In a world that romanticises hustle culture and glorifies busyness, I found myself yearning for something simpler—something quieter. The constant rush, endless notifications, and pressure to keep up eventually left me exhausted, disconnected, and craving more meaning from my everyday life. That’s when I stumbled upon slow living—and it changed everything.
What Is Slow Living?
Slow living is more than just moving at a slower pace. It’s a conscious lifestyle that prioritises intentionality, presence, and balance. It’s about doing less, but doing it well. Whether it’s sipping your morning tea without rushing or taking a walk without your phone, slow living allows us to truly experience life.
Why I Chose Slow Living
I didn’t make the switch overnight. For years, I believed productivity was the measure of success. But despite ticking all the boxes—career, deadlines, even social events—I still felt mentally drained. I realised I was living on autopilot.
Choosing slow living came from a desire to:
- Reconnect with myself and the present moment
- Reclaim my time and energy
- Escape the cycle of burnout
- Focus on what truly matters to me
🪴 How I Practise Slow Living Daily
1. Intentional Mornings
I now start my mornings offline. No phone, no emails. Just journaling, meditation, or a walk in silence. This sets the tone for a calm, focused day.
2. Digital Boundaries
I’ve drastically reduced screen time. I check emails less frequently a day and no longer scroll endlessly on social media. It’s freeing beyond words.
3. Single-Tasking
Multitasking was glorified for so long. But I’ve learnt the joy of doing one thing at a time—fully and mindfully. Whether it’s writing or washing dishes, being present makes a difference.
4. Rituals Over Routines
I created rituals I look forward to—slow Sunday breakfasts, tea breaks in the garden, and lighting candles in the evening. They’re tiny acts of self-care that ground me.
5. Saying No Without Guilt
Slow living taught me that “no” is a full sentence. I now honour my limits and only commit to what aligns with my values.
The Impact It Had on My Life
Since embracing slow living, I’ve noticed:
- Decreased anxiety and burnout
- More meaningful connections
- Greater creativity
- A deep sense of peace and satisfaction
I no longer feel like I’m missing out. I’m living fully, in my own rhythm.
Is Slow Living for You?
If you’re constantly overwhelmed, running on empty, or just tired of the noise—try slowing down. You don’t need to move to the countryside or quit your job. You just need to pause, breathe, and re-evaluate what truly brings you joy.
Start small. Light a candle. Cook without rushing. Watch the sunset. Be here—in this moment.
Conclusion
Slow living isn’t laziness—it’s intentional living. It’s finding magic in the mundane and joy in the simple. And in a world obsessed with speed, it’s a quiet revolution.
You deserve a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside.
