6 chapters across the catalog
Slow Living Movement and the Creep of Busyness
A decade-long journey with the Slow Living movement began as a response to intense work-related stress and anxiety. While initial changes like decluttering and restructuring work provided immediate relief, the lifestyle eventually became a quiet baseline that requires periodic recalibration when the calendar begins to fill up again.
Phone Alarms and Physical Movement Strategies
Setting a phone alarm and placing the device across the room forces a person to physically stand up and move to turn it off. This strategy serves as an effective trigger for those who find it difficult to remember to take breaks during a busy workday.
Environmental and Sensory Tools for Energy Shifts
Creating a ritual involves adjusting the environment, music, and physical movement to match the required task energy. Examples include taking a 20-minute walk to spark writing inspiration or watching 15 minutes of RuPaul's Drag Race to provide a necessary energy boost during a midday flag.
Slow Living Movement and Brooke McAlary Influence
A career transition in 2016 marked a departure from the corporate rat race and traditional markers of success like home and car upgrades. Discovery of Brooke McAlary’s "The Slow Your Home Podcast" (now titled The Tortoise) introduced the Slow Living Movement, emphasizing mindfulness and intentional choices. This shift focused on living sustainably and prioritizing personal well-being over societal pressure to keep up with peers.
Creating Personalized Rituals, Environment and Sensory Triggers
Developing a state-shifting ritual requires identifying specific tasks that demand different energies, such as the contrast between accounting and public-facing roles. Key elements to consider include changing the physical environment, selecting appropriate music or silence, and incorporating movement like walking or dancing. Inspiration can be drawn from nature, TED talks, or entertainment like RuPaul's Drag Race to provide a necessary energy boost.
Louise Miller Personal Journey and 2015 Burnout
Louise Miller recounts her transition from being a chronically busy professional to a productivity coach following a 2015 health crisis. After being diagnosed with work-related stress and anxiety, she discovered the Slow Living Movement during a recovery period in Northumberland. This realization led her to resign from her corporate role and pursue a more sustainable lifestyle.
