Slow living means cultivating and reveling in daily activities that encourage and recharge instead of drain and exhaust us. It may be easier said than done, but I believe if we make slower living a priority, we will reap the benefits in our daily lives; even if it’s only one single change. I want to encourage you to say no to excessive busyness if possible, and embrace the priority of calmness this fall. Autumn is the perfect time to practice a slower pace.
As the vibrancy of autumn fills the air, the days grow shorter and the evenings grow cooler. These magical days call out for a touch of cozy, the warmth of a flickering flame, and the soothing softness of a favorite throw. Add in a warm beverage and a good book and you’ll find your stress levels decreasing and your peace increasing.
There is something comforting about a the smell of the leaves and the warmth of a favorite sweater. Autumn is a time of transition, and the season itself beckons us to hunker down, soften the lamplight, and rest in the respite of the season. Here are a few ideas to contemplate if you’re feeling hurried, rushed, or overwhelmed.
The beauty of slowing down
Our world moves at an ever-quickening pace. Autumn is a perfect time to embrace a touch of slow living. We can embrace the season by enjoying the gentle things, like early evenings and later mornings. So many people dislike the early sunsets, but I find this twilight time of night to be magical. It feels to me like the world is taking a long deep breathe and letting out a slow relaxing exhale.
The lights inside transform a house into a cottage streaming with the warmth and glow only autumn can bring. The smell of a distant bonfire, the soft soothing sound of an autumn rain; these things can define slow living. Making a cup of tea the old fashioned way. The smell of a pot roast that’s been cooking all day. A softly scented autumn candle. If we allow our senses to awaken, these everyday occurrences can bring a feeling of relaxation and repose.
Savor the simple moments
Slow living is embodied by simple moments. We find that evening walks turn houses into homes once again. There is an unspoken acknowledgement of families having dinner, children completing homework, and an overall simplicity returns to life.
Rainy days and Mondays don’t have to get you down. Autumn is a rainy season, and if you need to decompress, stand and listen to the rain as it comes down at a gentle pace. Or be attentive to the way the sunlight filters in the window on an early autumn morning. It’s when we embrace these stolen moments of pause and reflection, we truly embrace the beauty of the season.
Engage the senses
Slow living also includes engaging and embracing the senses. What are the familiar smells, tastes, sights, sounds and touch that evoke fond memories? For us, we try to visit a local pumpkin patch every year. As we move from place to place, seeking out and finding these autumnal treasures has become a highlight of every autumn.
These days always include a treat, it seems. Last year’s pumpkin patch was at Jackson’s Orchard in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The pumpkins were stunning in various shades of every color. There is a little farm store filled with jams, jellies, and fresh produce. There was even a snack shack serving coffee, hot cocoa and homemade donuts. AMAZING.
We always enjoy a mulled cider scented candle during autumn. I’m not much on the pumpkin scented, baked apple pie fragrances, but mulled cider is reminiscent of all the back to school days when my kids were young. But you should lean into any fragrance that makes you happy.
It’s always a tradition to swap out the lighter weight throws for cozier, heavier knit ones that are perfect for hunkering into the sofa with a good book, or an excellent autumn movie marathon. Whatever senses evoke a familiar nostalgia for you are the ones to embrace this time of year.
Practice self care
In the autumn we love to make a fall bucket list and pick one activity or item every week (or every day). Here are some easy ways you can practice slow living and self-care this Autumn. We wish you a beautiful season filled with all the good things enjoyed at a slow-living pace. Cheers!
