“As life speeds up, slow living is making a quiet comeback”
“Ability to work under pressure”— you’ve probably come across this phrase countless times in job descriptions and thought, Yeah, I can do that. It sounds normal, even expected.
But then the days start blending together. You’re always rushing from one task to the next, one meeting to another. Your laptop stays open long after dinner, and even on weekends, your mind’s still at work. You keep telling yourself it’s normal. It’s just a part of being an adult, part of being ambitious.
But deep down, you’re tired. Not just physically, the kind of tired that sleep doesn’t fix. That’s when you start wondering: what if the real strength isn’t about pushing through, but knowing when to pause? What if slow isn’t falling behind, but finally catching up with yourself?
That’s what I want to share with you today, about slow living. And no, I’m not joking. It’s simply about doing things with care, with presence, and at your own pace. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what you’ve been needing all along.
What is slow living?
Slow living is a lifestyle that encourages you to slow down and focus on what truly matters. Living this way means being more present in your everyday life, doing things with intention, and making space for rest, joy, and balance. Instead of rushing through your day or feeling pressure to always be productive, slow living helps you move through life in a more mindful and meaningful way.
In today’s fast-moving world, slow living is becoming more popular than ever. Many people are starting to feel overwhelmed by the nonstop pace of modern life, constant screen time, and packed schedules. Since the pandemic, there has been a growing desire for a different way of living – one that feels calmer, more connected, and more human. That’s exactly what slow living offers. It gives you permission to pause, breathe, and focus on what matters most to you.
Where did slow living come from?
The idea of slow living first began in Italy in the 1980s with the slow food movement. This was a response to fast food and fast-paced culture. People wanted to enjoy their meals, support local farmers, and reconnect with traditional ways of life. Over time, this concept grew beyond food and became a lifestyle. Today, slow living touches many parts of daily life, including how we work, rest, travel, and take care of ourselves.
Hustle culture is so overrated
So, if slow living feels calm and meaningful, why did hustle culture become so popular?
You probably know this feeling. Staying up late to meet a deadline, skipping meals to get things done, saying yes to more than you can handle. A sad truth that, it’s become part of daily life for many young people. You tell yourself it’s normal, that being busy means you’re doing something right.
At the same time, social media makes it even harder to slow down. Every time you look, people are announcing new jobs, side projects, or achievements. You scroll and compare, wondering if you’re doing enough. That pressure builds quietly, and suddenly you’re chasing more, not because you want to, but because you feel like you have to.
However, this kind of lifestyle often leads to burnout.
Let’s be honest, this type of mindset doesn’t feel nice for long. When you’re always focused on the next task, it’s hard to enjoy the present. You start to feel tired, disconnected, and overwhelmed. Even when you’re doing a lot, it never feels like enough.
That’s why more and more people, especially Gen Z (including me) and millennials, are leaving hustle culture behind. They’re starting to understand that always being busy doesn’t mean you’re doing well. And this is where slow living begins to make sense. It invites you to step off the treadmill and choose a different way, one that’s calmer and kinder. After all, we just need a peaceful morning, time with family, and space to relax, right?
Why ‘doing nothing, intentionally’ is good for us and what does slow living look like in real life?
After spending so long immersed in the rush of hustle and bustle, slowing down might feel strange at first. You’re too used to being busy, constantly pushing yourself, and measuring your worth by how much you accomplish. Rest often feels like a reward you have to earn, not something you truly deserve.
But what if doing nothing is exactly what you need most right now?
When you give yourself space to rest and reset, you start to notice how tired you really are. You feel how loud your thoughts have been. In those quiet moments, you can finally breathe. Instead of reacting to everything around you, you begin to reconnect with yourself. And you will come back to your tasks with more focus and energy. You’re not just getting things done, you’re doing them with more care, intention, and clarity. Trust me, this is the art of slow living.
So if you’re ready to feel less rushed and more present, you don’t have to change everything overnight. Just start small. Even the simplest things in your day can help you feel more grounded and alive. Here are a few gentle ways to welcome slow living into your everyday life – starting now, right where you are!
13 Simple ways to welcome slow living into your life
1. Wake up without checking your phone and start your day with a slow morning
When you wake up, it’s tempting to grab your phone right away. You check the time, open your inbox, and scroll through social media. I know it’s a hard habit to break. But have you ever tried starting your morning a little differently?
Just leave your phone where it is, sit up slowly, walk over to the window, and pull back the curtains. Let the morning light in and take a deep breath of fresh air. The world feels quiet, your mind starts to settle, and for a few moments, everything slows down.
You don’t need to dive into emails or jump straight into work. Instead, just take a moment. Maybe you stretch your arms while standing by the window. Maybe you sip a glass of water slowly, noticing how your body feels as it wakes up. Or maybe you just sit in silence, letting your breath settle. They help your body feel grounded and your mind feel steady. It’s like telling your nervous system, “You’re safe. There’s no need to hurry.” And when you begin your day from that calm place, everything else feels more manageable.
2. Brain dump all your thoughts and make healthy teas or matcha
After you ease into your morning, it’s a good time to clear your head. Grab a notebook and write down whatever is on your mind. It doesn’t need to make sense or sound good. Just let the words come out. Getting your throught on paper helps and feel lighter and more focused. You’re not holding everything in your head anymore, and that can bring a real sense of relief.
Then, head to the kitchen and make yourself something warm to drink. Maybe it’s a gentle cup of herbal tea, a cozy matcha or even something simple like warm honey lemon water. It’s gentle on your stomach, helps you wake up from the inside out, and is known to support digestion and give your skin a natural glow.
As you boil the water and wait, let yourself slow down. Listen to the sounds around you. Feel the warmth in your hands. I believe starting your day like this can make everything feel a little lighter, a little better.
3. Move your body: breathe deeply with meditation or yoga
After you finish your tea, your body starts to feel a little warmer, a little more awake. This is a nice moment to move gently. You don’t need a fancy routine. Simply lay down a mat or take a seat on the floor, take a few deep breaths and let your shoulders drop. Maybe you stretch your arms, circle your neck, or do a few slow movements that feel good.
After that, you can sit quietly and focus on your breath or try a few soft yoga poses. As you move, pay attention to how your body feels. Let your breath guide you. There’s no need to rush. There’s no need to rush. This simple practice can feel like a mini wellness retreat, a moment to pause, to ground yourself, and to return to your body. It may seem small, but it’s these quiet rituals that turn an ordinary morning into a meaningful retreat.
This is part of slow living, giving yourself time to reconnect before the day gets busy.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few gentle YouTube practices you might enjoy:
- 10-Minute Morning Yoga for Beginners by Yoga with Kassandra
- 5-Minute Meditation for a Calm Start by Headspace
- Slow Stretch and Breathe by Boho Beautiful
Choose one that feels good for you and let it guide your morning. This simple habit can become a peaceful part of your slow living routine.
4. Eat a meal without distractions
After moving your body, you might start to feel a little hungry. This is the perfect time to prepare a meal and enjoy it slowly.
Most of the time, you probably eat while scrolling on your phone or watching something. But what if, just for today, you can try to sit down with your meal and do nothing else. No screens, no background noise, just you and your food. When you eat without distractions, you start to notice the taste, the texture, and how your body feels as you eat. This simple habit helps you slow down, be present, and enjoy your meal in a way that feels good for both your body and mind.
5. 5-minute rule: Get it done if it takes less than 5 minutes
Some mornings, your mind feels full before the day even starts. There’s always something to do, something to remember, something waiting. Yeah, it can be a lot. But instead of rushing into everything, just pause. Grab a notebook or a piece of paper and write down the five most important things you need to do today. Not everything, just the big ones. Put them in order, starting from the easiest to the hardest. Then take your time and do them one by one. You don’t have to rush. Just focus on what matters.
During the day, small tasks might show up, maybe a cup to wash, a quick message to answer, or a shirt to fold. If it takes less than five minutes, just do it. Getting these small things done right away helps you feel more calm and clear. Your day becomes easier to handle, not because you did everything, but because you moved through it with care. That’s the quiet power of slow living.
6. Learn to say no without guilt
You know, I think a lot of us just want to be liked. It’s pretty normal. We want to be helpful, easy to be around, someone people can count on. So we say yes, even when we’re tired, busy, or honestly just not feeling it.
Absolutely, I’ve done that more times than I can count. Someone would ask for a small favor, or invite me somewhere, and before even thinking, I’d say yes. Then later, I’d feel drained and wonder why I had no time or energy left for myself.
But the truth is, you can’t make everyone happy. And trying to say yes to everything just leaves you stretched thin.
What changed for me was learning to pause. Just for a second. When someone asks for something, I check in with myself. “Do I really have the time or energy for this?” And if the answer is no, I say so, kindly, but clearly. Like, “I’d love to help, but I just can’t right now.” Simple as that. You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to protect your peace. And the people who really care about you? They’ll understand.
7. Wear cute & comfy pyjama sets
Sometimes, all it takes is a cute and comfy set of pyjamas to shift your whole mood. Everything you need is just something soft, something that makes you feel good when you wear it.
After a long day, putting on a nice set of home clothes can feel like a small act of care. It’s like telling yourself, “You’ve done enough today. Now it’s time to rest.” You can choose a fabric that feels nice on your skin, a pattern that makes you smile, or colors that bring you comfort. When you care for yourself like this, your body relaxes and your mind follows. And suddenly, your home becomes a place where you can truly rest.
8. Minimal skincare
You don’t need ten steps or a shelf full of bottles to take care of your skin. Honestly, keeping it simple is what your skin really needs. Especially when it’s feeling sensitive or breaking out, less can truly be more. Try going back to the basics. Drink more water, keep your face clean, and use just a couple of products that your skin actually likes. No need to overdo it. Just take it easy and let your skin chill a bit.
After that, you gently apply a bit of moisturizer, put on some lip balm, and peacefully go to bed to sleep. It’s easy, right? Give it a try if you have a lot of skincare products that aren’t giving you the results you expect. They might not be suitable for your skin. Try simplifying and using products that match your skin’s condition.
That’s what slow living feels like. Let your skin rest. Let yourself rest too.
9. Creating a safe cozy space in your room
Your room should be your little safe bubble. A place where you walk in, take a deep breath, and instantly feel a bit lighter. You know that feeling when you finally clean up, fluff your pillows, maybe light a candle, and suddenly everything just feels better? Yeah, that.
I believe that just a few small touches can change the whole vibe. Maybe it’s your favorite blanket, a cute lamp, a playlist in the background, or even just opening the window to let the air flow. Pick things that make you feel calm and comfy, whatever that looks like for you. When your room feels like your soft spot to land, it’s so much easier to slow down and breathe. At the end of a long day, having a cozy corner that feels like you is one of the best parts of slow living.
10. Spending time in nature heals your soul and watching the sunset
I swear, there’s nothing better than lying on soft grass and looking up at the blue sky through the green leaves above. In that moment, it feels like the whole world is rushing by, but right here where I’m lying, time slows down. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. And it’s exactly what I need after a string of busy days.
You don’t need to travel far or spend a lot. Just head to the nearest park, bring along a little homemade snack like some kimbap or anything simple you enjoy. Find a nice spot under a tree, lie down, and let the breeze wash over you. Let your mind wander. Let your shoulders drop. So, whenever life starts to feel too fast, you can always come back to this little moment.
For me, slow living is simply that.
11. Solo date at a new café
There’s something really special about taking yourself out on a little solo date. You spot a cute little place you’ve been curious about, and today, you finally go. At first, it might feel a bit awkward due to you go alone. You might wonder if people are looking or what they’re thinking. But hey, nobody care about that. You’re not there for them. This is your solo date. And the only thing you need to focus on is your own peace of mind, not anyone else’s eyes. I will remind this mindset again. So, remember that.
You can pick a new café that looks cozy, maybe one you’ve been meaning to try for a while. You get dressed in something that makes you feel good, not for anyone else but just for you. As you step inside, the smell of fresh coffee and baked goods welcomes you in. You find a quiet seat by the window, order your favorite drink, and just sit for a moment. I know the first time might feel new. But the second time might feel easier. And who knows, maybe after a few more times, you’ll actually fall in love with it.
12. Creative thrift makeover
You walk into a tiny thrift shop on a quiet afternoon, not really looking for anything. But then you spot it. Maybe it’s an old wooden frame, a faded tote bag, or a plain denim jacket sitting quietly on the rack. Something about it catches your eye. You reach out, feel the texture, and suddenly, an idea sparks in your mind.
So you take it home, roll up your sleeves, and start creating. You paint, stitch, clean, or repurpose it in your own way. Slowly, it turns into something that feels more like you. You’re not just decorating. You’re creating. You’re giving something forgotten a second chance. And while you do, your mind starts to slow down. You stop thinking about to-do lists or emails. You’re fully here, enjoying the process, letting your creativity breathe. That’s the magic of a slow living moment i want to share with you.
13. Slow living in the countryside 3 days
If I could choose a place to retreat, I think I’d want to be a carrot-growing girl in the countryside. I’d live in a small house filled with flowers and sunlight, with a little cat always by my side. I feel like I’d forget all about my full-time job and the pile of deadlines waiting for me.
So if you’ve been dreaming of “escaping your boss to go healing,” maybe the countryside is exactly where you need to be. Imagine spending your mornings barefoot on cool tile floors, riding a bike through the fields, picking herbs from the garden, or just lying under a tree doing absolutely nothing. You nap whenever you want, eat when you’re hungry, and watch the sky turn golden as the sun goes down. At night, you roll out your mat for some gentle yoga, play soft music, and drift off to sleep with a quiet heart.
Honestly, what could be better than that?
Ask yourself these questions to begin your slow living journey
So now you’ve made it through all the slow living ideas. Take a deep breath. This is your moment to pause and check in with yourself.
Actually, if you’re still not sure where to start, don’t worry. You don’t need to have all the answers right now. Just ask yourself these simple questions and let your heart guide you. The answers will come when you’re ready:
- What is most important to you in life right now?
- Do you have free time to enjoy your hobbies or the things you love?
- What parts of your day feel the most rushed or overwhelming?
- How much time do you spend on your phone or looking at screens each day?
- When do you feel most present, calm, and connected to yourself?
- Are there things you do every day that feel like a chore, not a choice?
- How often do you go outside and spend time in nature?
- What would you do more of if you had more time and space?
- Do you take time to care for yourself and rest when you need it?
- What do you constantly say yes to, even when you really want to say no?
- Are there things you do every day that feel like a chore, not a choice?
These little reflections can be your first step toward slow living. You don’t need all the answers right now. Just start by listening to yourself. That’s where it begins.
Slow is a strength, not a weakness
In a world that’s always telling you to go faster, slowing down can feel a little strange at first. You might worry that you’re falling behind or not doing enough. But here’s something I’ve learned: slow is not a weakness. It’s a quiet kind of strength.
Choosing a slower life doesn’t mean you’re giving up on ambition or dreams. It just means you’re doing things with more care. You’re giving yourself space to breathe, to feel, and to really live. So if you ever feel unsure, come back to the small things. A warm cup of tea in your hands. A walk with no destination. A soft place to land at the end of the day.
Slow living can look different for everyone. Sometimes it’s a peaceful morning with a warm cup of tea. Sometimes it’s a walk with no destination. And sometimes, it’s a quiet bike ride through the countryside, where there’s no rush, just the sound of your wheels turning, the wind in your hair, and the world passing by at a pace you can actually feel. That, too, is slow living.
So, take your time. You’re not late. You’re not behind. You’re just learning to live in a way that’s kind to your body, your mind, and your heart. And that’s something to be proud of.
And I just want to say with you:
“Tomorrow will be better, and if it’s not, I will say it again.”
But! Not done yet, I want to add a little more.
If you’re running on empty and nothing seems to help, maybe what you need isn’t to push harder, but to pause. Let’s try just for a little while. Just enough to rest, to reset, and to remember what it feels like to feel good again.
So, if that sounds like something you need, we’d love to welcome you to one of our meaningful retreats. Imagine mornings that begin with slow bike rides through peaceful city roads and gentle yoga, quiet moments with nature, and space to simply be. To many, a retreat might sound like something far away or out of reach, something fancy or only for a few. But here, it’s simple. It’s about giving yourself a moment to breathe, to move gently, and to feel connected again.
No pressure. No rush. Just time that’s truly yours.
Whether you’re new to slow living or simply need a reset, this might be the pause you’ve been looking for.
Come join us! Your body, your mind, and your heart will thank you for it.
Want to Slow Down and Retreat? This is Your Moment – One Spot Left!!
Step away from the noise and spend a slow, mindful morning with us. In just three hours, you’ll enjoy a gentle bike ride, ease into relaxing yoga, and end with a quiet tea session by the lake. It’s a simple way to pause, breathe, and feel connected again!
