A List Of Activities For Embracing Slowness (Together)

Embarking on a quest to embrace activities that are kinder to my nervous system.

For the last decade, the first few months of the new year have always carried a similar frenzied feeling. We are encouraged to slow down and reflect from mid-December to January 1st, only to be pressured into an opposing mentality days later - revved up by our own insane expectations to set goals, kick off the new year strong, and quickly transform into an unrealistic, pedestalized version of ourselves because it’s a “new year, new me”.

I’ve been a type-A overachiever my entire life. This (exhausting) trait makes the beginning of the new year even harder for me. The clock is suddenly reset, and the metaphorical hourglass of my year turns over, every dropping particle of sand screaming against the glass. What can I do NOW to set myself up for success?! What should I do NOW to become a better version of myself?! How can I become a better friend, employee, sister, daughter, partner, cat parent, and colleague NOW?

DO NOW! STOP BEING LAZY! DO DO DO! THE CLOCK IS TICKING!

From NOW on, we’re going to put a stop to all that. When our brains are being overbearing, micromanaging pieces of shit, we’re going to remember this lovely photo of Jack Black on the hit children’s show Yo Gabba Gabba holding up a stop sign. Just look at his face. He thinks we’re doing too much too fast, and he needs us to stop.

I’m thinking more and more lately about what a healthy, happy life means to me, and the words “slow” and “deliberate” often flash into my mind. I know others are feeling similarly - I see it constantly - so much so that “slow living” has been molded into an internet ~*aesthetic*~ (see Cottagecore or any Nara Smith video). The problem is, the average person doesn’t have the luxury of quitting their jobs to purchase a lovely, secluded ivy-covered cottage in the woods of New England, making sourdough starters and arranging dried flower bouquets all day. Most people, especially Americans, find themselves engulfed in long working hours, the constant buzz of our phones, and life’s unrealistic expectations of always hitting a goalpost. I recognize the privilege of being able to even THINK about how I can rework my lifestyle to be more slow and deliberate — not everyone can stop to rest as they keep up with life’s insane demands and the non-stop grind of making enough money to support a family, secure health care, and save for retirement on a wage that’s more closely aligned to a life lived in the 80s or 90s.

Regardless of your current financial circumstance, life happenings, or mental state, I believe we can all work together to embrace a slower life through simple, everyday actions and intentions. Over time, these actions will add up and soon become the norm in our daily lives as we develop habits that are kinder to our nervous systems. I’ve started working on a list of actions I can reference when I feel overwhelmed, overworked, or overstimulated by life's - and America’s - cultural and societal expectations. I hope you find something of value here; I had a lot of fun putting this list together.

A List Of Activities To Embrace Slower, Intentional Living

Note to self: Stop reaching for your phone out of anxious habit and try these instead.

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✦ Go to the children’s section of your local bookstore or Barnes & Noble and revisit your childhood favorites

I did this in December, and it was so much fun and nostalgic. The I Spy and Madeline books are my favorite.

✦ Try a new recipe with the ingredients you already have

Cooking is one of the best activities for slowing down my nervous system, focusing on one action at a time. Use this Super Cook recipe generator and plug in the ingredients you already have in your pantry and fridge for a “free” meal.

✦ Write a letter to an elderly person

Check out Letters For Our Elders or Letters Against Isolation to help fight the loneliness epidemic in America.

✦ Make a list of movies you’d like to watch

I love scouring Letterboxd’s movie lists and adding them to my watchlist. When you feel yourself falling into a doomscrolling wormhole, refer to your list and seek respite in someone else’s story.

✦ Go for a walk and pretend like you’re in a cozy video game

I like listening to the birds chirping and the thunking sound of my sneakers hitting the pavement. I pretend like I’m on a little quest in a cute game and keep an eye out for neighborhood cats (each cat sighting gives you +10 HP).

✦ Pick a random, niche topic and learn as much as possible about it

There was a moment when I was obsessed with watching Korean camping videos. I learned a lot about overpriced Japanese and Korean camping equipment that I will never actually purchase (the topic doesn’t need to be serious in any capacity, as you can see).

✦ Do a trash pickup day with a friend

Wear gloves and be safe about it! Grab a coffee or drink afterward to celebrate your hard work and Mother Earth.

✦ Pick an artist you admire and learn as much as you can about them

I love David Hockney’s artwork, but I don’t really know anything about his upbringing or early career. Same for Annie Leibovitz. Instead of getting algorithmically bombarded by influencer “day in my life” content that I don’t care for, I’d like to replace this time with studying up on people whose creations I admire.

✦ Browse the internet with StumbleUpon

Before doomscrolling and shitty social network algorithms there was StumbleUpon, a super neat site that sends you to random websites based on your interests. You can discover really cool flash games, sites, and information this way! You may even learn a thing or two.

✦ Write a Substack or record a video

We are constantly fed short-form content and are pressured to spit out as much quick-hitting, “snack-size” ~*content~* as possible to appease algorithms. Go back to the joy of creating “long form” art forms like a newsletter piece or video. Take your time and nurture it.

✦ Sit down and listen to the entire discography of an artist/band you want to learn more about

Take notes on how each song makes you feel. Give each song a rating out of 10 like you’re a Pitchfork writer. Close your eyes and listen intently to the lyrics.

✦ Make a one-page zine for a friend (or yourself)

Pick a topic to write about or doodle away in your mini zine. This is a great how-to guide from Austin Kleon on how to make a zine from a single sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper.

✦ Meditate with Headspace

I categorize my annual Headspace subscription as an essential bill, but you’re also free to pull up a meditation timer on YouTube. I know this is an obvious activity for embracing a slow lifestyle, but there’s a reason why it’s always recommended.

✦ Download Pikmin Bloom and take yourself for a walk

Ever since I downloaded Pikmin Bloom, a mobile game that rewards players for spending time outside, I’ve walked significantly more than I did in the past. You can also walk with friends and grow cute little Pikmin together! My friend code is 0602 5221 7100 if you’d like to be pals.

✦ Declutter your space

Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed by life’s bombardments, cleaning my space helps deeply center me. Your space holds a lot of energy - good and bad - and it’s important to regularly clean or declutter your home. Turn your phone off, put on your favorite record, and reset your space. Your brain will thank you for it.

✦ Revisit the things you loved doing as a kid

What brought you entertainment and joy when you were a kid? For me, I love revisiting older video games that left a significant impact (i.e. Zelda Windwaker, Harvest Moon, The Sims, etc.). Ride your bike, make “soup” from mud, grass, and leaves, or draw with crayons - it’s up to you and your inner child.

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