What is Slow Living? A Guide to Embracing a Simpler, More Intentional Life

Not too long ago, my life felt like a never-ending to-do list. I was always rushing—always feeling like I needed to be doing something. Slowing down? That felt impossible. But eventually, life had other plans for me, and I found myself craving something different. Something softer. Something more intentional.

Something with more, well, ease.

That’s when I discovered slow living—not as a trend, but as a way of life.

Honestly, I HAD to do it. For my sanity.

And let me tell you, it changed everything.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just disconnected from the life you’re living, slow-living might be exactly what you need. So let’s talk about it—what it is, what it isn’t, and how you can start embracing a slower, more intentional way of life today.

So, What is Slow Living?

At its core, slow living is about being present. It’s about stepping away from the pressure to rush through life and instead, savoring the little moments. It’s choosing quality over quantity, presence over productivity, and simplicity over excess.

For me, slow-living looks like:

➽ Baking from scratch with local ingredients
➽ Sipping my coffee or tea without checking my phone
➽ Reading a book just because it feels good
➽ Tending to my little garden or homesteading projects
➽ Sitting outside and actually feeling the sun on my skin

It’s not about being lazy or doing nothing. It’s about choosing what really matters and letting the rest fall away.

What Slow Living Isn’t

Let’s clear something up—slow-living doesn’t mean you have to move to a farm, quit your job, or completely change your life overnight (though, if that’s your dream, go for it!). You can practice slow-living wherever you are, in whatever season of life you’re in.

It also doesn’t mean you have to be perfectly minimalist, only eat organic, or wake up at 5 AM to meditate. Slow-living is personal. It’s about what makes YOU feel grounded and at peace.

It’s not about following someone ELSE’S rules. It’s about making your own.

How to Start Embracing Slow-Living

If you’re craving a slower, more intentional life, here are a few ways to get started:

☼ Start with Slow Sundays – Dedicate one day (or even a few hours) to slowing down. Cook a homemade meal, go for a walk, take a long bath—anything that helps you pause and breathe.

☼ Do One Thing at a Time – Multitasking keeps us in a constant state of stress. Try focusing on one thing at a time—whether that’s drinking your coffee without distraction or truly listening when someone talks.

☼ Simplify Your Space – A cluttered home can make your mind feel cluttered too. Start small—maybe clear off your kitchen counter or create a cozy corner just for you.

☼ Connect with Nature – Even if you live in a city, step outside. Feel the breeze, listen to the birds, watch the leaves move in the wind. Nature has a way of reminding us to slow down.

☼ Savor the Process – Whether you’re baking, gardening, or just making your bed—focus on the process, not just the outcome. That’s where the magic happens.

Slow Living is a Journey, Not a Destination

I won’t pretend I have this all figured out. Some days, I still catch myself rushing through things, mindlessly scrolling, or feeling that urge to be productive. But the beauty of slow-living is that it’s always there, waiting for me to return to it.

If you’re feeling the pull to slow down, I hope you give yourself permission to do it—however that looks for you.

Have you tried slow living? Or are you just getting started? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.

Here’s to growing & slowing together,