Embracing Slow Living Despite the Busy
And four reasons why embracing slow living in a busy world is important.
Life can feel like a never-ending race—constant deadlines, overflowing to-do lists, and the unrelenting pull of responsibilities. For years, I lived in this whirlwind, mostly down to my career, but also down to family life. I equated busyness with productivity and success. However, as time passed, I realized something was not right. I was moving so fast that I was missing the moments that mattered and when I did slow down it was out of frustrating necessity rather than intentional. That’s when I decided to embrace slow living, not by abandoning my busy life but by weaving slowness into it. It became hugely important very quickly and I soon look forward to these moments.
If you’ve ever felt the tug of wanting to slow down but think it’s impossible because of your responsibilities, I promise you: it’s not only possible, but it’s also transformative. Here’s how I’ve embraced slow living without pausing life, and how you can too.
The Myth of All or Nothing
Before adopting slow living, I believed it meant retreating to the countryside, leaving my career, or cutting back on commitments. I only wish this was the case (I still perceive that as the ultimate slow living lifestyle). I’ve learned that slow living isn’t about doing less necessarily—it’s about doing things with intention. You don’t need to overhaul your life to embrace it. Instead, small, deliberate changes can create a sense of slowness and mindfulness, even in the busiest seasons.
Why Slow Living Matters in a Busy World
Incorporating slow living into a busy life has immense benefits:
Mental Clarity: Slowing down allows your mind to breathe. It stops the noise and creates space to think clearly and potentially make better decisions.
Improved Relationships: When you’re fully present and remove distractions (phone I’m looking at you), your interactions with loved ones become deeper and more meaningful.
Reduced Burnout: Intentional pauses help you recharge, so you can show up more effectively in your busy life.
Gratitude and Joy: Slow living encourages you to notice and appreciate the small, beautiful moments in your day.
Practical Ways to Embrace Slow Living in a Busy Life
Here are actionable steps I’ve taken to weave slow living into my everyday routines:
1. Create Micro-Moments of Stillness
You don’t need hours of free time to practice slow living. Small pauses throughout the day can make a big difference:
Enjoy your morning coffee without scrolling on your phone.
Step outside and take some deep breaths for five minutes to soak in the fresh air.
These moments of stillness give you chance to stop and remind you that life is more than just ticking off tasks.
2. Focus on One Thing at a Time
Multitasking often feels productive but leaves me feeling scattered. By focusing on one task at a time, you work more efficiently and with greater satisfaction. Whether you’re writing an email, preparing dinner, or having a conversation, give it your full attention.
3. Prioritise Meaningful Activities
Not everything on your to-do list is essential. In fact, when I look at my to do list I can often take off half of the things I have to do. Reflect on what truly matters and align your time with those priorities. Ask yourself:
Does this task contribute to my long-term goals or values?
Is there a way to simplify it or even delegate it?
Learning to say no to less important things creates space for what truly brings you joy.
4. Find comfort in the routines
Everyday tasks can be opportunities for mindfulness:
Light a candle and play calming music while you cook and savour the process.
Listen to the sounds around you when out walking rather than putting headphones in.
Reflect on something you’re grateful for while brushing your teeth.
Close your eyes and take five deep breaths while waiting for the kettle to boil.
Ritualising the mundane turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.
5. Set Boundaries with Technology
Constant connectivity fuels busyness. Slow living thrives on intentional disconnection. Try these simple tech boundaries(note - this is definitely something I need to work on!):
Establish phone-free areas (like the dinner table or bedroom).
Turn off non-essential notifications.
Schedule screen-free evenings to read, journal, or connect with family.
6. Spend Time in Nature
Nature has a unique way of slowing us down. Even short moments outdoors—like walking around your block, tending to plants, or sitting in the sun—can ground you and remind you of life’s natural rhythms.
7. Reflect and Reset
At the end of each day or week, take a moment to reflect:
What brought me joy today?
How can I bring more intention into my busy life?
Journaling or practicing gratitude helps anchor you in slowness, even when life feels chaotic.
The Rewards of Slowness Amid the Busy
Since beginning to embrace slow living, I’ve noticed some pretty important changes. I feel calmer, I have headspace I didn’t have before, and I’m more capable of handling the demands of my busy life. The small moments I used to overlook—morning light coming through my bedroom window, the sound of laughter as my girls joke about with their dad, or the first sip of coffee in the morning—now feel like special moments.
Slow living hasn’t made my life less busy; it’s made my busy life feel more meaningful.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve been looking for more peace, clarity, or connection, consider embracing slow living—not by stepping away from your responsibilities but by approaching them with intention. Start small. Choose one practice that resonates with you and build from there.
Slow living isn’t about changing your life overnight; it’s about changing the way you experience it. And even in the busiest of lives, there’s always room to slow down.
Let’s redefine what it means to live well—not by how much we do, but by how deeply we live.
Thanks so much for reading,
Rhiannon xx