5 Slow Living Hobbies to Encourage Calm & Creativity
Do More Of What Makes You Happy :)
This voiceover is an audio version of my Slow Sunday Letter below. It is unedited, so may have some stutters, imperfections, and background noise. I hope you enjoy listening to it anyway!
Welcome to Generosity of Spirit, a space to share my slow and gentle living philosophy. Please do subscribe to join me on this gentle journey of discovery and receive my Slow Sunday Letter straight into your inbox.
"The slow living lifestyle fits well with hobbies that incorporate an element of mindfulness — creative hobbies such as arts, crafts, designing, baking or music all fit this category well… The attention to detail required for these hobbies requires us to bring our focus into the present moment. We can then find ourselves fully immersed in the task, enjoying the process - instead of rushing to complete it."
Eloise Skinner, But Are You Alive?: How to Design a Life Worth Living
In today’s Slow Sunday Letter I want to explore some hobbies that compliment Slow and Gentle Living. I would like to empower you to spend some quality time on your hobbies and really see them as a key part of your self care and Slow Living lifestyle. In doing so, we encourage more moments of calm giving you the vital opportunity to relax, recharge and tap into your creativity - unburdened by the guilty feeling that your time could be ‘better spent’ elsewhere or by crossing some thing of our ‘to do list’. So grab a cuppa, get cosy and let’s get started …
Slowing Down and Finding A Hobby
If you have been reading Generosity of Spirit a while you will know I use Slow and Gentle Living as a guiding philosophy. But as reminder and as a mini introduction to anyone new - welcome ! Here we come together to slow down and find the gentle calm in every day.
What is Slow Living?
“For fast acting relief, try slowing down.” Lily Tomlin
Taking a slower approach to how you live your life is fundamental when it comes to living a meaningful and fulfilling life. Start with a few changes every day, and little by little a shift in mindset will welcome a new slow philosophy that could open the door to a happy and content life.
Slow living is a way of life that is centred around taking your time and enjoying the present moment.
It’s about slowing down your pace and appreciating the little things in life.
Slow living is all about disconnecting from the world, and reconnecting with yourself.
It’s about finding a healthy balance between doing and being.
It’s about taking the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and living at your own pace.
When you slow down and live a gentle life - you have an opportunity to learn more about yourself, where your attention should be, your ideal pace and what you enjoy doing the most.
Your Gateway to Relaxation
Hobbies play a crucial role in our relaxation and well-being. They provide an escape from the demands of daily life and allow us to engage in activities that bring us joy, and a sense of accomplishment. Hobbies can help us unwind, reduce stress and improve our mental health. They provide a creative outlet, boost our self-esteem and allow us to explore new interests and passions. Engaging in hobbies also promotes a healthy work-life balance and helps us recharge and rejuvenate.
The best slow living hobbies are ones that are done intentionally. Instead of going through the motions to get something done, you’re focused on the process of the actual doing.
Together we are going to explore some gentle hobbies that sit well within Slow Living — but before we get started - ask yourself the following questions:
Do I enjoy the outdoors, or am I more of a homebody?
Would I rather create something or learn something?
What supplies and equipment do I already have?
Where do I seek out inspiration?
Where or when do I feel most at peace?
Who do I admire? Why?
Is there anything you have always wanted to learn, make or do but never started/thought you couldn’t?
Embracing Slow Living:
5 Calming Hobbies to Help Boost Your Creativity and Find Your Calm
Words - Reading and Journaling/Writing
Two of my favourite hobbies will come as no surprise, reading and journaling . Both are powerful hobbies that can transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new ideas and help us gain insight into our own thoughts and emotions. Spending some time on either activity offers a gentle escape, and gives us an opportunity to explore and learn. Both reading and journaling/writing promote self-reflection, self-discovery and personal growth and are an essential part of my Slow Life.
If you would like some more inspiration on creating a reading habit of your own, have a read of the below for some gentle guidance.
Food – Gardening and Cooking
I have a small garden, but this year I have managed to start a modest herb garden and I love it so much. There’s something incredibly calming about getting your hands dirty in the garden. Gardening is a great slow living hobby, your plants will always need watering, weeding, and checking up on to make sure they are healthy or ready to harvest. Even if you have a small garden, like me, you can still grow some happy little plants, herbs or vegetables. Hanging baskets are great for strawberries and tomatoes!
Cooking and baking are also wonderful activities that sit well within Slow and Gentle Living. I am never happier than when I am in the kitchen preparing a meal or trying out a new recipe. Gardening and cooking give us some time for reflection, alongside gentle movement which engages the senses. Both activities promote creativity and calm, as well as encouraging productivity - as such they can be incredibly meditative and satisfying.
Seasonal Living and Slow Living compliment each other so well, and gardening and cooking are both wonderful examples of how. I enjoy the almost instinctive choice in the warmer months to eat more fresh foods, to enjoy more salads/lighter meals, or eat outside and cook alfresco. And then in turn, the colder months in which we crave more warming, hearty and comforting meals.
Noticing the changing landscape around us - from rolling fields to local parks and then within our own garden or gardening space. Our signal that Spring has sprung with the welcome sight of daffodils or tulips to the abundance of the Summer. Followed by the colours of the Autumn, and then gentle inwardness of Winter with the shimmer of the first frost or magic of the first snow.
Art– Painting/Drawing
Art has long been recognised as a powerful form of self-expression and a means of finding inner peace. Engaging in painting or drawing is a calming experience, allowing us to release emotions, quiet our minds and tap into our creative side. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, the act of putting brush to canvas or pencil to paper can be a wonderful slow hobby.
Painting or drawing doesn't require any special talent or expensive materials. All you need is a desire to create and express yourself. I don’t have any artistic ‘talent’ as such, but I have always enjoyed creating - I love colouring books and I have even tried starting a nature journal (a false start - but something I would like to try again!)
My favourite colouring books by Johanna Basford
Start by experimenting with different mediums, such as watercolours, acrylics, or charcoal and find the one that resonates with you. I recently treated myself to some watercolours and took a couple of Skillshare classes (a creative learning space) for beginners and really enjoyed learning a new skill. Letting go of any expectations or judgements and simply enjoy the process of creating is a wonderful way of tapping into joy, without worrying about the end result or ‘perfectionism’. Painting or drawing can transport you to a state of flow, where time seems to stand still and you're fully immersed in the present moment and it is also a lot of fun!
Creativity – Knitting, Embroidery or Crochet
I began knitting for the first time last year and it is now one of my favourite slow living hobbies to do at home. It is such a lovely cosy distraction, and it doesn’t take long to master the basic knit stitch. All you need to knit is a ball of wool/yarn and a pair of knitting needles. If you’re new to knitting, you can find many tutorials and guides online. I got started after being gifted a kit from Wool and the Gang, and I really recommend them if you are totally new to knitting or crochet, or would like a little more structure or guidance. Their YouTube videos are brilliant too.
There are also plenty of inspirational Substack’s offering a wealth of experience and inspiration for creative endeavours. There are so many to discover, but the three below are constant sources of inspiration for me so do check them out!
Louise Tilbrook - Everyday Knitter
Clare Albans - Take Time Out To Be Creative!
Fiona D Artisan - Seasonal Creativity
Movement – Walking and Other Exercise
Movement of all kinds is good for your mind, body and spirit. I must admit I have never been one for rigorous exercise, but I do love walking and I’ve recently enjoyed the challenge of hiking and nature walks. I did complete the ‘couch to 5k’ challenge last year, and as it turns out I am a bit of a fair-weathered runner, so I am looking forward to running again now Spring is here.
Any time spent outside is time well spent in my book. Immersing yourself in the great outdoors is good for the soul. These activities encourage you to slow down, appreciate natural beauty, and breathe in the fresh air.
Yoga and meditation are also powerful practices that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and overall well-being. I used to regularly practice yoga, which is something I would love to get back to this year. The beauty of yoga and meditation lies in their gentleness, simplicity and accessibility.
Yoga combines gentle movements, breathwork and mindfulness to create the perfect slow practice that nurtures both the body and mind. It helps release tension, improve flexibility and strength, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Meditation, on the other hand, involves sitting in stillness and observing the breath or focusing the mind on a specific object or mantra. A regular practice of meditation will help ground and focus you on the present, reduces stress, whilst cultivating a sense of self and calm.
Embracing Slow Living Hobbies in your Life
I hope you have enjoyed today’s Slow Sunday Letter and can see how your hobbies can really compliment a Slow Living lifestyle. Spending time doing things you love is so important and truly nourishing. If you are thinking about a starting a new hobby, let this be your sign to go for it! By incorporating calming hobbies into your life and embracing a slower pace, you can create space for relaxation, self-reflection, and personal growth.
So, grab your favourite book, journal, gardening tools, apron, paintbrush, knitting needles, yoga mat or walking boots - it's time to slow down, unwind, and embrace the beauty of slow living.
I would love to know what your favourite hobby is? And if there are any hobbies you would love to try this year? … I’ll see you in the comments!
Thank you for being here,
With Light & Love
Emily xxx
If you enjoyed this post, found it useful or want to help me spread the word about how enriching Slow & Gentle Living can be, please do like/leave a comment or share/restack to help others discover Generosity of Spirit. Thank you for reading!
I love all of the examples you’ve given. All depends on where I’m at and what I need. So sometimes it’s arts, sometimes movement…. 🥰
This is great Emily! I really enjoy cooking and baking at the moment – I'm getting rather experimental with food at the moment so I'm always excited to try something new in the kitchen 😊