The concept of downshifting bears a lot of similarity to simple living. The only little difference is that in this practice, the focus lies on the individual’s life choices and preferences. Overall, it has been practiced and gaining momentum as a way to live a less stressful life- a life that is enough and fulfilling at the same time.
What is Downshifting?
Interestingly, the word downshifting originally means reducing the gear ratio when driving in manual transmission. However, over the years, it has come to represent something very different in the context of a lifestyle. The idea that we discuss here is far, far away from cars and gears.
Downshifting one’s lifestyle essentially refers to the idea of going back to the basics to live a life of enough. While it has quite a bit of similarity with the concept of simple living, it is so much more than that. Downshifting focuses primarily on the individual’s level of comfort while making gradual changes at an acceptable pace. Ultimately, the goal is to live a life away from the rat race of modern times.
For The Long Haul
People usually downshift with the vision to change their current circumstances and live a more slow yet fulfilling life. This often starts with their work environments. But, it’s not possible to change your professional circumstances or even personal situations overnight.
Hence, downshifting is for the long haul. You will need to be patient and takes things as they come. Changing a lifestyle by unlearning and forming new habits takes time. But if you can stick to the plan, you will see steadfast and sure results.
Downshifting Gradually
The crucial point in this practice is doing it gradually. There is no need to hurry through the process of downshifting. It works best when you have a clear goal and purpose in mind. Not all of us do the same thing for the same reasons. Additionally, you may want to tackle certain areas of your life before others.
For example, I started this change by becoming more environmentally conscious with my purchases. Indulging in an eco-friendly lifestyle helps take a considerable step towards this way of living.
6 Downshifting Tips
Here are 6 easy and doable practices that can help you get started on your journey towards a downshifted and simple lifestyle.
1. Eco-Friendly Living
Downshifting or not, practicing an eco-friendly lifestyle is necessary. We have only so much time to save our home planet and take measures to do so in whatever capacities we can. While being completely zero-waste or off-grid is possible for only a few people, there are measures that each of us can take, irrespective of where we are.
Moreover, living in an eco-friendly manner can form the pivotal first step towards a downshifted lifestyle- one that is not only simple but also brings you a reprieve.
Related Read: Eco Friendly Living -8 Practices To Follow
2. DIY When Possible
Older generations often were self-reliant when it came to making things or doing certain jobs. I have grown up listening to stories about my great grandfather who was an excellent gardener and master carpenter in his free time. He used to make most of the wooden furniture for the house himself.
However, over time, many people have lost this habit. Most of us who have grown up or lived in urban areas have forgotten how to make things. We tend to rely so much on others for tasks which we can perhaps tackle on our own. Learning to DIY some items is a great way to spend some quality time with yourself while simplifying your life.
3. No More Duplicates
Some of us have the tendency of owning duplicates of the same item. However, most of the time we don’t need them.
If you are guilty of this then maybe it’s a good idea to purge your home of the duplicates that you do not need. Feeling unsure about it? Just pack away the items and put them out of sight for some time. See if you miss them or need them during this period. After some time, sell or donate whatever that you didn’t use. This exercise will not only result in some decluttering but also make some space in your life.
Related Read: Decluttering Tips- 10 Things To Say GoodBye To ASAP
4. Closer To Nature
Being closer to nature is the ultimate healing experience. Do away with some of the complexities of modern life by taking some time to spend time in nature. Opt for walks where you spend time with yourself. If you are interested, take up an activity like hiking or camping or even kayaking.
Nature has this unique ability to simplify our lives and calm our thoughts. It can help us find answers to the questions that we have been asking ourselves for a long time. If nothing, it gives us a scope to self-reflect and that can help immensely when trying to downshift.
5. Home-cooked Food
There is something simple yet satisfying about cooking your own meals. The entire process of planning, preparing, cooking, and then serving food is an act of love. And it can be the most nourishing thing that you can do for yourself.
Downshifting primarily focuses on simplifying things to your level of comfort. Food is an excellent way to go about that. Do not be afraid if you cannot or don’t like to cook much. Just start with one small thing. No one is asking you to become a master chef. Make something that you know you will enjoy and savor that feeling.
As an added bonus, cooking your meals at home will also save you some of your hard-earned money!
6. A Habit Of Saving
Finally, one of the most important tenets of downshifting- the financial aspect. Forming a habit of saving money as possible helps in the long term. Cutting out unnecessary expenses, simplifying the lifestyle, or as discussed, making things on your own are some pertinent ways to save more money.
Knowing how to manage finances well and then growing that forms a pertinent life lesson that many of us learn late in life. However, the earlier one forms the habit of saving consistently, the better it is for the retirement years. Sure, one will probably start off with a very small amount in the beginning. But with consistency and discipline, that amount can be grown considerably over time.
Related Read: Increase Your Savings- Money Management 101
Try At Your Own Pace
Always remember that this lifestyle change needs to be made at your pace. Take things as slow or fast as you feel comfortable with. Perfection is never the goal when downshifting. Rather, just start and take it one step at a time from there.
Peace.
Do you have any related experience or story to tell? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
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