Taking Life Slower

I've decided to start living life slower. What does that mean? Well, I'm essentially going to try and return to a simpler way of living, something closer to how things were when I was growing up.

No more social media on my phone. Social media will now be reserved for when I hop on my PC. YouTube will still be available on my PC and main living room TV, because I grew up with YouTube and have absolutely no intention of getting rid of it.

My phone will now be used primarily for calls, texts and other necessities. I don't particularly see the point in constantly checking social media every five minutes. If something is important enough, I'm sure I'll hear about it eventually.

I'm also getting rid of streaming services. I have a rather decent DVD and Blu-ray collection, so I shall be safe. I've always preferred physical media anyway. There's something nice about being able to pick a film from your shelf, put it in the player and actually watch it without spending half an hour scrolling through a catalogue.

I'll also be watching more free-to-air television. I quite like the idea of simply turning on the TV and seeing what's on rather than having absolutely everything available to me at any given moment.

I'm also putting my 50" plasma TV outside underneath the patio for sports (up the Scorchers this season!). Got myself a good old-fashioned glass outdoor table and those classic Aussie outdoor chairs. Nothing particularly fancy, but I reckon it'll be rather nice during the summer evenings.

And I've made myself one rule: when I'm watching sport, my phone is getting turned off. Completely. I want to actually enjoy what I'm watching without being distracted by notifications or the temptation to look at something else.

Eventually, once I've got myself another job, I also intend to purchase a proper BBQ for Dad and me. It'll be nice to cook some food outside, have a drink and watch the cricket. When I eventually move out, Dad can keep the BBQ.

Why am I doing this?

Well, primarily to combat my depression and hopefully improve my general outlook on life.

I've noticed that I spend an awful lot of time doing absolutely nothing of value. Scrolling through social media, watching random videos and generally wasting hours without even realising it.

I don't think there's anything particularly wrong with modern technology, but I do think it's become far too easy to constantly distract ourselves.

I want to learn to appreciate the smaller things in life again. Sitting outside in the evening, watching a film, reading something interesting, spending time with Dad or even just doing absolutely nothing for a change.

I also want to learn how to cook properly. I've never been particularly interested in cooking before, but I think it'd be a useful skill to have, especially when I eventually get my own place.

So, if anyone has any good ideas for recipes suitable for a complete beginner, please let me know. Preferably something that won't result in me burning the house down.

I'm not expecting this to magically solve all my problems, nor am I suggesting that everyone should abandon social media and return to 2006.

I just think I could benefit from slowing things down a little.

I miss when life felt simpler. When watching a movie was something you actually looked forward to, when you didn't feel the need to check your phone constantly, and when you could sit around for a few hours without needing to be entertained every second.

Maybe it'll help, maybe it won't. But I reckon it's worth giving a go.

Anyway, that's my plan. Less scrolling, more physical media, a bit of cooking, some cricket and hopefully a quieter life.

Many Thanks,
Scoobert Doo