Download Article
The facts (and misconceptions) about this lifestyle trend
Download Article
X
This article was written by Rachel Clissold
and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD
. Rachel Clissold is a Life Coach and Consultant in Sydney, Australia. With over six years of coaching experience and over 17 years of corporate training, Rachel specializes in helping business leaders move through internal roadblocks, gain more freedom and clarity, and optimize their company’s efficiency and productivity. Rachel uses a wide range of techniques including coaching, intuitive guidance, neuro-linguistic programming, and holistic biohacking to help clients overcome fear, break through limitations, and bring their epic visions to life. Rachel is an acclaimed Reiki Master Practitioner, Qualified practitioner in NLP, EFT, Hypnosis & Past Life Regression. She has created events with up to 500 people around Australia, United Kingdom, Bali, and Costa Rica.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 4,347 times.
If you're sick of the rat race and think hustle culture is downright toxic, the slow living movement might be just the thing you need. With slow living, you consciously decelerate your life to focus less on being busy and more on being fulfilled. By centering your life around the things you value the most you give your life more meaning. Read on to learn how to start a slow living lifestyle for yourself. We'll also clear up some misconceptions about this movement and talk about some of the benefits of a slow living lifestyle.
This article is based on an interview with our life coach and consultant, Rachel Clissold. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- Slow living means turning away from the rat race to spend more time and energy on the things you value the most.
- Start a slow living lifestyle by decluttering and cutting your consumption. Make the things you value a priority and learn how to say "no."
- Contrary to popular belief, slow living doesn't mean that you're lazy or unproductive. It's simply about living life more consciously and meaningfully.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
What is slow living?
Download Article
-
Slow living means living mindfully and consciously in the present. With slow living, you savor every experience and every moment, rather than rushing through life on autopilot. This lifestyle encourages you to focus on the things that bring meaning and purpose to your life rather than always trying to be busy and do more. [1] X Research source
- The slow living movement grew out of the slow food movement, which focuses on eating fresh, local, organic food for better health and satisfaction. [2] X Research source
- Slow living is closely associated with mindfulness and living with intention. When you embrace slow living, you experience every moment for what it is rather than being chaotically busy.
Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:
Starting a Slow Living Lifestyle
Download Article
-
1Declutter your home and workspace. Minimalism and simplicity are closely related to slow living, even though they do focus on different things. It's totally possible to have a lot of stuff and still practice a slow living lifestyle! But slow living does encourage you to think of less as being more. [3] X Research source
- Taking time to declutter also means that you're respecting your home and bringing intent to your living space. Keep the things that have meaning for you and serve a purpose.
-
2Consume only what you need and what's important to you. Focus your attention on what you want, rather than on money and on spending money. Think more about accumulating experiences rather than accumulating things.
- For example, you might decide that you'd rather take a trip to Bali than finance a new car when your old one is perfectly fine, or that you'd rather go to a concert than upgrade your phone.
-
3Do only one thing at a time instead of multitasking. Multitasking drives you to distraction and makes it difficult to focus on what you're doing. If you only do one thing at a time , you'll do everything better because you're devoting your full attention to the task at hand. You might even find that you actually save time! [4] X Research source
- For example, you might choose to only answer work emails twice a day. When you're working, turn your email notifications off and focus only on the work you're doing.
-
4Pick up a mindful and fulfilling hobby. If there's something you've ever wanted to do, just go try it! Show up and live in the moment, embrace your inner child that just wants to come out and play.
- For example, if you've always wanted to learn how to play pickleball , you might go out and take a lesson or call up some friends who play and ask if you can go with them.
- Art and writing are other good hobbies to pick up that you can practice mindfully. Painting can be very calming, even if you don't produce a masterpiece.
-
5Learn how to say "no" rather than getting overbooked. This can be a tough one, especially if you're a people pleaser who's worried about letting people down. But the truth is, when you say "no," people are usually just fine with it! You'll be surprised how reasonable and understanding people can be when you set boundaries and refuse to do something that would stress you out or put too much on your plate. [5] X Research source
- For example, you might quit helping out as much with PTA or a local community group if you don't find that work is fulfilling for you.
-
6Prioritize the things that mean the most to you. Have the courage to speak up and do what you feel is right to do. Bridge the gap between logic and imagination and don't allow the outside world to infiltrate you and define your priorities.
- For example, you might decide that you would rather work part-time so that you have more time to spend with your family and friends than you did when you worked full-time.
-
7Spend time in nature to reconnect with the environment. Choose some of your favorite spots, both inside and out. These are places that nurture and refresh your soul. Spending more time in those places will help your life feel more meaningful. [6] X Research source
- For example, if there's a park down the street from you that you love, make an effort to spend some time there every day, even if it's only for 15 minutes.
- Indoor places, such as libraries and museums, can also be a fulfilling way to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
-
8Volunteer in your community to build sustainable connections. Community involvement is a big part of the slow living lifestyle. Many people are so busy with work and other commitments that they don't take the time to nurture connections with the people in their neighborhood. But building a strong community around you is a big part of living a meaningful and fulfilled life! So take the time to chat with your neighbors and work on community events that will help foster more closeness among you. [7] X Research source
- For example, you might organize a block party so that you and your neighbors can socialize and get to know each other better.
-
9Develop small habits gradually over time. Simple tweaks can change everything for you and small habits are easy to implement. Starting a slow living lifestyle doesn't mean that you're suddenly going to quit your job and move out into the country—it just means that you're going to start doing more of the things you actually enjoy doing.
- For example, if you like to watch the sunrise every morning, you might schedule a few days a week where you get up early just to watch the sunrise and meditate for a few moments.
- If you want to read more, you might try listening to an audiobook while you're commuting to work instead of listening to music.
Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:
Misconceptions about Slow Living
Download Article
-
1Slow living means doing things as slowly as possible. It's not so much about doing things as slowly as possible as it is about taking time to savor each moment. In some contexts, this does translate to doing things more slowly than before, but in others, the speed at which you do things is not that big of a deal. [8] X Research source
- For example, you might chew more slowly to give yourself a chance to really savor the flavor and texture of the food you're eating rather than cramming it into your mouth while walking back to the office.
- If you're a fast typist, for example, you don't have to slow down your typing speed as part of your slow living lifestyle! What slow living means, instead, is that when you're typing something, that's all you're doing.
-
2Slow living is anti-technology. Slow living isn't so much about not using any tech devices at all. Rather, it's about using tech devices in a way that enhances your life rather than distracts you from life. Tech devices are tools to serve you—not the other way around. Use them consciously and purposefully. [9] X Research source
- For example, you might turn your phone off or put it in a drawer out of sight for an hour each day so you can meditate, do yoga, or read a book.
-
3Slow living means you can't do as many things. You might find that you don't do as many things as you did before once you start a slow living lifestyle, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you can't do all the things you want to do. With slow living, you focus on the things that you find fulfilling and meaningful and do less of the things that don't enhance the meaning of your life. [10] X Research source
- For example, you might choose to go to the park with your family in the evening instead of watching TV after dinner. You're really just exchanging one thing for another, so it's not as though you're doing less—you're just doing something more fulfilling.
-
4Slow living means you have to live out in the country. It might seem easier to take on a slow living lifestyle in a rural area where things are already going at a slower pace, but it's not necessary. You can live a slow living lifestyle in a city or town as well. [11] X Research source
- Slow living doesn't mean you have to quit your job either! Slow living isn't against success and you can still live an urban professional lifestyle while practicing slow living.
-
5Slow living is the same as simple living. While slow living and simple living are closely related concepts, they aren't exactly the same thing. Simple living focuses on living your life with less stuff and making the most out of the simple things. Slow living, on the other hand, is more about your mindset as you're doing things and where your focus lies. [12] X Research source
- For example, simple living might involve cleaning out your closet and removing anything you haven't worn in the past year. Slow living would dictate that you choose the pieces in your closet with intention and only keep things that have meaning for you.
Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:
Benefits of Slow Living
Download Article
-
1Reduce your environmental impact. Perhaps the biggest benefit of the slow living lifestyle is that it allows you to reduce your carbon footprint and be less damaging to the environment. Because you're consuming less and living with intention, you're creating less waste. [13] X Research source
- Spending more time out in nature also helps reduce your environmental impact because you're going out to enjoy and appreciate all the beauty nature has to offer. This makes you less inclined to want to mess it up.
- You might also participate in clean-up events in which you pick up trash from a street, park, or beach near you. These events allow you to improve the environment while also giving your life more meaning.
-
2Build stronger relationships. When you slow down, you have the opportunity to invest more time and effort into your relationships with the people around you. This helps you build deeper connections that add meaning to your life. [14] X Research source
- Focus on the people you feel closest to and concentrate on spending more time talking to those people and relating to them on a personal level.
- Tell your friends and family about your decision to start a slow living lifestyle so you can lean on them for help and support as you start this journey.
-
3Enjoy more time to do the things you value most. Slow living helps you prioritize what's important to you so you can get more meaning out of life by doing things that enrich your soul. When you spend more time doing those things, you'll automatically feel happier and calmer. [15] X Research source
- For example, you might spend time with your family playing a board game rather than mindlessly watching television.
-
4Become more connected with your community. When you make connections in your community, you feel a greater sense of belonging. You'll also feel mutually responsible as everyone works more to care for the areas where they live and work. [16] X Research source
- For example, you might start a community garden to bring fresh produce to your neighborhood.
-
5Find purpose and fulfillment in your life. This is what slow living is ultimately all about—living a conscious, meaningful life that enriches your mind and spirit. As you go further down the path of slow living, you'll find yourself constantly rewarded by the efforts you're making to live with intention. [17] X Research source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
How to
Propagate Bamboo
How to
Trim a Monstera Deliciosa
How to
Attach Garden Hose Fittings
How to
Dry and Cure Cannabis
How to
Cap Off a Sprinkler Head
Red Candle Meaning for Candle Magick
How to Kill Dandelions Naturally
How to
Do a Knockdown Texture
How to
Propagate Elephant Ear Plants
How to
Air Layer a Tree
How to
Arrange the Inside of a Greenhouse
How to Build an Elevated Deck: Design to Completion
How to
Install Wire Fencing for Dogs
How to
Determine if You Have Hard Water
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
- ↑ https://www.newtraderu.com/2023/05/18/why-i-chose-slow-living-over-hustle-culture-8-habits-to-enjoy-life/
- ↑ https://www.thelifestyle-files.com/slow-living-hacks-the-art-of-single-tasking/
- ↑ https://myslowworld.com/2022/02/7-tips-for-slow-living-in-a-fast-world/
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
- ↑ https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/slow-living/
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
- ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wellbeing/a42520291/slow-living-morning-routine/
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
- ↑ https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/slow-living/
- ↑ https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/slow-living/
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
- ↑ https://www.logoffmovement.org/post/what-is-slow-living
About This Article
This article was written by Rachel Clissold
and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD
. Rachel Clissold is a Life Coach and Consultant in Sydney, Australia. With over six years of coaching experience and over 17 years of corporate training, Rachel specializes in helping business leaders move through internal roadblocks, gain more freedom and clarity, and optimize their company’s efficiency and productivity. Rachel uses a wide range of techniques including coaching, intuitive guidance, neuro-linguistic programming, and holistic biohacking to help clients overcome fear, break through limitations, and bring their epic visions to life. Rachel is an acclaimed Reiki Master Practitioner, Qualified practitioner in NLP, EFT, Hypnosis & Past Life Regression. She has created events with up to 500 people around Australia, United Kingdom, Bali, and Costa Rica. This article has been viewed 4,347 times.
2 votes - 30%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: July 28, 2023
Views: 4,347
Categories: Home and Garden
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,347 times.
Did this article help you?
Advertisement
2 votes - 30%
Click a star to vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
Co-authors: 4
Updated: July 28, 2023
Views: 4,347
Quizzes
Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz
Take Quiz
Does He Like Me Quiz
Take Quiz
What Is My Aesthetic Quiz
Take Quiz
Am I Gay Quiz
Take Quiz
Why Can't I Sleep Quiz
Take Quiz
Zodiac Compatibility Quiz
Take Quiz
You Might Also Like
How to
Propagate Bamboo
How to
Trim a Monstera Deliciosa
How to
Attach Garden Hose Fittings
How to
Dry and Cure Cannabis
Featured Articles
How to
Take Better Care of Yourself
What Does it Mean When a Guy Gives You a Side Hug?
How to
Be Confident
How to
Write a Diary
Signs He Wants You to Be His Girlfriend Soon
How to
Be Persistent
Trending Articles
How to
Confront a Cheater
What Is My Personal Color Quiz
How to Add Cards to Apple Wallet on an iPhone and iPad
How to
Concentrate While There Are Background Noises
How to
Be a Secret Agent
How to
Be a Girl's Girl
Featured Articles
How to Get a Nice Body
How to
Grow a Goatee
A Simple Guide to Feeling Alive Again
How to
Make Yourself Happy
How to
Drink Beer
How to
Have a Great Personality
Featured Articles
How to
Build Your Future
What Kind of Reality Check Do I Need Quiz
How to
Be Less Impulsive
How to
Cut Ties with Family Members Who Hurt You
How to
Deal With Rumors
15 Signs of a Superficial Person & How to Deal With One
Watch Articles
How to
Make Sugar Cookies
How to
Use Incense
How to
Eat Small Portions During Meals
How to
Make Blush
How to
Ride a Horse
How to
Make Vanilla Cinnamon Room Scent
Trending Articles
Free Solar Panels from the Government? What You Need to Know
How to
Balance Your Relationship and Studies
The 21 Best AI Marketing Tools for Every Step of Your Workflow
20 Best Pickleball Tips and Techniques for Beginners
19 Ways to Quickly Move On & Let Go of Your Ex
How to Make Thumbnails on Windows, Mac, & Mobile Devices
