How to Start Slow Living: A Gentle 6 Step-by-Step Approach and Beginners Guide
A few months ago, as I sat in my living room with a friend, she asked a question that stuck with me:
“How do you slow down when life feels like it’s already too much? When you’re buried under the weight of your to-do list and everything demands your attention?”
I paused, and in that moment, I realized:
Slow living doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s personal. It looks different for everyone. But, at its core, it begins with one simple thing—paying attention.
Put down your phone. Take a deep breath. Start noticing the little things that add meaning to your day. That’s where it begins.
It’s not about waiting for perfect conditions, or some magical moment when everything aligns. Slow living is a mindset—a way of appreciating what you have right now. It’s about rejecting the idea that happiness is something we’ll find “one day”, and instead embracing the beauty of the present moment.
Slow living isn’t a goal to achieve—it’s about redefining what truly matters to you.
But the real question isn’t, “What does slow living look like?” It’s, “Why should we slow down?”
The answer is simple: Connection.
It’s about connecting with the people you love, the moments that matter, and the world around you—without the distractions, without rushing.
It’s about being intentional in everything you do and asking yourself, “What is my purpose in this moment?”
You don’t have to wait for a special moment to start.
You can begin today.
IN THIS ARTICLE
How to Start Slow Living for Beginners
Step 1: Look at Your Week as a Whole
Take 5 minutes to review your upcoming week—meetings, appointments, chores, errands.
Ask yourself:
- What truly needs to get done?
- What can wait, or even be removed?
- What are you doing just out of habit or obligation?
Action Tip: Cross off 1–2 nonessential tasks. That’s your first win! By eliminating the unnecessary, you’ll find more time to simply be.
Step 2: Reclaim One Hour a Day for Presence (or Choose One “Slow Moment” a Day)
Even if your schedule is packed, try carving out just one hour a day for YOU. It doesn’t need to be big—what matters is that it’s intentional. You could:
- Morning: Journal, stretch, or enjoy a quiet coffee without distractions.
- Midday: Take a walk without your headphones or savor your lunch in silence.
- Evening: Light a candle, read something non-digital, or watch a show without scrolling.
These moments don’t need to be “productive” or “perfect”—they just need to be real. Slow down, savor them, and feel the peace that comes from presence.
Step 3: Create Boundaries Around Your Time
Slow living means protecting your peace. Start by setting boundaries around your phone, your work, or your time with others.
Try:
- Turning off notifications after 8 PM.
- Keeping your mornings screen-free for the first 30 minutes.
- Saying “no” to one thing this week that doesn’t align with your values or energy.
These small shifts will help you reclaim your time and feel more in control of your day.
Step 4: Simplify One Space in Your Life
Choose one area to slow down—your schedule, your closet, your bedroom, or even your weekends.
Clutter adds mental chaos, so start with small changes:
- Schedule: Cancel or decline one non-essential event.
- Home: Declutter a drawer, your purse, or your car.
- Digital life: Remove 3 apps that cause stress or distraction.
- Food: Cook one meal slowly, with music and no phone.
When you simplify, you create space for calm. The key is to focus on what’s essential and bring in elements that soothe your soul—a calming scent, a soft texture, or something beautiful to look at.
If you’re craving even more ways to make your life feel lighter and less chaotic, you’ll love these 9 ways to immediately simplify your life for burnout relief.
Step 5: Check In With Yourself Weekly
To stay connected to the process, ask yourself these questions at the end of each week:
- What felt good this week?
- When did I feel most at peace or in control?
- What do I want more of?
You’re not trying to perfect your life—you’re learning to fully live it.
6. Let Go of Guilt
Living slowly requires unlearning. You may feel guilty when you rest, or uncomfortable with white space. That’s okay.
As Brooke McAlary, a slow living author, says:
“Slow living isn’t about what you do—it’s about how you do it. You can do anything slowly: wash the dishes, raise children, run a business, or change the world.”
Let go of the pressure to be “productive” all the time. Choose to be intentional, not busy.
If slowing down feels uncomfortable or even a little scary, you’re not alone. Here are 9 honest reasons why slowing down feels scary—and why that’s okay to help you feel seen and supported as you move through this shift.
And if you ever need a gentle reminder or inspiration to stay on your path, these 60 slow living quotes for a peaceful lifestyle will speak straight to your soul.
References
cover photo by Janusz Walczak on Pexels.
Discover more from The Unscripted Femme
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.