Living Slowly : What I've Learned from a Slow Living Lifestyle

Over the last year, I’ve been intentionally shifting my life toward a slower pace. After years of measuring my worth by productivity and racing from one task to the next, I realized I needed a different rhythm—one that allowed me to be present, to breathe, and to reconnect with myself. This journey toward slow living hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been transformative.

There have been moments when my 9–5 felt like too much. When everything started spinning too fast, slow living gave me permission to hit pause. It reminded me that I can choose to slow down. And in doing so, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons I’d like to share.

When You Feel Overwhelmed, Slow Down

Overwhelm is a signal—it’s your body asking for a break, not a breakdown. When those feelings hit, I’ve learned to come back to my body and surroundings.

Here’s what helps me:

• Breathe slowly and intentionally

• Observe your surroundings—what do you see, hear, feel?

• Place your hand on your heart and ground yourself

• Remind yourself: my feet are here, I am present

• Write it out—your journal is your safe space

• Face the feeling head-on instead of reaching for distraction

• Drink a glass of water and let it reset you

  
  

Small acts of awareness can bring you back to yourself. They are simple, but deeply powerful.

Find the Good Stuff

Slow living has helped me become more mindful of what I consume—not just food, but media, conversations, and thoughts. Everything we allow into our lives nourishes or depletes us.

Take time to ask yourself:

• What makes me feel good?

• What am I feeding my body, my mind, and my soul?

• Are my daily habits aligned with the life I want to live?

  
  

We are the sum of what we consistently consume. Make space for the good stuff.

Be Gentle

I used to be so hard on myself. I expected perfection, never pausing to acknowledge how far I’d come or how tired I felt. But living slowly has softened that inner voice.

Be gentle:

• With yourself—you’re doing the best you can

• With your belongings—caring for them mindfully

• With the people around you—we’re all navigating something

• With the earth beneath your feet—it’s our shared home

  
  

Gentleness creates space for healing, growth, and compassion.

Be a Witness

We live in a world that encourages constant reaction. But I’ve learned the beauty of simply witnessing.

Instead of jumping to fix or respond, I now try to observe. I sit with what’s in front of me and let it be what it is. When you pause to notice life instead of trying to rush through it, everything becomes more vivid, more meaningful.

We are always changing and transforming. If we don’t stop to witness the present moment, we miss the very point of being alive.

Move Your Body

Movement is one of the purest forms of self-care. It doesn’t have to be a workout—it can be intuitive and joyful.

Some of my favorite ways to move slowly:

• Going for a walk in nature

• Stretching first thing in the morning or before bed

• Dancing around the room with no agenda, just feeling free

  
  

Our bodies carry so much. Gentle movement helps us release, reconnect, and remember we’re alive.

Final Thoughts

Slow living isn’t about doing less just for the sake of it—it’s about doing what matters with presence and care. It’s about creating space for rest, for joy, for real connection.

There are still days when I get caught in the rush, but now I have tools to return home to myself. And that, to me, is the real power of slow living.

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Vi is a certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. The opinions and thoughts of this post in no way represent IIN or its affiliate programs. VHARMON's opinions and suggestions are not to be taken as medical advice. You should always discuss any health issues with your doctor.