We would all love to run through fields of wildflowers and have not a care in the world, right? We might envision this when we think of what a ~soft life~ looks like, but it can be so much more attainable than that. I realize that not everyone has the luxury of feeling safe in the world and if you are reading this, take a second to realize how fortunate you are. I remind myself of this fortune nearly daily.
And yes, no matter what our situation in life, we all have our own internal battles and struggles and at the end of the day, we just want to feel okay and at peace, right? Contentment. I believe that by implementing these small and realistic practices and habits into your own life, you can benefit from the feeling of “living softly,” where you choose gentleness over the grind and quality over the constant hustle. The key here is to do things intentionally and without rushing.
I know these are not groundbreaking but think of this list more like a set of reminders because it is all too easy to forget to slow down.
1. Wake up without looking at your phone. Wake up slow and let the first thing you see be scene outside your window rather than scrolling and checking email. Open the window and breathe in the outside air.
2. Make a warm beverage and sip it without distraction. Really enjoy that cup of coffee/tea/matcha/hot cocoa… whatever brings you happiness.
3. Move your body in ways that feel good for you. That may be walking or practicing yoga, or maybe it is a kickboxing class or salsa dancing. Find what feels good. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore.
4. Work on speaking slower, calmer, softer. This is something I am personally working on, as I come from a loud Italian family and I often hear myself and think “oh gosh, why am I talking so loudly?!” This is a hard habit but I am becoming more mindful.
5. Style your food every once in a while. It’s always nice when you go out to eat because the presentation is inviting and makes you want to dig in. You can do this for yourself, too! Even your morning oatmeal can be slightly styled with berries, nuts, and a drizzle of nut butter or honey.
6. Hydrate with water or tea. These really are the best for your body and skin. Dress up your usual water with fruit for a little extra something.
7. Dress in fabrics and clothing that feels good on your body and skin. If something doesn’t make you feel good, why even give it the time of day?
8. Rest without guilt if your body is signaling for it. Sometimes an unproductive day is the most productive for your mental and physical health.
9. On the subject of guilt, say no without feeling guilty. You have the power to say no.
10. Curate playlists for different parts of your day. It’ll feel like the soundtrack to your own movie. I have playlists for working out, waking up, cooking, nighttime… honestly, it is so fun to do this.
11. Find hobbies you enjoy and prioritize them in your daily life. Don’t worry about a hobby for profit and d it simply because you love it.
12. Indulge in a cozy nighttime ritual. This might look like a cup of chamomile tea, lighting a candle, slipping into your favorite buttery pajamas, putting on relaxing music, stretching, reading a book in bed…
13. Take a break from social media on the weekends. Try deleting or hiding your apps to avoid the urge to check and see how much clarity it brings. This always surprises me so much when I do it.
14. Cook for joy every once in a while rather than necessity or convenience. Make the too-long-a-list-of-ingredients recipe and enjoy the process. Or that batch of chocolate chip cookies for no reason other than you want them.
15. Fill your space with trinkets and items that bring you happiness. For me, that’s books, plants, and lamps. Your home should reflect who you are, not what is trendy.
16. Visit a new cafe. Try something new.
17. Sit still and people watch. Simply be and appreciate those around you.
18. Avoid overscheduling in your day if you can. Maybe this means blocking off a chunk of your calendar.
19. Unfollow or mute accounts on social media that disrupt your peace.
20. Add flowers or indoor plants to your space to bring life inside. I will say, even the fake plants I have around, evoke a sense of calm and peace. Green is such a comfort.
21. Play gentle music while you clean and do chores around the home. Don’t think of these things as what you have to do and instead as something you get to do. You get to wash dishes because you are fortunate enough to eat meals. You get to fold laundry because you are fortunate enough to have a washing machine.
22. Surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries and lift you up. Pay no mind to those who drain you.
23. Cook a meal for a few close friends and invite them over for an intimate social gathering.
24. Sit outside for a few minutes and listen to nature sounds, especially birdsong. If you can’t find that, find an ambiance YouTube video and close your eyes.
25. Find small ways to romanticize your life to bring added whimsy to the day
