Slow Living
I’m still scrolling of course. I scroll through the never-ending news cycles on social media wondering what is happening in the world. Why? What next? What are my old friends or classmates up to? Where are they heading out to? Especially if they live in Asia and are no longer heavily affected by the pandemic. It’s easy to let life pass you by in this way. Just existing behind the screen with no real presence in the world. Especially now. I am living in isolation far from my friends and family and social comforts.
I felt more and more isolated the more I scrolled so I resolved to stop doing it. So far, I have done quite well. I cannot stop cold turkey and I’m not aiming for that to be honest. I simply wanted to be more mindful of where my time was going and reduce the amount of time I spent as a social media zombie. I have made myself daily to-do lists which allow me to take back control of my time. I often wonder where my days go if spend my time working, sleeping, eating and scrolling. I needed to implement some routines in order to slow down and see what else can be achieved in my day.
The first thing is to leave the house. We are in a global pandemic, so I often do not feel the need to go outside. I prefer to stay indoors and live in a cocoon protected from the outside world. However, going outside is crucial for your wellbeing. I am just learning this now. I am trying to actually go out and take walks a couple of times a week. Spending time in nature is good for you. Breathing in fresh air and absorbing vitamin D are not luxuries, they are necessities. I am trying to talk 10-minute walks and eventually trying to expand the time so I can walk for longer and further. In the same vein I am trying to practice yoga every day or every other day just so my body can become accustomed to stretching again and moving around especially on days when it is difficult to go outside.
The next thing I am doing is to increase the amount of time I spend reading novels during the day. I was only really reading a little in the morning and a little at night but now, if I have finished work for the day and I have a bit of free time instead of jumping straight onto Netflix to see what the latest show to binge watch is, I try to rediscover that excitement I feel when I read a really good book that makes me want to devour every word as quickly as I can. And speaking of words, journaling is great too. I find myself trying to write a little every day. Thoughts, feelings, emotions, stories, anything I possibly can remember or feel like sharing because once again, it is a necessity. We need to take our thoughts and feelings out of ourselves and share them. If they cannot be shared with another person you can share them on paper. Pour out your creativity, your hopes and your dreams.
The next thing is to dedicate time to independent study and fun. If you want to play video games, play them. If you want to call a friend just call. Remember to set yourself a time limit if you find it difficult to stop but do things which bring you joy. Whether that’s playing an instrument, drawing, colouring, painting, singing, dancing. Don’t be afraid to live creatively. I myself have found that by adding these extras to my day instead of just working and then rolling into bed. My days feel a bit longer again. It no longer feels as though I am wasting my twenties. I used to define myself by how busy I am but now I am adding to my schedule things that actually enhance the quality of my life. More meditation, more reading, more dancing around just because and most importantly. Less scrolling.
Let’s hope we don’t get caught up in those black mirrors again and the life that society has constructed for us when things open up again. Don’t be afraid to live a little more slowly.
photocredit Alisa Anton @alisaanton
