You’re not the only one who feels like life is flying.
It’s happening to almost all of us.
One minute you’re checking emails, the next you’re juggling five tabs, missing lunch, and feeling like you’re constantly behind on everything.
It’s like your brain never gets to exhale.
If you’re here reading this post, chances are you’re craving something quieter—a way to breathe, to slow down, to live in a way that actually feels like living.
Why I’m telling you this?
Because I’ve been fast all my life.
I struggled to slow down.
I’m always doing things fast, at a hurried pace assuming I’m getting MORE done.
And that has led to burnout and fatigue. I spent the last few months slowing down after attending therapy.
I had burnt out so badly, I couldn’t work.
I started being intentional with my activities and my life changed – it became so beautiful.
That’s where slow living comes in.
It’s not about being lazy.
It’s not about giving up ambition.
It’s about being intentional.
About doing one thing at a time, savoring it, and letting yourself be present in your own life again.
In this post, I’ll show you how to start slow living when everything around you feels too fast.
I do read a lot so I’ll include some books that helped me on this journey as well!
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1. Start with a Slow Morning Routine
I have a post here on how to craft a Studio Ghibli morning routine – read this.
You don’t need a five-hour ritual.
Just something gentle to begin your day with more peace.
Maybe it’s waking up 30 minutes earlier, sitting with your tea instead of gulping it down, or journaling before checking your phone.
You could stretch by an open window, water your plants, or play some soft music.
Small things, but they tell your body: that you’re safe.
You’re not rushing.
Try this book: Good Morning, Good Life: 5 Simple Habits to Master Your Mornings and Upgrade Your Life
2. Embrace Single-Tasking Instead of Multitasking
As women, we’ve just adapted to doing several things at once.
We’ve been taught to multitask like it’s a badge of honor.
But honestly?
It just scatters your energy.
Slow living means doing one thing at a time and doing it well. When you’re cooking, just cook.
Smell the spices, feel the textures.
When you’re talking to someone, really listen.
It sounds simple, but it’s harder than it looks. And it changes everything.
And reduce picking up your phone to check your notifications when you’re taking breaks.
Just be bored. It will allow your brain to relax.
This book helped me work better: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
3. Make Space for Silence
We fill every second with noise—podcasts, music, notifications, background TV.
But silence is sacred.
I’ve learned the importance of doing nothing in those interstitial spaces.
It helps your nervous system reset. Start with five minutes a day.
Sit in stillness.
Maybe light a candle or stare out the window. You don’t need to meditate like a monk. Just give your mind space to breathe.
I recommend reading: Silence: In the Age of Noise
4. Cook at Least One Meal from Scratch Each Day
There’s something magical about chopping vegetables slowly, stirring a pot of soup, or baking your own bread.
It’s not about being a chef.
It’s about connecting with your food and your body.
Even if you only cook once a day—a simple breakfast or one-pot dinner—it grounds you.
I even take a delight in plating now. I fall in love with my food as I’m making it and this makes eating all the more beautiful.
Try this cookbook: The Cottagecore Baking Book: Nostalgic Recipes for the Modern Kitchen
5. Create Tech-Free Zones or Hours
This is especially for you if you work on your computer a lot.
I know it’s not easy, it’s so hard to get away from screens these days.
But slow living means stepping away from the digital whirlwind.
Choose one room (like your bedroom or kitchen) where phones are not allowed.
Or set an hour each day (maybe the first after you wake up or the last before you sleep) where you unplug completely.
Read a book.
Draw.
Just sit.
It’s awkward at first. Then it’s addictive.
Remember, it’s not instant gratification so it will take some time for your brain to get used to this.
Stick with it.
I promise you, you will feel better.
Try this guide: How to Break Up with Your Phone
6. Romanticize the Little Things
Pour your tea/coffee into your prettiest mug.
Light a candle when folding laundry.
Wear perfume even if you’re home alone.
Put on soft music while cleaning the floor.
Slow living isn’t about adding big things—it’s about noticing the beautiful, small ones that are already there.
Turn chores into rituals. Make ordinary moments magical.
Try this book: The Art of Making Memories
7. Spend More Time in Nature
Go barefoot in your garden.
Eat breakfast outside.
Watch the moon.
Hug a tree (yes, really).
Nature slows you down without asking.
You don’t need a forest retreat—a potted plant on your balcony, or a walk around the block with your senses turned on, can do wonders.
Try this book: The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative
8. Say No to Things That Drain You
You cannot live slowly if your schedule is stuffed with things that exhaust you.
Look at your week and ask: what’s essential?
What feels nourishing?
Say no more often, and without guilt. Your peace is worth protecting.
This book was very insightful: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
9. Keep a Journal to Reflect and Reconnect
Writing is one of the most powerful slow-living tools.
I actually write a lot. I use a planner for my work and I maintain a journal.
It helps you see what matters, what hurts, what brings you joy.
You don’t need to write perfectly. Just write honestly.
Try prompts like: “Today, I noticed…” or “I feel most calm when…” It becomes a mirror of your soul.
Now, if you have trouble keeping a diary, this will help: The 5-Minute Journal
10. Let Go of the Pressure to “Be Productive”
This one is hard, I know.
We’re wired to chase achievements and checklists.
But slow living asks you to release that pressure.
To trust that you’re valuable even when you’re resting. Start by allowing yourself one lazy afternoon a week.
No guilt.
No to-do lists.
Just being.
Try this book: Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving
You don’t have to change everything overnight.
Slow living is not a destination—it’s a way of walking through the world. One gentle step at a time.
The world may keep spinning fast, but you?
You get to move at your own pace now.
