Is ‘slow living’ the secret to a life full of joy and fulfillment?

Imagine waking up in the morning without having to hustle to get ready for work or school. Instead, you begin your day with a leisurely cup of coffee, savouring every sip while watching the sunrise.

According to people who encourage a slower approach to aspects of everyday life, this is the essence of slow living: taking the time to enjoy the small moments that go unnoticed.

Slow living is fundamentally a mindset—an intentional decision to live life more slowly. It’s about simplifying, decluttering, and focusing on what’s genuinely important. Slow living invites us to pause, ponder, and enjoy the simple joys of life in a world that values bustle and perpetual productivity.

Slow movement, traces its roots back to the 1980s in Italy where some activists formed Slow Food to promote local food production and quality way of living.

Most slow living supporters believe that embracing a slow living lifestyle offers a myriad of benefits for both our physical and mental well-being. For them, whereas everything appears to be moving at the speed of light, the concept of “slow living” provides a welcome contrast.

Slow movers argue that slow living isn’t about being lazy or unproductive; it’s about adopting a lifestyle that values intentionality, awareness, and savouring the moment. In essence, it is about enjoying the journey rather than rushing to reach the objective.

Also, one of the slow movement’s most well-known authors and speakers, Carl Honoré, published his book In Praise of Slowness in 2004, which helped bring the concept of slow living into the mainstream. Honoré investigates how Slow Food launched a broader slow living movement, with ‘slow’ now being applied to other areas of life that have seen significant acceleration, such as work, parenting, and leisure. The broadcaster describes slowness as a “super power“.

Benefits of slow living

Reduced stress

Slowing down and simplifying our life can considerably lessen stress. When we’re not hurrying from one duty to the next, our bodies and minds may relax and decompress.

Increased mindfulness
Slow living enables us to be present in the moment, resulting in a stronger sense of mindfulness. When we are fully immersed in what we are doing, we can feel more joy and fulfilment.

Improved health
Prioritising self-care, such as cooking nutritious meals or going on leisurely walks, can result in better physical health. Slow living enables us to listen to our bodies and offer them the care and attention they require.

Enhanced relationships

When we aren’t continuously running, we have more time to spend with our loved ones. Slow living promotes meaningful relationships by allowing for quality time with family and catching up with friends over a leisurely supper.

Greater Creativity

Slowing down helps our imaginations to wander and discover new possibilities. Adopting a slower pace of life, whether via art, writing, or simply thinking, can spark creativity and ingenuity.

Increased appreciation for life

Perhaps the most major advantage of slow living is the deep appreciation it fosters for the beauty of life itself. When we take the time to slow down and observe the environment around us, we realise that life is a valuable gift to be treasured.

Business Culture Expert, Zannah Ryabchuk, in her write-up titled ‘How Slow Living Made Me Happy & A Better Leader’ said, “Over the last 12 months I’ve embraced the concept of Slow Living and it’s had a profound impact on my mental, physical and emotional state. The results have made me a more effective leader and family member.”

She added, “I already believed in the power of the Full-On No. Saying no more often, being choiceful in what we do, and focusing on what’s most important, is a success secret. I’ve gone a step further.”

How to embrace slow living?

Slow living entails making tiny, intentional changes that are consistent with your values and goals. To incorporate this into your everyday routine, try mindfulness, simplifying your schedule, disconnecting from electronics, savouring meals, spending time in nature, and prioritising rest and relaxation.

You may slow down and reconnect with what actually matters by limiting your screen time, participating in screen-free activities, and focusing on the flavours and textures of your meals.