5 Tips for a Long, Slow Weekend

Long weekend holidays are the perfect time to take stock and take things slow.

According to Laura Malloy of Harvard's Institute for Mind Body Medicine, practicing slow living indirectly offers heath benefits, such as lowering your stress level and blood pressure as you become more mindful during the day. It can also improve your social interactions, improve memory and prevent injury.

"Slow living isn't about doing less. It's about enjoying the moments and putting more energy and enjoyment into fewer things," says Malloy.

With that said, here are our tips for a slow weekend away and the pieces we'd pack for it. 

1. Switch Off and Go Remote

In true Duffle&Co style, our first tip is to choose a location where a wheeled suitcase is not appropriate. This means looking for accommodation with a rugged entry so you can be sure to be surrounded by nature - promising peace, quiet and walks.

We'd pack our Greenslade duffle, preferably with years of well-loved etchings like Bri's.

Or the waterproof canvas Weekender 2.0 like Andrew's. 

2. Let the Light In

Choose a location bathed in all day sun and get yourself in it (safely).

Feeling the sun on you is known to be an easy mindful practice. And just 10-30 minutes a day in sunlight will boost vitamin D, boost your mood and improve sleep.

3. Bathe Outside

Bonus points for accommodation with a shower or bath outside. In Japan this practice is known as shinrin-yoku and is known to reduce stress hormones and improve the immune system.

Carry your Ralph wash bag and favourite aromatherapy for a decent soak to wash the stresses of the first half of the year away. 

4. Let the Air In

Accommodation with opening windows and nothing but nature sounds and crisp air on the other side can be all it takes to bring your nervous system down a few nothces.

It may seem obvious but it is important to remember that higher oxygen levels can boost your energy and improve cognitive function.

Park your keys, wallet and devices. Let the breeze in and commit to the unwind.

5. Explore

Take a day with no set plan and see where the mood takes you. As well as the health benefits of being in nature, many studies have found that continuing to try new things can extend lifespans. So spontaneous adventures make us live longer!

We'd take our mini messenger crossbody Zahra, which can fit a small water bottle, a book, snack and a camera. It's giving Dora but elevated.

A Note on Location

Ngā mihi nui to the Wonderfuls for our slow living locale of choice. Their Bearded Poet cottage sits on the shores of the beautiful Banks Peninsula in Canterbury, NZ, and is every inch a slow living luxury retreat. Pack well and go there! 

And special thanks to Bri Woolnough and Andrew for the pictures.