Inside: How Do I Live a Slow Life? Small steps for big changes.
A few years ago, my personal life was an endless whirlwind of school runs, work deadlines, constant notifications, and a never-ending to-do list that left me feeling exhausted and disconnected from the things that truly mattered. I was always rushing, always planning the next thing, and never truly present in the moment.
It wasn’t until I hit a point of sheer burnout that I realised something had to change. That’s when I discovered the concept of slow living. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, and I still have to remind myself to slow down now and then, but embracing a slower pace of life has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself and my family.
If you’re here because you feel overwhelmed, stretched too thin, and are craving a way to simplify and reclaim your time, then you’re in the right place. Let me share with you my personal experience and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
1. Understand What Slow Living Really Means
Slow living doesn’t mean you have to move to a cottage in the countryside and grow all your own food (although if that’s your dream, go for it!). A slower life is about being intentional with your time, making space for rest, and prioritising what truly matters to you. It’s about shifting from a mindset of productivity and efficiency at all costs to one that values presence, connection, and joy.
2. Simplify Your Schedule
One of the first things I did when I started embracing slow living was to take a hard look at my schedule. I was saying ‘yes’ to too many things – spending too much time on commitments, obligations, and even social obligations that I didn’t truly want to attend. I started by asking myself three questions before committing to anything:
- Does this align with my values and priorities?
- Will this add joy or meaning to my life?
- Do I actually have the energy and time for this?
If the answer was ‘no’ to any of those, I gave myself permission to decline. The relief that came from having more white space in my calendar was almost immediate – I was now experiencing the ‘joy of missing out’.
3. Embrace the Joy of Doing Less
We live in a fast-paced world that glorifies busyness. If we’re not juggling multiple things at once, we somehow feel like we’re failing. But I’ve learned that doing less doesn’t mean achieving less. In fact, by focusing on fewer things, I actually enjoy them more and do them better. Instead of multitasking, I try to give my full attention to one thing at a time—whether it’s cooking a meal, enjoying creative projects, playing with my children, or reading a good book.
4. Create Simple and Meaningful Rituals
One of the most beautiful things about slow living is the ability to turn everyday moments into rituals that bring joy and calm. Here are a few simple ones that have made a big difference for me:
- Morning tea or coffee in silence – Instead of checking my phone first thing, my morning routine involves making myself a hot drink and sitting for a few moments in stillness before the chaos of the day begins.
- Family meals without distractions – We eat together at the table with no phones or TV in the background, allowing for real conversations.
- An evening wind-down routine – I light a candle, put on some calming music, and read a book instead of scrolling on my phone before bed.
These small, intentional practices help anchor me in the present and remind me to slow down the simplest things.
5. Declutter Your Home and Your Mind
A cluttered living space can contribute to a cluttered mind. I used to think that more things equalled more comfort, but in reality, I was drowning in stuff. Slowly, I started decluttering my physical space—one drawer at a time. I donated clothes I hadn’t worn in years, simplified my children’s toys, and let go of things that didn’t serve a purpose or bring joy.
This process of physical decluttering had a profound effect on my mental clutter as well. With fewer things to clean and organise, I had more time and mental energy to focus on what really mattered.
6. Spend More Time in Nature
There’s something incredibly grounding about being in nature getting fresh air in your lungs. Whether it’s a daily walk in the local park, a weekend trip to the countryside, or just sitting in the garden with a cup of tea, spending time outdoors is a great way to feel more connected to the world around me and less caught up in the stresses of daily life.
7. Learn to Say No Without Guilt
For the longest time, I felt guilty for saying no to things, especially as a mum. But I’ve realised that every ‘yes’ to something I don’t truly want is a ‘no’ to something else—often my peace, my family time, or my well-being. Learning to say no kindly but firmly and setting clear boundaries has been a game-changer in my slow living journey.
8. Be Present and Practice Gratitude
One of the simplest yet most powerful shifts I made was learning to live in the present moment. Instead of constantly thinking about what’s next, I started paying more attention to what’s happening right now. Whether it’s listening to my child’s laughter, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face, or truly savouring my food, being present allows me to notice life’s simple pleasures and makes life feel fuller and richer.
Practicing gratitude goes hand in hand with this. I try to take a few moments each day to reflect on the simple things I’m grateful for. It shifts my focus from what’s missing to what’s already abundant in my life.
9. Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism was one of my biggest hurdles. I used to put so much pressure on myself to have a spotless house, achieve everything on my long to-do list, and be the ‘perfect’ mum. But slow living has taught me that good enough is truly good enough. A bit of mess, a simple meal, and a relaxed mindset are far better than chasing an unattainable ideal.
10. Remember That Slow Living Is a Journey, Not a Destination
I still catch myself falling into old habits of rushing, overcommitting, and stressing over things that don’t truly matter. But the difference now is that I notice it and gently guide myself back to a slower approach. The art of slow living isn’t about getting it ‘right’—it’s about continually making small choices that align with a calmer, more intentional way of life.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of modern life, know that you don’t have to accept it as the only way. Small changes—saying no more often, simplifying your schedule, creating meaningful rituals, and being present—can make a profound difference to your mental health and overall health. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it perfectly. Just start where you are, take a deep breath, and embrace the beauty of a slow living lifestyle and happier life.