therapeutic slow habits | no. 11
We live in a modern world of errands, activities, lessons, work, social media, Netflix and chill, you know the drill. We are constantly moving, doing, and going. As a result, our minds and spirits are on stimulation overload.
In this post, I’d like to share with you some slow habits that are not new but might be new to your lifestyle. They are therapeutic for your spirit and are a great way to reduce overstimulation.
Slow living has been part of my life since 2019. A few years before that, I’d made the change to declutter my wardrobe and only buy “slow” fashion. When you make one change, it leads to more and I found myself questioning things we’d done our whole adult lives without blinking an eye.
Even with adopting a “minimal” lifestyle and being interested in slow living, lately, I’ve found myself slipping back into overwhelm, shopping unnecessarily, and keeping useful things I “might use” in the name of homemaking or being prepared.
Quickly, things started to slip back into a way of life I rejected. This post is as much for me as it is for you. To remind me what makes my heart feel fulfilled and peaceful and why I choose to live differently than some. I hope these therapeutic slow-living habits bring you peace in this cozy season.
one. hand washing laundry
I know, I probably shouldn’t have started with this one because most of you HATE laundry. Somehow it’s the world’s most loathed chore. I personally love laundry (when it’s in my house, not a fan of laundromats). Lately, I’ve been finding pleasure in handwashing small stains out of clothing instead of tossing it all in the wash. If it’s clean, just scrub that stain out and hang it to dry. We don’t own a dryer so that’s part of my laundry routine anyway and it’s very therapeutic for me.
two. knitting
I am not a crazy knitter. I have dreams of being able to knit sweaters and leg warmers but truly I don’t enjoy it that much and I’m not that patient…or skilled. BUT there is a benefit to the occasional knit, even if it’s just a scarf that takes you 5 years to complete. The act of passing needles back and forth for knitting is scientifically proven to alleviate anxiety. So pick up some needles and see what a little knit in the evening will do!
three. painting
I recently got into watercolor painting and I can’t exactly remember why. Sometimes I just get an urge for creativity and go with it. Painting has brought an overwhelming sense of peace. I love how slow I have to be for it to look good - how patient I need to be to wait for layers to dry before adding another. I especially love how it quiets my mind so I can hear God and be in his presence. Our minds are often so loud, it’s a good slow habit to practice stillness. Watercolor may be the easiest and cheapest way to get started but my husband, Leland, paints with oils and acrylics and enjoys those very much (oil best.)
four. get dirty
As a society, we’ve gotten way too clean. This is coming from a girl who cringes when I have to walk IN SHOES across a Walmart parking lot… What I mean is we aren’t in the dirt enough. Sure, there’s mess and germs, but the simple act of getting our hands and feet in the earth and getting dirty has been lost for most of us!
Science tells us the benefits that activities like gardening have on our mental and physical health. I think it’s most simply explained in the Creation story, “The Lord God formed man from the dust of the Earth (Genesis 2:7).” We are literally part of the earth! It makes sense that being close to it would improve our well-being.
five. play with your kids
I’ve heard some people say recently that they don’t play with their kids because it interferes with their ability to be creative or independent or something. I agree that kids play differently on their own than with their adults and that time is important, however, there is a valuable role that playing with your kids has for you and them.
I’ve personally experienced playing with my daughter and nephew to be a wonderful way to force me to put down my phone, let the dishes be, and clean up later. It has improved my mood to laugh and disconnect from the things that aren’t even that important and see the world from their perspective. When I play with her, I’m not telling her what to play, I’m asking her to join the world she’s in.
I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to bond with her through play. I believe it builds a stronger relationship between us and creates wonderful memories. It’s even a way to bond with your spouse if you all play together. Just watch your spouse be a kid again and it puts everything into perspective. We’re all just children who experienced growing up.
There are many more habits I’ve been trying out as I practice slow living more intentionally again. This post is getting a little long so I think I’ll put the rest in a future post. I hope you have a wonderful day being mindful and practicing these therapeutic slow habits.
lots of love,
makayla