30 ways to cultivate an unhurried lifestyle

In our fast-paced world, the constant hustle and bustle can take a toll on our mental health. As a licensed counselor, I see the impact of hurried lifestyles on individuals' well-being… heck, I see how busyness impacts my well-being.

The thing is it’s hard to slow down. Regular, everyday moments can feel mundane and downright depressing with how easy it is to compare ourselves to strangers and friends on the internet. The voice in your head that says, “You’re not doing enough” might be louder than all the rest.

Over the past several months, I’ve seen content on Instagram about “de-influencing.” It’s a new type of content I’m seeing where “regular, everyday” people share the parts of their life, home, routine, relationships that aren’t picture perfect, but are routine and mundane. As a direct response to the highly curated posts of influencers on social media, de-influencers are getting record high views themselves. The authenticity and relatability of these posts have struck a chord, contrasting the hurried, over the top lifestyle presented by influencers.

I’ve felt inspired by posts about de-influencing, minimalism, decluttering, and trading in hustle and bustle for simpler living and slow rhythms. I want to share 30 practical ways to cultivate an unhurried lifestyle, but first...

Mental Health Dangers of a Hurried Lifestyle

As if you didn’t already know, a fast-paced, hurried lifestyle can negatively impact mental health in these 3 ways…

1. Increased Stress Levels:

The relentless pace of modern life contributes to MORE stress. A hurried lifestyle leaves little room for relaxation, rest, self-care, recreation, etc., causing chronic stress. This can lead to various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Duh! You might be thinking.

2. Poor or Difficult Decision-Making:

Hurry often results in rushed decision-making. When we’re constantly rushing from one task to another, we struggle to think clearly and make well-informed choices. This can lead to poor decision-making and, often, regret.

3. Undermined Emotional Well-being:

The constant rush of a fast-paced life and overbooked schedule may create a barrier to self-reflection, making it challenging to address and process emotions effectively. Over time, this can contribute to emotional numbness and a sense of disconnection.

30 Ways to Cultivate an Unhurried Life

Now let’s get into it! Save this post in a spot to easily access when you’re feeling rushed, stressed, or overwhelmed. Give these tips a try and notice how it feels to slow down.

1. Mindful Breathing: Incorporate moments of mindful breathing throughout the day to center yourself.

2. Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule regular self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

3. Establish Boundaries: Learn to say no and set clear boundaries to avoid overcommitting.

4. Unplug Regularly: Designate time to disconnect from your phone to reduce information overload.

5. Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the positive aspects of your life regularly. Write them down!

6. Simplify Your Schedule: Evaluate your commitments and streamline your schedule to focus on what truly maters most to you.

7. Learn to Delegate: Delegate tasks when possible.

8. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas or times as tech-free zones to encourage face-to-face interactions with your family and friends.

9. Embrace Minimalism: Declutter your living space to promote a sense of calm.

10. Engage in Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor your meals, paying attention to the flavors and textures.

11. Schedule Downtime: Block out time for relaxation and rest in your calendar.

12. Practice Time Blocking: Organize your day into blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks. I write more about this over here.

13. Cultivate Hobbies: Develop and nurture hobbies that bring you joy.

14. Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks to reduce overwhelm.

15. Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep each night.

16. Practice Yoga or Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine to promote relaxation.

17. Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors to enjoy the calming effects of nature.

18. Engage in Creative Outlets: Express yourself through creative activities like writing, painting, or music.

19. Foster Meaningful Relationships: Cultivate connections with others by investing time in meaningful relationships.

20. Establish a Morning Routine: Start your day with a calm and intentional morning routine.

21. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to increase productivity and reduce stress.

22. Learn to Forgive: Practice forgiveness for your own mental well-being.

23. Embrace the Power of "No": Understand that saying no is a crucial aspect of self-care.

24. Reflect Regularly: Set aside time for self-reflection to gain insights into your thoughts and feelings.

25. Take Short Breaks: Integrate short breaks into your workday to recharge and refocus.

26. Practice Deep Breathing Exercises: Incorporate deep breathing exercises to alleviate stress and anxiety.

27. Attend to Your Health: Regular exercise and a balanced diet contribute to overall well-being.

28. Seek Professional Support: If needed, consult with a mental health professional for guidance and support!

29. Practice Positive Affirmations: Cultivate a positive mindset by incorporating affirmations into your daily routine.

30. Embrace the Present Moment: Practice mindfulness by focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

In a world that often glorifies busyness, cultivating an unhurried lifestyle is a deliberate and essential choice for maintaining mental health. By incorporating these 30 practices into your life, you can create a space for calmness, clarity, and well-being. Pick a few and give them a try. Remember, the journey to an unhurried lifestyle is unique for each individual, so be patient and compassionate with yourself along the way.

Thanks for reading! Want more writings and resources?

Here are a few blog posts you might enjoy:

001. Read me if social media is stressing you out

002. Read me for more ways to reduce anxiety (life systems)!

003. Read me when you feel scared to say “NO” + people pleasing feels easier

004. Join the weekly newsletter for resources, essays, and encouragement.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Although I’m a mental health professional, no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies or treatment recommendations.