Guest Blog Post - Charlotte Thomas
/Slow living at Fast Times - How to embrace slow living during the current 'C-Word' outbreak.
Self Care
Slow Living, Fast Times
Over the past few weeks I have heard the phrase ‘never in our lifetime’s have we seen something quite like this’. The C-word has really grabbed both of our shoulders and shaken us to our core. For most people it is hard to comprehend something so big and devastating, a global pandemic, this is more than anything we have had to contend with before - we have been thrown in to a twist of joblessness, sickness and for most, isolation.
Something that has given me and my family solace at this odd time is easing in to a slow-living pattern, the ebb and flow of embracing this new season of life and taking time to open our arms to the small elements of daily life that is in our control. The new restrictions that we are now under by the UK Government gives us all time, quite a lot of time. so here I am to walk you through our key ways to embrace family slow living in lockdown.
Cook, Bake, Sing
There is a joy in preparation, in creating something start, to finish. At this time where the majority of us aren’t working we are looking for ways to feel a sense of accomplishment. Try making something; even if you aren’t the best chef there is still joy in the time spent together, evoking childhood memories of our own. Mixing, dancing around the kitchen and watching through the glass of the oven awaiting the sweet treat within. Consider making something that gives you a feeling of comfort; think Apple Crumbles, Sponge and Custard and Sticky Flapjacks.
Take in the Small Moments
Think of the elements of life that we often have to rush. Bathing our children, making tea, putting on fresh linens, the rushed coffee in the morning and the forgotten cup at midday. Take time to soak in these times. It is unusual we have the time to sit, play and laugh with Marlow whilst he is in the bath, to build crowns from bubbles and splash in the water. For us these are times that we are holding on to, they are gifts.
Bloom and Sow
Gardening can be used to promote emotional, physical and mental health. Its beneficial properties have been likened to therapy due to the calming and therapeutic nature of it. We have found that to tend to the garden has given us a sense of control, this is our space and a space that we can mold, cherish and curate. The best part is no green fingers needed. You can fill your home and garden with lush greens with basic skills and affordable resources.
Consider What This Time Means for YOU
Think how many times in the last five years you have wished for a break, for some time with your family, to do the things that we see in the films, to take a step back from normal everyday life and embrace a new normal filled with the faces of your nearest. Think about how many times you have wanted that level of escapism - for now we have it. This doesn’t mean that this time has to be engaging or practical. It doesn’t have to be filled with learning resources and non-stop action. There are no expectations on how you should be spending your time. Spend your time how you want to, take the break, live slow.
Charlie x
Sending all our biggest thanks to those amongst us who can’t take a break, the Key Workers. In our hearts and our heads daily, Thank you.
I'm Charlie, mama, interior designer, doula and crazy creative! I live with my partner Matt and our one year old Marlow. Our family ethos is to live slow and love hard!
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