The Power of Slow Living: Why Doing Less Can Mean Feeling Better

Many of our lives are moving quicker than they were five or ten years ago. Work schedules are crammed, notifications are buzzing on our phones, and there’s often pressure to post on social media about all that we’re doing. But by resisting the urge to constantly “do, do, do”, we might actually feel more alive and content. Slow living isn’t about abandoning responsibilities or retreating from society. It’s just about prioritising presence, connection, and calm over constant activity.

Shifting from constant productivity to intentional living

Many people have grown up with the belief that busyness equals value. From an early age, we’re given the impression that constant output is what we should aim for. Workplaces reward those who can juggle multiple tasks, fill every hour with meetings, and produce more apparent results in less time. Even leisure hours can turn into projects, with fitness goals, self-improvement courses, and ambitious travel plans. Some people choose to use supplements, including magnesium and weed gummies, to potentially introduce more calm to their lives.

It’s not always necessary to reach for supplements. Another option is slowing down – perhaps easier said than done, but an option completely free and accessible to everyone. We might pause and ask whether constant productivity truly brings contentment. Instead of rushing through each day, slow living encourages us to savour moments, build meaningful connections with people we care about, and choose activities that restore rather than deplete.

Learning from traditions

For most of human history, communities lived at a slower rhythm. Evenings were often spent telling stories by the fire. Families and neighbours gathered to share meals and talk about the day. These ancient patterns were not necessarily idyllic, but they encouraged a sense of connection and belonging.

Rachel Nuwer, for Smithsonian Magazine, has even proposed that conversations around fires might have shaped humans’ cognition and culture. Nuwer reported that research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that these conversations improved our understanding of one another and helped us cooperate and internalise culture.

Be still with simple practices

A reliable way to slow down is through meditation. Try to sit quietly, eyes shut, and focus on your breath. If you’ve never meditated before, there are many free guidance videos and audio recordings on YouTube and streaming platforms. There are also dedicated meditation apps, such as Headspace. When you’ve tried a few guided videos or recordings, you’ll likely find that you’re comfortable meditating on your own. Meditation doesn’t need to be lengthy or complicated. Ten minutes each morning or during lunch breaks can set a gentler tone for the next few hours.

Gratitude is another powerful practice. Taking time to notice small joys, like a warm cup of tea or the sound of birds outside, can shift our mind to a more positive outlook. Many people keep a gratitude journal to note down these observations.

Building bonds with loved ones

Spending unhurried days with family and friends can be quite life affirming. It might be a leisurely meal where everyone can enjoy just talking and laughing without glancing at the clock. It might be a walk in nature with no agenda, or sitting together to watch a film with phones left in another room.

As Time writer Jamie Ducharme reported, a study published in the PLOS ONE journal found that the strength of our social circle could better predict stress, happiness and well-being than physical activity, heart rate and sleep (as measured by fitness tracker data).

Research widely suggests that social health is equally, or more, important to our well-being than workouts, drinking the “right” amount of water, or a healthy diet. A strong social life lowers our stress levels, improves our mood, and encourages positive healthy behaviours. It can even improve cardiovascular health and improve illness recovery rates.

One nice thing about simple social activities is they don’t require extravagant plans. What matters is the quality of attention. When we slow down, we’re better listeners and company.

Letting go of urgency

Embracing slow living does not mean abandoning ambition or becoming indifferent to responsibilities. But it’s helpful to question our sense of urgency and choose where to direct energy. Not every message needs an immediate reply. Not every opportunity needs to be seized. By accepting that some things can wait, we create space to focus on what deserves attention and time.

Many find that slowing down actually improves their work. With fewer distractions, we can concentrate more deeply and get better work done. Decisions become more thoughtful. Creativity has room to brew.

Creating daily rituals of calm

The rituals discussed above act as reminders to pause, breathe, and notice. A short morning meditation, an evening walk, or setting aside time to read can become anchors that keep life balanced.

Consider creating a technology-free space at home – a corner of a room or, if you have the space, a dining room or quiet reading room. This will be a reminder to dedicate time to slowing down and enjoying the moment. You’ll be more likely to prioritise these practices that shift the focus from constant output to presence.

Presence over pace

The modern drive to produce more and move faster can be seductive, but it can come at the cost of mental clarity and calm. Doing less is not about withdrawal. It’s more about returning to what’s important, what’s proved helpful over hundreds of years, and giving yourself permission to enjoy rest and connection.