Slow living – a good intention

Slow living is a term you're increasingly encountering online. It's well known that sleep is important for the recovery of your body and mind. But building in time to unwind during the day proves difficult. I've only been able to do it for a few months now, now that we're in Portugal.

Riverstones' New Year's message this year was to slow down a bit and enjoy the beauty in the rush of life more. I've also noticed that it's not easy to avoid getting swept away by the daily grind. Occasionally, I managed to truly disconnect by going for a bike ride or a walk outside, but most days I still felt rushed.

Because we've sold our house and our new one isn't ready yet, we're currently spending a few months wintering in Portugal. And there, I'm truly experiencing what slow living means to me. By literally distancing ourselves from our daily lives at home, I feel less like I'm being lived. Because we do more together, time slips through our fingers less, and we live with more attention to each other and the moment.

Now, of course, the challenge is to try and hold on to that feeling once we're back in the Netherlands. And you don't have to leave for a few months straight away. A night in a different city or a beautiful nature reserve can help you completely disconnect from home. Give yourself those moments to fully recharge. That'll definitely be our New Year's resolution!