13 Slow Living Hobbies for a Mindful Lifestyle
When it comes to slow living, you may find yourself wondering what to do with all your free time. Isn’t that a silly thing to have to consider since we’re all used to being on the go, in a rush, and never having enough time to get it all done? When you’ve truly embraced slow living, you may want to look into some slow living hobbies for your mental health, physical health, and simply for enjoyment! Slow living doesn’t mean boring; it just means being more intentional with your time and enjoying the little things in life.
In this blog post, I’m going to give you some slow living tips for finding a hobby that works for more intentional living. These are different ways to spend your time that don’t include screens or rushing around to tons of activities to stay busy. Instead, these slow living hobbies will help you embrace simple living.
Understanding Slow Living
A slow living lifestyle emphasizes taking the time to enjoy the simple things in life. It’s about slowing down and being present in the moment rather than rushing through life. Slow living is one of the best ways to reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and find joy in the little things. Plus, it helps to increase your free time, which makes daily life feel more enjoyable.
There are many ways to practice slow living, and one of the most popular ways is through adopting mindful hobbies. So many of us get stuck in the day to day modern life, scrolling social media, maybe playing video games, etc., when we have a moment. Screen time dominates our free time and doesn’t really help us detach from a fast-paced world, which is one of the biggest goals of the slow living movement.
Adopting slow living hobbies is a great way to slow down and focus on something you enjoy in a way that doesn’t hinder and even supports the concept of slow living. Overall, slow living is about taking the time to appreciate the simple things in life and finding joy in the present moment. Hobbies can be a great way to practice slow living and reduce stress in your life.
I have more posts on slow living tips, if you’re interested.
Now let’s get into some slow living hobbies!
Slow Living Hobbies
If you’re looking for ways to unwind and slow down, there are plenty of hobbies to choose from. Slow living hobbies help you take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on the present moment. The hobbies listed below will help you forget your to-do list and practice the art of slow living. Here are some of the most popular slow living hobbies to consider:
Gardening
Gardening is a great way to connect with nature and get some fresh air! Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony, you can grow your own herbs, vegetables, or flowers. Gardening can be a very meditative activity that helps you relax and reduce stress. Plus, you get the bonus of being outside and enjoying the fruits of your labor. There’s nothing quite like harvesting a basket of food you grew with your own two hands.
Cooking & Baking
We all need to eat, so why not make cooking and baking an enjoyable experience instead of a chore you have to do? Once I changed my mindset around cooking and feeding my family from this annoying thing I had to do all day to something I could get creative with and that would allow me to be in charge of what goes into my family’s bodies, I started to love it!
Cooking and baking can be very therapeutic and satisfying. Trying out new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients can be a fun and creative process. Cooking and baking can also be a great way to bond with family and friends! I know my kids will occasionally come help, especially if I’m making cookies or some other sweet treat.
In addition to cooking and baking, I really love getting into meal prep and putting together easy snacks for the family to grab. It allows us to eat good without buying as many prepackaged goodies.
Journaling or Writing
Are you a writer? Maybe you are, and you just don’t know it yet. Journaling or writing can be a great way to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Writing down your goals, dreams, and aspirations can help you clarify your vision and stay focused. Journaling can also be a great way to practice gratitude and mindfulness. For some people, journaling may turn into other types of writing that you could come to enjoy.
Knitting or Crocheting
If you like to create, then you may want to try knitting or crocheting! These hobbies can be a very relaxing and meditative activity. Creating something with your own hands, either for yourself or for loved ones, can be extremely satisfying. I know I love seeing a finished product, but the great thing about these hobbies is that the process is just as enjoyable as the end result. Knitting or crocheting can also be a great way to make personalized gifts for your loved ones.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is one of those things most people wouldn’t automatically think of when they think of a hobby to start. I always picture an older man in a silly hat hiding in the bushes waiting for birds. Is that just me? But really, bird watching can be a very peaceful and calming activity. Observing birds in their natural habitat is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the world around you. Plus, you get to spend a little time outside, learning new things about different species of birds.
Walking or Hiking
Getting out into nature is a wonderful hobby and a habit that more of us need to master. Walking or hiking can be a great way to get some slow movement exercise and explore your surroundings. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, walking and hiking can help you clear your mind and reduce stress. Of course, it’ll keep you physically healthy as well. Spending quality time outdoors is one of those things we don’t do enough, but when we make the time for it, we wonder what took so long!
Yoga
Yoga has to be one of the most popular slow living hobbies. Not only can yoga improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, but practicing yoga can also help you reduce stress and anxiety. It’s something you can do at a gym or yoga studio or even in the comfort of your own home. I find yoga classes wonderful ways to be around others and to learn how to do things correctly. Then I can take it home for daily yoga practice with any small changes I’ve learned. It’s the perfect way to stay fit when you’re embracing a slow lifestyle.
Meditation
Meditation is another one of those things that people tend to stereotype, but I could not recommend it more! I am no expert, but I will tell you on the days I get up before my kids and meditate for even 5 minutes, my day is calmer and more peaceful. Plenty of research has shown that meditation can calm your mind and reduce stress. There are many different types of meditation, so you can find the one that works best for you.
Decluttering
Decluttering may seem like a silly thing to consider a hobby, but if you’re new to this whole slow living, simple life movement, you may learn to love it! Even though I’ve been simplifying and working towards a more slow living lifestyle, I also live in a modern world with three kids. Stuff is always creeping in, and I’ve come to love decluttering. Decluttering can truly be a very therapeutic and satisfying process. Getting rid of things that no longer serve you can help you create more space and clarity in your life while possibly helping someone who could actually use those items. Decluttering can also be a great way to practice minimalism and reduce waste.
Puzzles
Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? I don’t get to do them as often as I like, but puzzles can be a great way to relax after a long day. They can also exercise your brain and improve your problem-solving skills. Whether you prefer crosswords, Sudoku, or jigsaw puzzles, there are plenty of options to choose from. Puzzles can also be a great way to bond with family and friends! If you’re really big into puzzles and have young kids like I do, you may want to invest in a puzzle table so you can easily tuck away unfinished puzzles. Because the best ones can’t be finished in an hour or two!
Reading
Reading is a classic slow living hobby that can transport you to different worlds and help you escape from reality for a while. Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, there are millions of good books to choose from. In our busy world, it’s easy to get lost in the trap of not having enough time, therefore, not having enough time to read. But this is a great way to take a deep breath and give your full attention to something. Plus, reading before bed can also help you sleep better. I know that works like a charm for me when I’m having trouble falling asleep.
Woodworking
One hobby that can not only be satisfying but useful is woodworking! Creating something with your own hands can be very rewarding, and woodworking can help you develop new skills and techniques. Not too many people are into woodworking these days, which is a shame! It can also be a great way to make personalized gifts for loved ones.
Slow Travel
Travel usually sounds a bit fast-paced, but there is definitely a slow way to travel. Instead of planning out a week with tons of activities, try scheduling free time or not scheduling at all and allowing yourself to just enjoy life in a new place. When we head to the beach or the mountains, we don’t usually rush everywhere. We enjoy time outside, head out for a late lunch, and just enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days.
No matter what slow living hobby you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and take your time. Slow living hobbies can help you connect with yourself and the world around you, and they can be a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Incorporating Slow Living into Everyday Life
Other than taking on slow living hobbies, I wanted to talk a bit about how you can enjoy slow living in your everyday life. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Disconnect from technology: Take a break from your phone, computer, and TV. Spend some time in nature, read a book, or simply sit and enjoy the silence. It’ll be great for your mental health!
- Savor your meals: Slow down and really savor your meals. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and smells. Eating mindfully can help you enjoy your food more and improve your digestion. Plus, you can sit with your family, talk, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
- Practice gratitude: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Focusing on the positive can help you feel more content and satisfied with your life. One great way to do this is to start a daily gratitude journal.
- Simplify your schedule: Say no to activities and commitments that don’t align with your values or goals. Simplifying your schedule, and adding a lot more breathing room, can help you create more space for the things that matter most to you.
- Engage in slow hobbies: Engage in hobbies that allow you to slow down and be present in the moment while doing something you enjoy doing just because. Examples include knitting, gardening, painting, and reading.
Remember, slow living is not about doing everything slowly but rather about being intentional and present in each moment. When you decide on your own slow living hobby, it’s about finding enjoyment in something that you’re making a conscious choice to do. Whether you decide to sit down with a good book when you have a free moment or you want to make a conscious effort to get outside for more walks or hikes, don’t make it a chore, and don’t force it. Just allow yourself to find something you enjoy, and enjoy it!
