Faster, better, higher, stronger! In a world driven by speed, achievement, and endless to-do lists, many of us are craving the opposite: stillness, intention, and space to simply be. After a hectic workday, we often fill our evenings with even more obligations—gym sessions, dinner reservations, endless scrolling through picture-perfect lives on social media—leaving little time to catch our breath.
I had grown tired of this lifestyle long before I realized I was pregnant. But that moment changed everything. It became crystal clear: I wanted a slower, calmer, more intentional life—not just for me, but for the little one I was about to welcome into the world.
What Is Slow Living?
Slow Living is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle philosophy that invites us to live deliberately, ditch the pressure to constantly perform, and reclaim the beauty in simplicity. It’s about finding your rhythm, being present, and choosing quality over quantity in everything you do. Rather than constantly rushing or striving for more, Slow Living asks us to pause. To be mindful. To create space for joy, peace, and connection.
For me, it means being consciously present—not just checking boxes, but feeling my way through the day.
How to Practice Slow Living: Simple Ways to Slow Down Your Everyday Life
You don’t need a complete life overhaul to embrace Slow Living. Often, it’s the small shifts in mindset and routine that make the biggest difference. Here are the practices that have helped me reconnect with the present moment and bring more calm into my daily life.
Celebrate Intentional Boredom
It seems we’ve forgotten how to be bored. And yet, a little boredom is beautiful. Stretch out on the couch, flip through a magazine, stare out the window and let your thoughts wander. These quiet moments allow your mind to rest and reset. When was the last time you truly let yourself do… nothing?
Nowadays, however, we are constantly distracted and one small device is certainly not innocent: the smartphone.
Digital Detox: Step Away from the Smartphone
My number one tip? Put the phone down. Smartphones are brilliant, yes—but they’re also constant sources of distraction. How often do we find ourselves mindlessly scrolling instead of being present with our children, partners, or even ourselves?
I’m not immune to the temptation. But I’ve learned to consciously set my phone aside. When my child naps, I use that time to read, bake, or garden—activities that nourish me, rather than drain me. Unlike my feed, the garden never shows me things just to provoke a reaction.
Tune Into the Seasons
I love certain seasons—spring, early and late summer, early fall. Others, like winter or oppressively hot summer days, feel endless. But I’ve learned to appreciate them all by experiencing them mindfully. Gardening helps (more on that soon), but even simple walks in nature connect me to the cycles of the year. Crunching leaves underfoot, savoring spring’s longer evenings, enjoying the crispness of winter air—all of it grounds me.
Garden: Grow with the Seasons
Gardening may be the ultimate form of Slow Living. It connects you to nature, teaches patience, and rewards you with beauty, nourishment, and peace. Whether you have a backyard or just a sunny windowsill, gardening slows you down—and fills you up.
Slow Living Gardening Tips:
- Grow your own food: Even a few pots of herbs or salad greens bring a sense of pride and purpose. Homegrown food often tastes better, and you’ll eat more seasonally and mindfully.
- Observe nature: Watch how plants change through the seasons. Listen to the bees and birds. Notice the small wonders.
- Compost: Give back to the earth by turning your food scraps into rich compost. It’s sustainable and even safes money.
- Be present: Gardening is a moving meditation. Feel the soil, breathe in the air, and let your mind rest.
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Cook: Savor the Process, Taste the Season
Cooking is a key part of Slow Living for me. It helps me understand where my food comes from, saves money, and brings joy—especially when I use ingredients from my own garden.
Slow Living in the Kitchen:
- Buy local & seasonal: Farmers’ markets or local growers are your best friends. Fresh, seasonal produce simply tastes better.
- Keep it simple: Let quality ingredients shine. A fresh tomato salad with olive oil and herbs can be just as delightful as a complex dish.
- Make it yourself: Homemade jams, nut butters, or ketchup allow you to control ingredients and flavor. And they feel like tiny acts of care.
- Plan ahead: Meal planning helps reduce stress and food waste. I plan weekly and shop just once. It saves time and simplifies cooking.
- Cook together: Invite friends or family into the kitchen. Cooking becomes connection.
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Bake: Homemade Goodness from the Heart
Baking is a beautiful way to slow down. It requires presence and patience—and rewards you with warmth and flavor.
Slow Baking Ideas:
- Try long fermentation: Bake sourdough bread! It sounds daunting, but it’s mostly waiting. And the result is not only delicious—it stays fresh longer.
- Enjoy the ritual: Savor each step, from kneading to decorating. Baking can be soothing and meditative. PS: Little ones love helping. A learning tower (like the tiSsi Felix, available on Amazon*) makes it easy and fun.
- Share your creations: Homemade bread or cookies are heartfelt gifts that spread joy.
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Mini Moments of Mindfulness: Everyday Slow Living Tips
You don’t have to change your entire life. These mini habits help you tap into slow living, one breath at a time:
- Take 3 deep breaths before unlocking your phone.
- Sip your morning coffee in silence—no phone, no distractions.
- Put your phone out of sight for at least an hour daily.
- Write down 3 things that brought you joy today.
- Eat one mindful meal a day—screen-free, ideally with family.
- Go for a peaceful 10-minute walk.
- Light a candle each evening to mark the transition to rest.
- Read a few pages of an inspiring book before bed.
Try just one of these each day—and let it gently transform your routine.
Slow Living: Final Thoughts
Slow Living is a gentle rebellion against modern-day hustle. It’s an invitation to live deeply, not just efficiently. Through gardening, cooking, baking, and simple presence, you can reconnect with yourself and rediscover what truly matters.
But remember: Don’t force it. Slow Living isn’t another thing to perfect. If you’re too tired to cook, it’s okay to order takeout. If reading doesn’t appeal today, skip it. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s awareness. And every small step you take counts.
Want More on Intentional Living? Explore These Related Posts:
Are you interested in the topic of conscious living? Then feel free to check out my other blog posts on the topic:
- Grandmacore: The Nostalgic Lifestyle Trend for Cozy Living
- What is Cottagecore? A Guide on how to bring the romantic Countryside Aesthetics to your Everyday Life
- Bauerngarten anlegen: So erschaffst Du ein blühendes Gartenparadies
Pin this post for later and come back whenever you need a dose of calm.
