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When I first heard the term “slow living,” I understood it immediately.
My life in the 20s felt like a race. How much am I earning? How many places have I travelled to? Who got the best job title?
I constantly looked at my friends and checked their progress, so I can keep mine in check, too.
My life was a movie. I wanted glamour and recognition. I am the main character and everyone’s watching my actions.
Deadlines came rushing in. In front of people, my head was held high. But once I’m in my room, I had to secretly cry out of exhaustion.
However, too much movement sucked all the meaning I was once in love with.
I need a pause. I want to breathe. Is there a way to slow life down?
True enough, at its heart, slow living is a lifestyle emphasizing a slower approach to daily life.
It encourages you to step back from the pressure to be productive 24/7. It tells you to pause from the endless pursuit of “more.”
A gentle rebellion against the “hustle culture.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and ready for a change, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m going to share practical tips and insights to help you embrace a slow living lifestyle.
Let’s dive in!
Why Should You Embrace Slow Living?
I finally understood life is more than work, work, work.
You can accomplish goals without draining yourself, without adapting to toxicity.
Slow living benefits me, especially my mental health.
It has reduced my anxiety. I found myself less reactive to stress and more responsive to solutions. I’m not rushed. I learned to respect my time.
With less mental clutter, we can make better, quality decisions.
Slow living also reminded me of my life before all this technology. I had better sleep and are more mindful and grateful of what I eat. More family time, too.
I put down my phone and focused on gaining quality connections.
I spoke with real people and had a great time. It took me time to detach from chasing likes and heart reactions from people I don’t even know.
But thank God, influencers no longer influenced me to live a ridiculously unreal luxurious life. I’m done with all that over-romanticized nonsense.
Instead, I gained a deeper appreciation for the small, beautiful moments.
More importantly, as you slow down, there’s more room for new ideas to bloom.
The Core Principles of Slow Living
The core principles of slow living aren’t rules you must follow, but rather guiding lights that can help shape your journey. A slow living lifestyle means you’re:
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- Putting away the distractions. Bring your full attention to whatever you’re doing, whether it’s eating, walking, or talking.
- More intentional. From what you buy, to how you spend your free time, to who you connect with – ask yourself if it aligns with your values. Does it bring you closer to the life you want?
- Choosing simplicity. Less is more. This applies to your physical possessions, your digital life, and even your schedule. You don’t need to be up to date with the latest apps and phones.
- Preferring quality relationships. Be closer to your family and friends, rather than seeking likes on social media. Engaging with your local community. Also, connect with yourself – understanding your needs, emotions, and desires.
- More patient. The world won’t slow down overnight, and neither will you. Be patient with unlearning old habits. Slow living is a journey, not a destination.
- Choosing quality over quantity. This extends to food, experiences, and even conversations. You don’t have to join the hype with the new trendy restaurant. But buy healthy, quality food. No need to be peer-pressured by friends going in and out of the country. Explore your own city/town.
“Nature doesn’t hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” –Kristin Neff
9 Practical Steps to Start Your Slow Living Journey Today
Ready to start? Great! Remember, you don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Pick one or two areas that resonate with you the most and start there. Small, consistent steps lead to big changes over time.
1. Digital Detox
Our devices are often the biggest culprits when it comes to distractions. Taking back control of your time starts here.
Start by limiting your screen time: Set specific times for checking emails and social media. Use app limits on your phone. Consider leaving your phone in another room during meals or before bed.
Try a tech-free morning, too. Spend the first 30-60 minutes stretching, reading a book, journaling, or just enjoying a quiet cup of tea. It sets a calm tone for the day. Here’s a realistic morning routine I do before 8 AM.
2. Mindful Scheduling
Slow living could also be as organized as our busy lifestyle.
Batch your tasks. Instead of switching between tasks (which drains energy), group similar activities. For example, answer all your emails at one specific time, or do all your errands on one designated day. This helps you be more efficient.
You can also schedule a white space on your calendar. Block out a time or day in your calendar so you can do nothing. No appointments, no tasks, just open space. Use it for spontaneous activities, reflection, or resting. Here’s how to organize your month.
Just do one thing at a time. Resist the urge to multitask. When you’re doing the dishes, just do the dishes. When you’re talking to someone, truly listen. This makes even mundane tasks more mindful.
3. Declutter Your Space
Physically declutteryour space. Start small. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one category (like clothes) and go through it.
Ask yourself: “Do I need this? Have I used it in the last year?” Donate, sell, or discard anything that doesn’t serve you.
Pro Tip: For every new item you bring into your home, try to let go of one old item.
Digital Decluttering is just as important. You might find out you’re following people on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter that’s only adding to your stress.
Unsubscribe from unwanted emails. Delete old files and photos you don’t need. Unfollow social media accounts that don’t inspire or uplift you. Organize your computer desktop and phone apps.
4. Declutter Your Mind, Too!
If you’re an overthinker like me, bringing out the thoughts into paper make it so much clearer.
Try journaling. Write down your thoughts and worries.
You can also meditate even 5-10 minutes a day to help quiet your mind. There are many free apps and guided meditations available.
Another not-so-obvious decluttering that lifts up so much from your mind is saying “No” to invitations or requests that don’t align with your priorities.
5. Be a Wise Consumer
Slow living encourages conscious choices about what you bring into your life.
Buy less, choose well. Instead of impulse purchases, take time to consider if you truly need something. Invest in high-quality, durable items that will last, rather than cheap, disposable ones.
Also try supporting local. Whenever possible, buy from local businesses and artisans. You can get unique, thoughtfully made products, so why not?
You can also DIY or repair furnitures, or items in your home. Can you fix it instead of replacing it? Can you make it yourself instead of buying it? This not only saves money but will make you feel accomplished.
Lastly, understand your needs versus wants. Before buying something, ask yourself: “Is this a genuine need, or just a want fueled by advertising or social comparison?” It’s better the first one. Make every penny count.
6. Nourish Your Body And Soul Slowly
How we fuel ourselves, move, and rest plays a huge role in our overall well-being.
When was the last time you ate with no distractions? Even meals tend to be chaotic as we chew and while stressing about the drama on TV.
Turn off the TV and put away your phone. Eat slowly. Savor your meals!
You might as well get some exercise. But it doesn’t have to be intense workouts you see from fitness influencers. Incorporate gentle, intentional movement like walking in nature, stretching, or tai chi. Focus on how your body feels, not just on burning calories.
Get quality Sleep. Create a calming bedtime routine. Make your bedroom a sanctuary, and aim for consistent sleep and wake times.
Of course, connect with nature. Spend time outdoors every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Go for a walk, sit in a park, or simply observe the sky. Nature has a profound calming effect.
7. Invest in Meaningful Relationships
From now on, prioritize quality time. Instead of a quick text, schedule a phone call or, even better, meet for coffee. Put your phone away and give your full attention to the person you’re with.
When someone is speaking, listen to understand, not just to respond. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest.
Engage with your community. Volunteer or join a local club. A community enriches your life and provide a sense of belonging.
Connect with yourself, too. Spend time in self-reflection. Journal, meditate, or simply sit in silence.
8. Find Joy in the Everyday
Slow living also means appreciating the simple beauty in daily life.
Keep a gratitude journal. Think of 3-5 things you’re grateful for. This shifts your focus to the positive.
What else can you do to enjoy your daily life? It’s focusing on the present.
Engage your senses. See the vibrant colors around you, hear the sounds of nature, smell the rain, feel the texture of your clothes, or taste your food.
What’s more, you can rediscover hobbies or relive the old ones. What did you love to do as a child, or before life got so busy? Make time for activities purely for enjoyment, with no pressure to be productive or perfect.
Here are 26 screen-free activities to do during your free time.
More importantly, go on with you day knowing you can embrace imperfection. No need to torture yourself for not living up to the Internet’s standard. Sometimes, “good enough” is truly good enough.
9. Slow Down Your Work Life
Even if you have a demanding job, you can still incorporate slow living principles into your workday.
Set boundaries. Define your work hours and stick to them. If people are telling you to work over time, set your boundaries by checking in with yourself first.
Avoid checking emails or working late unless absolutely necessary.
Take regular breaks, too. Step away from your screen. Go for a short walk, stretch, or close your eyes for a few minutes. These breaks actually improve productivity and focus.
Have a time where you embrace deep work. Schedule blocks of uninterrupted time for your most important tasks. Turn off notifications and immerse yourself fully. This is far more effective than multitasking.
Slow Living Self-Assessment Quiz
Want to see how “slow” you’re living right now? Take this quick self-assessment!
How “Slow” Are You Living? A Quick Self-Assessment 🌿
Your Slow Living Score: / 10
My Personal Takeaways
Embracing a slow living lifestyle has been one of the most rewarding changes I’ve made.
I stopped having my food delivered and went back to buying from local karinderias. I don’t get pressured when my friends travel abroad. Instead, my goal is to travel across my own country.
I’ve deleted my social apps, and I’ve been happier. I have also gained new friends with whom I can talk personally, rather than those I can only engage with on my Chats.
I’ve learned to focus, rather than having to multitask everything.
So, how about you? Where do you start?
Pick one thing from this list that resonates with you the most.
Try it for a week. Notice how you feel. Then, when you’re ready, add another small change.
Your journey to a slower, more intentional life begins with one mindful step. You’ve got this!