Well hello to you my reader chums! In a world where everything is constantly loud, moving and the constant pings of social media, it can be hard to find a moment of peace and quiet, and really, slow down from the buzz.

Over the past few years, I've learnt to appreciate slowing down and finding moments of calm. It has helped with my mental health, practise gratitude and appreciate the things around me a lot more. If you're struggling with a busy life, here are 5 activities you can do to slow down.

Get arty with painting and crafts

I used to be one of those people that thought 'I don't want to paint as I'm not good at it', however, we don't need to be good at all things we try, that's the fun of it. I've found dabbling in the world of art very therapeutic. From painting to drawing and decorating pottery, there are many ways you can get involved with different art activities. I've found it helps focus my mind and makes me feel at peace and be present in the moment. I'm not thinking about rushing off or doing something but focusing on the creation at hand. With time as well, my confidence in art has gotten a lot better.

Sewing/making clothes

I used to do this a lot when I was younger, mainly because it was a way to create clothes out of what I already had, rather than buying new things. In a world of masses of fashion waste, it's also a handy skill to do for that reason. Sewing or creating clothes can just be fun. There are so many resources to teach you online, that you can easily teach yourself the basics. I would suggest finding things in your wardrobe you'd like to amend and roll with it. For example, turning a dress into a top or jeans into shorts.

Journal your thoughts

Many mindfulness experts and therapists will tell you journalling does wonder for the mind, and it's a great way to help you slow down too. Journalling at whatever time of day allows you to release your thoughts from your brain. You can talk about what has happened in your day, write down the positive things you've experienced, what you're grateful for and even some of the things which made you angry/upset. Writing the good and bad can help you get out the thoughts, reflect, process and heal from them all. Plus, it's a great way to note down exciting memories as well.

Sit in a coffee shop and read

I'm a massive bookworm as many of you know and I adore visiting coffee shops so put them together and it's my favourite pastime. There's something about the bustle of a coffee shop that I find soothing, whether it's quiet or busy. Watching the flow of customers coming in and out, overhearing conversations and enjoying a slice of cake as I immerse into a good book. If reading isn't your thing, you could journal in the coffee shop too or draw. Any type of quiet activity works well in this setting to help you slow down, appreciate what you're doing and the surroundings.

Watch the sunrise or sunset

I'm obsessed with sunrise and sunset. Despite the many I have sat and watched in my lifetime, it really doesn't get old and there's such a beauty in greeting a new day or seeing one come to an end. Watching either a sunrise or sunset can be from anywhere, whether that's at the beach, your local park or from your window. Taking that time to appreciate nature's beauty will suck you into the present and be grateful for how glorious the world is.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What else would you add?

Thank you for reading <3