Intentional Living vs. Slow Living: What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters)

Intentional Living vs. Slow Living: What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters)

I’m sure you’ve heard the words slow living and intentional living thrown around a lot lately. But do you actually know what makes them different? And more importantly, can you—and should you—live with both?

Slow living is about slowing down the pace of your day, taking the pressure off, and making space for calm. Intentional living, on the other hand, is about making choices that align with your values and what truly matters to you.

Intentional living is the “why.”
Slow living is the “how.”

They’re different, but they work hand in hand. Slowing down can help you be more intentional, and living intentionally can make slowing down feel purposeful—not just lazy. In this post,
I’ll break down how these two concepts can team up to bring you more peace, focus, and meaning in your everyday life.

What Is Intentional Living?

Intentional living is the practice of making conscious, purposeful choices about how you spend your time, energy, and attention—based on what truly matters to you (your core values and beliefs).

Instead of operating on autopilot, reacting to life as it comes, or living by someone else’s expectations, intentional living means pausing to ask:

• “Is this aligned with my values, goals, or priorities?”
• “Is this the path I actually want to take in life?”

It’s about living with more awareness and intention—knowing what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.

If you’re looking for more information on how to find your core values, check out my post HERE.

Here are a few examples of living intentionally:

Making small, conscious choices every day that reflect what truly matters to you.

Choosing Your Morning Routine

Instead of rushing through your morning, you decide to start with 5 minutes of stretching or quiet reflection to set a calm tone for the day.

Mindful Eating

You put your phone away during meals and really focus on tasting and enjoying your food, rather than eating distractedly.

Saying No When Needed

You decline social invitations or extra work that don’t align with your priorities, protecting your time and energy without guilt.

Limiting Screen Time

You set a specific time to unplug from devices each evening to help your mind rest and improve sleep quality.

Spending Time on What Matters

You schedule regular quality time with family or friends, making sure those connections don’t get lost in the busyness.

Simplifying Your Space

You declutter one small area in your home regularly, creating a peaceful environment that supports calm and focus.

What Are the Benefits of Living Intentionally?

Living intentionally comes with some real, practical perks that can make your everyday life feel a whole lot better. Here’s what you can expect when you start making conscious choices based on what truly matters to you:

1. More Clarity and Focus

When you know your values and priorities, it’s easier to cut through the noise. You spend less time stressing over what should matter and more time on what actually does. This means better focus on goals that truly align with your life, not someone else’s.

2. Reduced Stress and Overwhelm

Autopilot living often leads to burnout because you’re constantly reacting to things outside your control. Intentional living helps you set boundaries and say no to what drains you, which lowers stress and frees up mental space.

3. Deeper Relationships

When you’re intentional, you choose who and how to spend your time with care. This leads to more meaningful connections, whether it’s with family, friends, or even yourself.

4. Greater Satisfaction and Joy

Small, purposeful actions — like savoring your morning coffee or choosing hobbies that light you up — add up. Living intentionally makes your days feel fuller and more rewarding.

5. Stronger Sense of Control and Empowerment

Instead of feeling like life just happens to you, intentional living puts you in the driver’s seat. You make choices based on your values, which boosts confidence and a sense of control.

💡 Research backs this up:
Did you know that having a strong sense of life purpose correlates with better psychological wellness, physical health, and even longevity? For example, adults with heart disease who score higher in life purpose have a significantly lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research also touches on how purpose impacts stress and overall gene health.

Read the full article here:
Greater Good Science Center — Living With a Purpose Changes Everything

What is Slow Living?

Slow living is the practice of intentionally slowing down to appreciate life’s simple moments, reduce stress, and reconnect with what truly matters. It’s about resisting the pressure to constantly rush, multitask, or chase more—and instead choosing to live at a pace that feels natural and fulfilling for you.

Rather than trying to do everything faster or cram more into your day, slow living is:

• Noticing your surroundings
• Enjoying daily routines fully
• Prioritizing quality over quantity in your activities and relationships

It’s not about being lazy or unproductive—it’s about creating space for calm, presence, and meaning.

If you want to learn more about cultivating calm in a busy world, check out my posts on:

• How to Start Slow Living: A Gentle 6 Step-by-Step Approach and Beginners Guide
• How I Embrace a Slow Living Lifestyle in 6 Simple Steps

Here are a few examples of slow living:

Making small, conscious choices every day that help you slow down and savor what truly matters.

Savoring Your Morning Coffee

Instead of gulping it down on the go, you take a few quiet minutes to really taste and enjoy your drink, setting a peaceful tone for the day.

Walking Without a Destination

You take a leisurely walk just to notice the world around you, without checking your steps or rushing somewhere.

Unplugging Regularly

You intentionally turn off screens for periods throughout the day to give your mind a break and reduce overwhelm.

Doing One Thing at a Time

Rather than multitasking, you focus on finishing one task fully, giving it your full attention.

Creating Rituals That Bring Joy

Lighting a candle while relaxing in the evening, playing music while cooking, or simply sitting outside to watch the sunset.

Why Slow Living Matters

Slow living offers real, practical benefits that can help you feel more balanced and fulfilled every day. Here’s what you can expect when you start slowing down and creating space for calm and presence:

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Slowing down helps calm your nervous system and eases the feeling of overwhelm. When you stop rushing, your mind gets a chance to relax.

2. Improved Focus and Productivity

Without the pressure to multitask or hurry, you can give your full attention to what matters, doing things more thoughtfully and efficiently.

3. Deeper Connections

Being fully present allows you to engage more meaningfully with the people around you and with your environment.

4. Greater Appreciation for Life

Slow living helps you notice and savor the small joys that often get lost in the rush, making everyday moments more satisfying.

5. Better Health and Wellbeing

Research shows that practices tied to slowing down—like mindfulness and intentional rest—can improve sleep, reduce burnout, and support overall health.

💡 Research backs this up:
Studies reveal that slow living rewires your brain for balance and calm by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and strengthening brain areas responsible for focus and decision-making. This helps you respond with clarity instead of stress.

Read more here:
Harvard Health Blog — Want a Calmer Brain? Try This
The Wellbeing Collective — Slow Living Secrets

Which One Do You Need More Right Now?

You might need more intentional living if…

• You feel like you’re on autopilot
• You’re busy but not fulfilled
• You say yes too often (and regret it later)
• You’re craving clarity or a reset

You might need more slow living if…

• You’re always rushing from one thing to the next
• You struggle to rest without guilt
• You can’t remember the last time you felt present
• You feel physically and emotionally burnt out

You’re allowed to need both.

Remember, whether you lean more into intentional living, slow living, or a blend of both, the goal is to create a life that feels meaningful and balanced to you. It’s about progress, presence, and making choices that honour your values and well-being. Start small, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the journey toward a calmer, more purposeful life. You’ve got this!

What’s one small change you’re wanting to make today to live more intentionally or slowly? Share your thoughts below!