Slow Living Quest

DaysofQuiet

I've had a chaotic and stressful few years, involving family members with various serious illnesses and also parenting a teenager at the same time. Then came Covid.

I've come to a point in my life (I'm 49) that I need to slow down. I'm really interested in simple living/frugal living and becoming more minimal. I think this is my definition of slow living.

Gardening is my sanctuary at the moment and I'm working to become self sufficient for vegetables. I'm also decluttering everything from digital things to clothes.

Can anyone recommend a good book, blog, instagrammer or YouTube channel for slow living?

I need more advice on how to simplify life!!

weenancyinAmerica

I find that reading along with the O/S Daily posts, Daily Pleasures post, Garden Fence post,  Fashion on the Ration post helps me to unwind (been doing since the Forum started). Foxgloves diary  at https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5801860/put-away-your-purse-become-debt-averse/ can also help you unwind too. Several of the posters have their own blogs which are fun to read. Better than any books for this. Good luck on your quest.

pollyanna_26

DaysofQuiet said:

I've had a chaotic and stressful few years, involving family members with various serious illnesses and also parenting a teenager at the same time. Then came Covid.

I've come to a point in my life (I'm 49) that I need to slow down. I'm really interested in simple living/frugal living and becoming more minimal. I think this is my definition of slow living.

Gardening is my sanctuary at the moment and I'm working to become self sufficient for vegetables. I'm also decluttering everything from digital things to clothes.

Can anyone recommend a good book, blog, instagrammer or YouTube channel for slow living?

I need more advice on how to simplify life!!

Welcome to the Old Style Forum. Nancy has pointed you to some really helpful threads.... I'd also suggest Make do, Mend and Minimise also on OS. Some lovely posters there and very supportive when trying to live in a more minmal way.

You're very brave Nancy following the Garden Fence, sometimes it's perfectly normal then we go slightly bonkers. When i first discovered the OS forum I used to read rather than post. Everyone seemed to know each other but I found once I plucked up the nerve to post it was ok.

The Garden Fence is a continuation of the original tougher threads we have a laugh , tease each other especially when it comes to a certain Ming Vase but there's always kind words , helpful advice and all sorts just like a traditional chat over a garden fence.

pollyx

wort

I used Marie Kondo to declutter,  and make my home more minimal,  I watched some of her videos and read as much as possible without buying the books, but have since bought the 2nd book for 99p on kindle . A lot of people have put up you tube videos on her methods.
 
 I took what I needed without following avidly, since doing this 4/5 years ago I have kept a very tidy home which is easy to clean, which in turn is less stressful. I find it better for relaxing as there isn't physical stuff in my sight line and mind.

  One of the most helpful things is to keep like with like, so all stationary stuff together, all paperwork together,once you have a place for everything you no longer have to run around looking for tape, or keys!! It sounds so basic but surprisingly not many people do it. Just knowing where everything is and being organised is such a help to being calm.

  I also like to plan my day so when I have work I can have clothes etc laid out ready, lunch prepared. I also garden which in itself good for switching off and helping me sleep better when I've been working it. Then also good to relax in and take me time.
 
 Mindfulness is good I did a free online course, Yoga is helpful and I've used yoga with Adrianne on you tube. As she does everything from beginner and stretches, to specific ones for back trouble etc.and 10 min to hour long tutorials. 
Good luck,and  keep posting your efforts to keep you on track.

DaysofQuiet

wort said:

I used Marie Kondo to declutter,  and make my home more minimal,  I watched some of her videos and read as much as possible without buying the books, but have since bought the 2nd book for 99p on kindle . A lot of people have put up you tube videos on her methods.
 
 I took what I needed without following avidly, since doing this 4/5 years ago I have kept a very tidy home which is easy to clean, which in turn is less stressful. I find it better for relaxing as there isn't physical stuff in my sight line and mind.

  One of the most helpful things is to keep like with like, so all stationary stuff together, all paperwork together,once you have a place for everything you no longer have to run around looking for tape, or keys!! It sounds so basic but surprisingly not many people do it. Just knowing where everything is and being organised is such a help to being calm.

  I also like to plan my day so when I have work I can have clothes etc laid out ready, lunch prepared. I also garden which in itself good for switching off and helping me sleep better when I've been working it. Then also good to relax in and take me time.
 
 Mindfulness is good I did a free online course, Yoga is helpful and I've used yoga with Adrianne on you tube. As she does everything from beginner and stretches, to specific ones for back trouble etc.and 10 min to hour long tutorials. 
Good luck,and  keep posting your efforts to keep you on track.

Thank you so much for the tips. 

retiredinfrance

Welcome, DaysofQuiet, to the forum. I would recommend the Declutter and Clean 2021 thread, with its wonderfully kind cheer lady, Mrs Salad Dodger,  who encourages us all so much. I second the comment about the oldstylers being a friendly crowd. During Covid and now they are a lovely set of friends.
Take things slowly and in your own time. And be kind to yourself.
Keep safe everyone. 

slm6002

I am bookmarking this thread as hope to be in a position for a quiet life soon (not there quite yet as still some bits of life to sort out) and loving the ideas so far.  Will read with interest and get plans in place for when I am ready

DaysofQuiet

Thanks all! One thing I'm not doing enough of is getting out into nature and peace and quiet. I'm going to try and go for at least three or four walks a week.

Farway

DaysofQuiet said:

Thanks all! One thing I'm not doing enough of is getting out into nature and peace and quiet. I'm going to try and go for at least three or four walks a week.

Welcome, maybe pop into the Greenfingers board at some time?, Plenty of garden stuff there, with mistakes, wishful thinking, dreams, horrorsand photos, good & bad https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/greenfingered-moneysaving

njk1012

Hi DaysofQuiet, I don't have any suggestions for reading or watching, but wanted to pop a quick message on to say hello. I have recently started to try and reengage with this forum as I find myself very much in need to slow down also. So if you don't mind I will follow your thread for idea's. 

I have re-joined the grocery challenge in an effort to make our budget work better for us, I am also making a conscious effort to lessen my viewing of Social Media and considering pausing my accounts. For me its about prioritising things I enjoy, walking and cooking are big ones for me, as well as learning to say no to others (work in progress).  

LaineyT

Welcome and some good suggestions here for which threads are great to follow on the forum, may I add a couple of other blogs which I find particularly useful but a soothing read as well?

Down To Earth with Rhonda Hetzel, she has written a couple of books on slow living and is a mind of information.

Then my personal favourite, gDonna which stands for Grandma Donna, a wonderful blog that covers all areas of living slower and more mindfully with an emphasis on ditching a lot of material short fixes to happiness to find a less complicated way of life.
HTH.