Have you ever just wanted to get out of the rat race and enjoy life? To be able to slow down and take it easy and just savour every minute you have with family and friends, in general? Well, the term for this slowing down is called Downshifting.

Downshifting, in its essence is all about striking a balance between work and life. It means having time for things that really matter to you, for example pursuing higher studies, growing your own food or simply just evading the morning traffic, for good!

According to the website www.downshiftingweek.com, the best part about downshifting is that it helps find a better work-life-balance by living with less, and this means pulling back from mass consumerism dictated by media and society. Another plus is that by moving away from a consumerist lifestyle, you are able to hold on longer to your hard-earned cash.

In a nutshell, if you keep spending your money, you need more time to work (to earn more) and less time to spend with loved ones.  

Downshifting is the opposite of living high. It is the simple life. Others, who are experiencing it – call it, The Great Life. Downshifting involves a total change in goals, mindset and sometimes values. Downshifting is also closely linked to personal financial management, frugality and being disciplined enough to live below one’s means.

The Reasons Why People Downshift:

The websites www.choosing voluntarysimplicity.com and www.greenliving tips.com share the main reasons why people decide to downshift:

Ø  Many of those considering to ‘shift’ cite job stress, living competitively, consumerism and ‘not being able to live up to someone else’s expectations’ as major reasons why downshifting seems like an attractive alternative to achieving a more balanced life.

Ø  Other major reasons can be a life-changing experience, some health reasons or a personal crisis.

Ø  Whereas others wish to conserve natural resources.  By doing these, downshifters will most likely reject consumerism and focus more on sustainable living and environmental concerns.

If the downshifting concept seem baffling to you at this time, read the steps on how to begin this journey. Who knows, you might be ready for it, unexpectedly.

10 Steps on how to begin your downshifting journey (www.independent.co.uk):

Ø  Get a hold of your finances – taming your finances may seem tedious and small minded but the returns (and the wake-up call) is definitely worth the hassle. Try writing down for one week your daily expenses, even the small cup of coffee you bought at the convenience store. This exercise will give you an idea of where your money is going and how much you’re spending on those ‘small’ things. The wake-up call may come with the realization to prioritize what matters most when it comes to your spending habits.

Ø  Be frugal – when you start taming your expenditures, you will most likely go into the direction of becoming frugal.  Being frugal does not necessarily mean being on a “diet” in expenses, but more of taking a hard look on how you can save money. This can be cooking by batches and storing in the fridge to save on energy, or switching to energy efficient bulbs, or maybe hand washing your clothes outside to dry – the possibilities are endless.

Ø  Get rid of home junk – maybe its time to let go of the toaster that’s been collecting dust in your kitchen cabinet, or the pair of shoes that don’t fit anymore. Free-up more space—so less fixtures to keep tidy.  Have a garage sale so that others may find something useful among  your to-go stuff

Ø  Keeping your own garden – one of the best highlights of downshifting is growing your own fruits and vegetables. By having your own vegetable garden, you not only cut back on grocery bills, you will also get the pleasure of growing and cooking your own food ingredients.

Ø  Re-assessing your work life – These days, working from home has both its charms and misgivings --- however, if you’re really on the path to downshifting, you may give home-based jobs a second look.

Ø  Try living in the countryside – Look at it as a vision of things to come, when you’re officially leaving  the busy city life.  Country life will give you a picture of what it feels to live simply and will also serve as a reality check for you. With chores to be done and the country weather to deal with – look at this as a preparation to retirement (while still young).

The Benefits of Downshifting:

There are no hard or fast rules in downshifting. In fact, anyone can do it and there is no specific age or income to live by. This revolutionary approach to living encapsulates the idea: keep what you truly want and need from what the modern world has to offer and discard the rest, question the importance of certain things in your life and put it to the acid test.

Those who have downshifted, experience a new sense of living and personal freedom. They are no longer easily persuaded by trends, politicians and the populace in general. Downshifters eventually decline items related to social status, eat out less, plan their spending efficiently, and take less holidays away from home – since most downshifters have turned their home into their private holiday destination already! These individuals will most likely choose their place of residence that suit their hobbies, type of friends and the need for peace in a less toxic environment. Downshifting is a process that doesn't occur overnight though, rather refined over a number of years. Downshifting is revolutionary in a sense that it means less consumption and being happier for it. (www.greenlivingtips.com )

How about you? Have you decided to downshift your life?

 

References:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/downshifting-for-beginners-475812.html

http://www.downshiftingweek.com/

http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/downshifting-to-a-simpler-life/

http://notesfromthefrugaltrenches.com/downshifting/

www.greenlivingtips.com

www.slowmovement.com

Barbie
12/9/2012 06:22:09 pm

Oh my pau!! I can so relate! This is my lifestyle now

Reply
12/9/2012 08:26:21 pm

@Barbie: I know. I simply love the kind of freedom downshifting provides. Glad am not alone! :)

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