks like and how to use it to slow down.

I guess the three main ways I use my role as a homemaker to answer the call of a slow living lifestyle are following God, prioritizing, and being intentional.

I choose to follow God, and by doing so, it nourishes the relationship I have with my husband, family, friends, and everyone in between. The two main ways I build my relationship with Him include inviting Him into my morning routine and spending time in eucharistic adoration.

Prioritizing is another way to answer the call to a slow living lifestyle.

I dive into this concept more in the section below, but for one example, my husband and I decided to incorporate no-tech Tuesdays. By prioritizing our time and taking technology out of the equation, we get to spend more time with one another.

And I think for couples this is so important. Just because you live under the same roof, doesn’t mean you are spending quality time with one another.

When you think the average human works a 9-5 and then 5-bedtime is spent driving home from work, getting chores done, attending to kids, exercising or doing other hobbies, cooking and eating, and, then the infamous technology black hole, it doesn’t leave couples with much time to spend with each other.

Yesterday was the first day we attempted to avoid tech, and I must say, something very unexpected and interesting occurred afterward.

Traditionally, my husband snores. And most of the time I can’t stand it! Like I think I have high-functioning misophonia (a disorder when certain sounds like chewing, breathing, tapping, or snoring can cause a triggering response).

But what’s interesting is after our first no-tech Tuesday, my husband’s snoring didn’t bother me as much. I was able to fall asleep regardless of his snoring. So, was it a coincidence? I guess we’ll see in the weeks to come!

The last homemaking tip to answer the slow living lifestyle call is to be intentional.

I often find we go through the paces of life without giving it a second thought. But once you start being intentional about what you do and why you do it, you’ll notice a shift.

A simple example of being intentional is a discovery I made years ago. I was peeling carrots, and then it occurred to me that there wasn’t any benefit to spending the time and energy to do so.

As long as the carrots are washed and scrubbed, which I would have done regardless, there isn’t a difference in taste or texture when I leave the skin on. And the only reason why I started peeling carrots was because that is how I was taught.

Now, in the scheme of things, the time it would have taken me to peel carrots is small compared to everything else that needs to happen in a day, but those moments add up.

So whenever you do a task, ask yourself why you are doing it. Perhaps if you can’t come up with an answer, it’s time to reconsider the effort it’s taking to accomplish that task.

Embracing Simplicity and Minimalism in a Fast-Paced World

Embracing simplicity and minimalism in a fast-paced world is not just about decluttering our physical environments; it’s about decluttering our minds and souls as well.

In a society that constantly bombards us with distractions and demands our attention at every turn, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

Simplicity is about removing the excess and focusing on the essentials.

It’s about prioritizing our time and energy on the things that bring us joy and fulfillment, rather than being pulled in a thousand different directions by the demands of our modern world.

By consciously choosing to live with less, whether it’s material possessions, commitments, or digital clutter, we can free ourselves from the constant busyness and find peace and contentment.

Minimalism, on the other hand, goes beyond just physical decluttering. It’s about cultivating a mindset of intentionality and mindfulness in everything we do.

By embracing minimalism, we can make deliberate choices about how we spend our time, who we surround ourselves with, and what we allow into our lives. It’s about creating space for the things that truly matter and letting go of the rest.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all your possessions, hyper-focus on the time you spend with a particular person, or do this or that thing.

What it does mean is don’t be afraid to remove the excess. A simple way of looking at it is similar to sharpening a kitchen knife. The normal wear and tear on a knife will leave it dull. So, sharpening it will help restore it to its most effective performance. However, in the sharpening process, bits of metal are removed from the blade to achieve a sharp edge.

The bits of metal that didn’t add any value to the blade are the things or people in your life that are holding you back from being the sharpest you can be.

Mastering the Art of Organization and Cleaning

By organizing our spaces thoughtfully and keeping them clean, we can ensure that our homes remain peaceful and intentional, reflecting the essence of slow living that we strive for.

The organization plays a vital role in maintaining a slow living lifestyle. When our belongings are scattered and disorganized, it can create a sense of chaos and hinder our ability to immerse ourselves in the present moment.

On the other hand, when everything has its designated place and is neatly arranged, we can move through our living spaces with ease and efficiency.

I have a full tutorial on 7 organization ideas for the home and how to get rid of the clutter once and for all!

Cleaning is another essential aspect of mastering the art of organization. Regular cleaning not only keeps our homes hygienic and pleasant to be in, but it also contributes to our overall well-being.

As we engage in the process of cleaning, we can approach it with mindfulness and intention. Try to look at cleaning as less of a chore and more of an opportunity to create an enjoyable environment.

Finding Peace and Contentment through Slow Living

Finding peace and contentment through slow living is not just about simplifying our physical spaces and decluttering our belongings; it also encompasses our mental and emotional well-being.

As we consciously embrace the slow living lifestyle, we prioritize self-care and create ample space for mindfulness and introspection. By intentionally disconnecting from the modern world and its constant distractions, we can cultivate inner peace and find a deep sense of contentment within ourselves.

One of the key aspects of finding peace and contentment through slow living is creating time and space for solitude and reflection. In a fast-paced world that constantly demands our attention, it can be challenging to carve out moments of tranquility and stillness.

However, by intentionally setting aside time each day for quiet contemplation, prayers, or simply being alone with our thoughts, we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and recharge our mental batteries.

I find being alone with your thoughts is harder for some than it is for others.

My husband is one of those people who have a hard time with this. For him, that’s where the anxiety creeps in, and it’s one step away from going down the rabbit hole.

A simple way around this is to have a sense of objectiveness, like sitting outside on the porch and watching the hummingbirds at the feeder. Something simple and subtle. Time spent in nature is a good way to start.

Exploring DIY Projects for a Mindful Lifestyle

Engaging in DIY projects can be a meaningful and fulfilling way to enhance our mindful way of living. These projects provide an opportunity for creativity and self-expression, allowing us to express our unique perspectives and individuality.

When we take the time to engage in DIY projects, we are actively participating in creating something tangible. Whether building or renovating furniture, crafting a handmade gift, or growing produce, to name a few examples.

The act of creating with our own hands brings us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It allows us to slow down and focus on the process, rather than rushing to achieve a finished product. In this way, DIY projects become a form of meditation, helping us to cultivate a sense of peace and mindfulness.

Moreover, DIY projects offer a chance to explore our creativity and find joy in the process of making something from scratch. It encourages us to think outside the box, problem-solve, and exercise our imagination.

Engaging in DIY projects also encourages us to step away from the consumerist mindset that often dominates our modern world.

Instead of constantly seeking out the latest trends and accumulating more possessions, DIY projects promote a sense of resourcefulness and sustainability. We learn to appreciate the value of repurposing and reusing, as well as knowing the amount of effort it takes to make that particular item.