In today’s world, especially in big cities, it’s hard to embrace a slower lifestyle. A life that allows time for ourselves and the enjoyment of small details. Whether we’re caught up in work routines, household chores, or family responsibilities, we often find ourselves eating in a rush, leaving in a hurry, and even drinking coffee just for the caffeine boost.
In this article, inspired by the concept of slow living, we’ll share practical tips to help you create more time in your day to appreciate life’s little moments. Even if it’s just your morning coffee.
What is Slow Living?
Slow living is a lifestyle that encourages a more intentional, conscious, and unhurried pace. The core idea is to live in the present, value each moment, and avoid the excessive busyness and packed schedules.
The slow living movement originated as part of the broader “slow” movement, which began in Italy in the 1980s with slow food. In the end a response to fast food culture and the fast-paced lifestyle that came with it.
Over time, this philosophy expanded to other areas of life, including work, consumption, leisure, and relationships.
How to Incorporate Slow Living into Your Life
From those moving away from big cities to people seeking a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle, slow living has been gaining more and more followers.
This way of living doesn’t mean doing everything at a snail’s pace, it’s about doing things at the right pace. It’s also about rediscovering the joy of simplicity and finding more purpose in everyday life. So, how can we apply these principles in our routine?
Stress-Free Mornings: Prepare the Night Before & Organize Your Meals
Mornings are often the most chaotic part of the day. Between small tasks before work, crowded public transport, or long traffic jams, the rush is inevitable. What can we do to make them smoother?
- Plan your outfit the night before – Avoid morning indecision and save precious time.
- Pack your bag before bed – Having everything ready helps you start the day with less stress.
- Meal prep – Whether you batch-cook meals on the weekend or make an extra portion at dinner to take for lunch the next day, meal prepping saves both time and money. Plus, you’ll avoid long queues at cafeterias or crowded restaurants.
- Breakfast to-go – Opt for a breakfast that can be prepared in advance. Plan simple recipes like overnight oats, smoothie packs, or boiled eggs for a quick, nutritious start.
Wake Up 15 Minutes Earlier (and Don’t Check Your Phone!)
Waking up just 15 minutes earlier than usual doesn’t just give you extra time—it allows you to start your day at a calmer pace, ahead of the morning rush.
- Prioritize self-care – Use this time for gentle movement, journaling, meditation, or simply making your favorite coffee. Whatever you do, reserve these moments for yourself.
Create a Slow Coffee Routine
Stop seeing coffee as just a caffeine fix and start making it part of your morning ritual.
- Switch brewing methods – Swap instant coffee or capsules for a more mindful brewing process, like V60, Chemex, or French press. Check out our brewing guides for tips!
- Enjoy the process – Engage your senses in the coffee-making ritual. Appreciate the aroma, the flavors, and the simple pleasure of a well-brewed cup.
Reduce Screen Time
It’s no secret that reducing screen time has significant benefits. Whether it’s watching less TV or spending less time on social media, reducing screen time can significantly improve your well-being.
- Swap your screen for a book – Use your commute or the 15 minutes before bed to read instead of scrolling.
- Delay picking up your phone in the morning – The way you start your day sets the tone for the rest of it. Try not to check social media or the news first thing in the morning—give yourself a relaxed start instead.
- Start journaling – Replace early-morning screen time with just 10 minutes of journaling. It helps organize your thoughts and sets a clear, focused tone for the day.
Declutter Your Space for a Clear Mind
As the saying goes, “less is more.” And in this case, it couldn’t be truer.
- Minimalist organization – A clean, clutter-free home—especially in spaces like the kitchen—makes daily life smoother and less stressful. A tidy space contributes to a clearer mind.
- Keep essentials within reach – Store frequently used items where they are easy to access. If coffee is a crucial part of your morning, make sure your coffee equipment and beans are always ready to use.
Final Thoughts
Slow living isn’t about doing everything at a snail’s pace. This movement is about making intentional choices that bring more ease and joy into your daily life. By simplifying your mornings, creating mindful
rituals, and reducing unnecessary distractions, you can transform even the most ordinary moments—like brewing your coffee—into something meaningful.
It doesn’t take a complete lifestyle overhaul to embrace slow living. Small shifts, like preparing your breakfast the night before, giving yourself a quiet moment before checking your phone, or savoring your morning coffee instead of rushing through it, can make all the difference.
So tomorrow, take a deep breath, slow down just a little, and truly enjoy that first sip of coffee.