Slow Living: How to Embrace This New Definition of Luxury
What is slow living, and how can we embrace this new definition of luxury?
The Rise of Slow Living
In recent years, I’ve noticed more people (including myself) have begun to question the relentless hustle culture that has dominated modern society. The world of social media, work deadlines, and never-ending to-do lists has left people feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.
This growing dissatisfaction has led to a renewed interest in slow living, a lifestyle choice that prioritises a slower pace, deeper connections, and a more mindful approach to daily life.
A slow lifestyle allows you to value spare time, live more simply, and value peace over material wealth and status. When I left my nursing career, I appreciated the value of slowing down, and I love that many other people also feel this way.
Once considered a niche movement, slow living has become a new definition of luxury.
But what exactly is slow living, and how can you embrace this way of life?
What is Slow Living? Understanding the Movement
The slow movement has emerged as a response to the growing pressures of modern life. It was inspired by the Slow Food Movement, founded by Carlo Petrini in 1989, when a McDonald’s opened in Italy.
The philosophy has since expanded into everyday life, from slow fashion to slow travel and social interactions.
Slow living is about finding the right speed for your life rather than succumbing to society’s expectations. As Carl Honoré, author of In Praise of Slowness, describes it, it is about living intentionally, not necessarily doing everything at a snail’s pace, but being fully present and engaged in the most important things.
The Benefits of a Slow Lifestyle
A slower life is more than just an aesthetic or a temporary trend. It is time to reclaim your time, energy, and mental well-being. Here are some of the benefits:
Mental Health & Well-Being
The frantic world we live in today can take a serious toll on our mental health. I know many people, including myself, who have experienced panic attacks, anxiety, and burnout due to their busy schedules. Embracing a slow lifestyle will allow you more time to rest, reflect, and recharge. This will lead to true happiness and a greater sense of purpose.
Deeper Connections & More Meaningful Social Interactions
Slowing down can help us discover deeper connections with family, friends, and ourselves. In a world dominated by social networks and digital distractions, spending time with loved ones often takes a back seat. It is super sad when you think about it; we only have one chance at life, so don’t waste it looking down at a screen. You might miss something incredible.
A More Intentional Daily Life
Slow living helps us focus on the small things that bring joy. Maybe that looks like reading a good book, cooking a meal from scratch, or walking in rural areas. Whatever it may be, it encourages us to prioritise what truly matters instead of constantly chasing productivity.
Common Misconceptions About Slow Living
When you hear the words ‘slow living,’ you may assume that embracing a slower pace means giving up on ambition or productivity. Many people think slow living is living on a farm or not doing a lot, but it’s not about avoiding work or responsibilities; it’s about approaching them with greater intention.
Myth #1: Slow Living is Only for People Who Live in Small Towns
While rural areas may naturally encourage a slower lifestyle, slow living is just as possible in busy cities. It’s about finding moments of slowness in everyday life, whether enjoying your coffee without distractions or setting boundaries with your technology.
Myth #2: Slow Living Requires Extra Time
Many believe that slower living is only for those with extra time. How often do you and people you know say, ‘I don’t have time‘? I know I do, a lot. But even during a busy day, making small, significant changes, such as practicing deep breathing or simplifying your to-do list, can help create a more peaceful routine.
Myth #3: Slow Living Means Doing Less
On the contrary, slow living is about doing things at the right speed, not necessarily doing less. I love Brooke McAlary’s book Slow. She explains that slow living is about voluntary simplicity and cutting out unnecessary stress while making room for what truly matters.
How to Embrace Slow Living in Your Own Life
If you’re ready to shift towards a slower life, here are some practical ways to incorporate the slow living movement into your routine:
1. Simplify Your Daily Life
- Reduce clutter—physically and mentally.
- Prioritise your to-do list and focus on what’s truly essential.
- Create intentional routines that bring you joy.
2. Practice Mindfulness & Presence
- Set boundaries with social media and social networks to be more present.
- Engage in activities that help you connect with the present moment, like journaling or meditation.
- Incorporate deep breathing exercises to ease stress.
3. Adopt Slow Fashion & Slow Travel
- Choose slow fashion over fast trends and opt for secondhand or quality over quantity.
- When traveling, embrace slow travel by exploring places at a relaxed pace rather than rushing through an itinerary.
4. Find Joy in the Little Things
- Enjoy simple pleasures like reading a good book, savoring a homemade meal, or taking a quiet walk.
- Celebrate small victories rather than constantly chasing the next significant milestone.
5. Redefine Productivity & Success
- Understand that true happiness doesn’t come from hustle culture but from having enough time for what truly matters.
- Allow yourself moments of spare time to rest, create, and connect.
Why Slow Living is the New Luxury
Simple living has become a luxury in a world where busy schedules and the rat race dominate. It’s more than just a trend; it’s a way of life that offers a sense of peace, deeper connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.
This lifestyle choice has also become popular on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where people crave a simple, slow, or homesteading lifestyle.
The bottom line? Slow living is about making intentional, significant choices that allow us to enjoy life. It’s about taking control of our pace of life, embracing voluntary simplicity, and finding balance in a world that constantly tells us to speed up.
So, take a deep breath, slow down, and ask yourself: What are the most important things in your life? In the end, what we look for isn’t more speed; it is more meaning.
