Living slower to live better: that’s the essence of slow living.
We can see it’s more than just a lifestyle, it’s a mindset that allows you to reconnect with yourself, others and nature. In this article, we invite you to explore the fundamental principles of slow living and how to integrate them into your routine to live a more intentional life.
𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚.
– Slow living emerged in Italy in the 1980s as a reaction to the rise of fast food, and has since evolved into a broader philosophy that touches every aspect of modern life, from food and fashion to travel and work. At its core lies a simple yet transformative principle:Â to be rather than to do.
– Today, it stands as a powerful antidote to modern stress. By returning to essentials, we gently reduce anxiety and rediscover a deeper sense of well-being.
– There is no universal blueprint, slow living adapts to each individual. There are six thoughtful ways to begin embracing it, from mindful eating to restorative escapes.
A defintion of slow living
The expression “slow living” first appeared in the 1980s in Italy as a reaction to the fast food movement. Since then, this trend has grown and spread to many areas of life, such as food (slow food), fashion (slow fashion), travel (slow travel or slow tourism), work (slow work)…
In our modern society that values speed and productivity at all costs, this trend invites us to slow down, to take our time and to savor each moment. Slow living is a lifestyle that consists in slowing down the tempo to better appreciate the simple things of everyday life and enjoy the present moment. It advocates a simpler life, more authentic and more respectful of the environment.
A core principle: being rather than doing
In Pauline Laigneau’s Podcast, Philippe Gabilliet, professor of social psychology and specialist in optimism, talks about the following fact: today “we are in the do or don’t be”.
Slow living is not about living in slow motion but about living at your own pace: it is a reminder of the importance of taking the time to live for yourself, to settle down and to listen to yourself. In a society where we are still often conditioned by our job title, our work or the notion of productivity, we can quickly fall into doing instead of being.
By focusing on being, we take the time to refocus on our values and priorities. This approach reduces stress and anxiety, improves quality of life and promotes an overall sense of well-being. And it changes everything.
Voices That Inspire the Slow Movement
Several influential thinkers have shaped and popularized this philosophy. Carl Honoré, author of In Praise of Slowness, is widely regarded as the global spokesperson for the movement, with a TED Talk that has inspired millions.
Dominique Loreau explores Japanese minimalism in The Art of Simplicity, drawing connections between physical decluttering and mental clarity. Meanwhile, the Japanese concept of Ikigai echoes the very essence of slow living: finding harmony between passion, purpose, talent, and livelihood.
At its heart, the philosophy reminds us that slowing down is not laziness: it is a conscious choice. A deliberate act of reclaiming our time and energy for what truly matters.
So where can you start?
There is no list to follow to the letter to experiment with slow living. Everyone is free to develop their own curiosity according to their desires and lifestyle. Here are some ideas to start adopting it in your daily life:
1. Savor Every Meal
Set aside your phone and rediscover the simple pleasure of being present at the table. Even when dining alone, take the time to create a beautiful setting like a thoughtfully arranged plate, a glass, a linen napkin. Eating without screens, even once a day, allows you to reconnect with your senses and those around you.
2. Disconnect to Reconnect
Stepping away from screens for a few hours each day creates space for boredom, a state often underestimated, yet essential for creativity and imagination. Replace digital noise with slower pleasures: reading, writing, painting, or simply letting your thoughts wander.
3. Practice Meditation
Just five minutes a day can be enough to feel the first benefits. The key is consistency. Anchor your practice to a moment in your routine, upon waking, during a lunch break, or before sleep. Guided apps such as Petit Bambou, Headspace, or Insight Timer can gently support your journey.
4. Spend More Time in Nature
Whether it’s a forest walk or a seaside stroll, nature has a measurable impact on our well-being. Studies show that just 20 minutes in a natural environment can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Exposure to greenery also enhances focus, boosts creativity, and strengthens the immune system, principles echoed in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.
5. Cultivate Meaningful Connections
In an era of fleeting messages and instant reactions, slow living encourages depth in our relationships. Practice active listening which means truly hearing without preparing your response. Prioritize in-person encounters: a coffee shared with a friend often holds more value than dozens of digital exchanges. Shift from transactional conversations to relational ones. Ask meaningful questions. Allow silence. Let conversations unfold naturally.
6. Change Your Environment
Sometimes, slowing down requires a change of scenery. As seasons shift and days grow shorter, taking time away can be deeply restorative. Choose one destination and explore it fully rather than rushing through multiple stops. Whenever possible, opt for the train where the journey itself becomes part of the experience, a moving meditation through landscapes unfolding at their own pace.
Of course, these ideas are just a starting point and there are many other ways to live more slowly on a daily basis. The important thing is to find what works for you and take the time to savor every moment of life.
What do you think about slow living?
Are you already adopting it in your daily life?
