Can you believe it’s April already? As we move into the second quarter of the year, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button. With all my good intentions, somehow the first quarter had me feeling like I couldn’t catch a break and 24 hours wasn’t nearly enough time to get all the things done. But I’m determined to go back to a slower pace and regain balance and I know getting back to slow living is the key.

If you’re a busy working woman who’s looking to explore the benefits of slow living, at the start of this quarter is the perfect time to create some simple routines that will help you be happier and more productive while taking better care of yourself. Here are seven simple tips.

Start your day with intention

One of the key principles of slow living is being present and intentional in the moment. Start your day by setting an intention for how you want to feel and what you want to accomplish. Take a few moments to breathe deeply, meditate, or simply visualize your ideal day. This will help you start the day with a clear mind and a sense of purpose.

Create a morning routine

A morning routine can help you establish a sense of structure and rhythm to your day. This can be as simple as drinking a cup of tea, going for a walk, or doing some yoga or stretching. Whatever routine you choose, make sure it’s something that brings you joy and helps you start the day feeling energized and focused.

Simplify your schedule

As a busy working woman, it can be easy to fall into the trap of over-scheduling and over-committing. Take a look at your calendar and identify any activities or commitments that aren’t serving you. Consider saying no to anything that doesn’t align with your priorities or bring you joy. This will give you more space and time to focus on the things that really matter.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for cultivating a sense of calm and presence in the moment. Take a few moments throughout the day to check in with yourself and your surroundings. Notice your thoughts and feelings without judgment, and focus on your breath or your senses to anchor yourself in the present moment.

Check out the app, Calm. This is an instance where I think technology is really useful. This app as well

Embrace slow cooking

Cooking can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity that helps you slow down and savor the moment. Instead of relying on pre-packaged or fast food options, consider embracing slow cooking. This might mean preparing meals in advance, using a crockpot or slow cooker, or simply taking the time to cook a meal from scratch. The act of cooking and enjoying a home-cooked meal can be a simple yet powerful way to embrace slow living.

My go-to meal to cook is always a good salmon with roasted potatoes. Recently I’ve been trying out different sauces for flavor, like ginger and lime or peanut. I’m always surprised how some mixtures or even accidents in cooking, can turn out to be such a good thing!

Disconnect from technology

This is a hard one. Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, but it can also be a major source of stress and distraction. On many days I’ve burned through my social media limit all before 11AM. And at this point, the algorithms have us easily sucked in.

Consider taking a break from technology for a few hours each day. Or even try going for a whole day on the weekends. Use this time to connect with yourself and others in more meaningful ways. Read a good book; I just finished The Urgent Life by Bozoman Saint Jean – and it was sooo good. Take the old school route and have a face-to-face conversation with someone. Or you can simply enjoy the outdoors and catch some fresh air. Find ways to take your eyes off screens and let your mind wander a bit.

Practice gratitude

Gratitude is an essential part of slow living, as it helps us appreciate the little moments in life that bring us joy and contentment. Take some time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for, whether it’s a beautiful sunset, a kind word from a friend, or simply a quiet moment with yourself. This practice can help you cultivate a more positive and optimistic outlook on life. For me, I find that it helps me put things in perspective and even provides a second wind on days when life, is life!

By incorporating these simple routines and practices into your daily life, you can explore the benefits of slow living and create a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. Remember, slow living is all about taking the time to savor the moment, prioritize your well-being, and embrace a more intentional way of living.

Let me know how your slow living journey is going.