Cue the slow living lifestyle… Do you dye your clothes and textiles by hand, living a boring life making bread and cleaning all day? Not exactly. Yesterday afternoon, after I had finished work and my toddler had woken from his nap, we went for an ocean swim Ezekiel, was splashing in the water, laughing and enjoying the sand. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and Ezekiel was in bed by 7pm, leaving time for me to read, shower and enjoy quality time with my husband.

I work in designated hours throughout the week, care for my toddler, spend time with friends, journal regularly and volunteer locally. Spending my days living ‘slower’ than most of society is never boring (in fact, I’m more productive when I am working because my mind is refreshed and clear).

In between the mundane moments of everyday life, I’ve been learning recently to lean into the stillness and savour slowness. It is cleansing to be still. As the stillness washes over, I find myself surrendering a constant need to be always ‘productive’ and ‘hustling’.

What is the slow living lifestyle?

You may have heard the word on instagram, viewing a reel of a mum rolling out her five loaves of sourdough bread under the title ‘Slow living days’. But why is slow living important? Does it actually bring more peace and balance to our lives?

The slow living lifestyle isn’t simply a ‘practice’; it encourages a slower approach to everyday tasks and is a way of making intentional and purposeful decisions about our daily lives. Slow living creates more room for enjoyment of everyday moments and space and time to connect with family and friends.

Moreover, the slow living lifestyle is fun because it creates space for play and creativity outside of the ‘busy’ tasks and appointments of having a full time job! Here are some favorite ways I integrate slow living into our lives.

9 tips for a Slow Living Lifestyle

1. Pause and reframe your thoughts on a daily basis

Honestly ask yourself (and perhaps journal!) where am I compromising joy and purpose in my life? Is there anything I’m doing unnecessarily or simply to please other people?

2. When you find yourself stressed or rushed…

When you find yourself stressed or rushing, ask how could I eliminate this scenario or feeling in the future?

3. Put time and energy into what matters to you and your family

Connection? Invest in friendships and volunteer and clubs. Time alone? Writing? Photography? You get the bang where you put your buck.

4. Physically slow down at the end of the day.

Did you know Magnesium can help release muscle tension? Prepare your body for blissful sleep. From 90 minutes before bed, put away screens, read and prepare for sleep.

5. Prepare in advance

If you’re looking for ‘quick energy hits’ throughout the day, sip a big glass of cold water and have some prepared healthy snacks in your fridge or freezer (bliss balls, choc covered almonds, dip and veggies, a smoothie ready-to-go ingredients in freezer)

6. Commit with a friend or family member

Commit to doing slow living with someone else – ask someone to join you on the journey toward slow, intentional living.

7. Explore ways to make passive income

Consider ways you could earn passive income by selling things you aren’t using, stopping memberships that you’re not regularly using, and considering ways to make money online.

8. Focus on what matters

Take photos and get them printed physically as reminders of what matters most in life!

9. Make your home a haven

And create a space that you feel comfortable in. Do you lack inspiration? Make a vision board and put it on your wall. Do you lack joy? Play joyful music through speakers. Do you feel like your wardrobe lacks luster and needs a refresh? Considering decluttering your home and giving items away, just for 10 minutes every day.

A few more articles on slow living I love…

Slow by Brooke McAlary
Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod (not a ‘slow living’ based book, but it has helped reframe my mornings and days and prioritise what matters)
Living a Beautiful Life by Alexandra Stoddard
In Praise of Slowness – a TED Talk
In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed – Carl Honore
Slow Living Ldn‘s blog, products and seasonal guides
The Slow Home by Natalie Walton

Moreover, slow living isn’t an art that needs to be perfected: It is an ongoing process of releasing old practices and items that no longer serve us, and welcoming the present moment in all its fullness.

Since integrating these tips, my life feels ‘lighter’ but I am also able to be more present with my toddler, husband, family and friends. And I’m not weighed down by the ‘hustle’ of life but constantly looking at ways I can enjoy life more while remaining productive at the right times. Happy slow living!

9 Steps to a Slow Living Lifestyle

What is the slow living lifestyle?