11 Ways to Embrace Slow Living For Less Anxiety

In a world where speed is often celebrated, where hustle culture is glorified, and where multitasking is the norm, it’s no wonder that anxiety has become a common companion for many of us. As a holistic anxiety therapist, I see firsthand how the relentless pace of modern life can contribute to feelings of overwhelm, stress, and anxiety. But what if there was another way? What if, instead of speeding up, we slowed down? This is where the concept of slow living comes in—a lifestyle choice that can be a powerful antidote to anxiety.

What is Slow Living?

Slow living is about intentionally decelerating your life. It’s a philosophy that encourages you to focus on quality over quantity, to savor experiences rather than rush through them, and to prioritize what truly matters. At its core, slow living is about mindfulness—being present in the moment and cultivating a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Creating time and space within this context means being intentional with your commitments and focusing on meaningful experiences, which helps manage energy better and enhances personal happiness.

For millennial women, many of whom juggle multiple roles—career, family, social life, and personal aspirations—slow living can feel like a radical departure from the norm. But it’s precisely because of these demands that embracing a slower pace can be so transformative.

The Connection Between Slow Living and Anxiety

Anxiety thrives in environments where there’s constant pressure to perform, achieve, and keep up with an ever-growing list of tasks. When we’re always on the go, our nervous system can get stuck in a heightened state of alertness, leading to chronic stress and anxiety. Slow living, on the other hand, encourages us to step off the treadmill of busyness and create a more balanced, peaceful life.

By slowing down, we give ourselves the space to breathe, to think, and to feel. We allow our nervous system to shift out of fight-or-flight mode and into a state of relaxation. This shift can reduce anxiety and help us feel more grounded and centered. A great benefit of this approach is that it allows you to reclaim time and tranquility, foster more meaningful connections with others and create more of what you actually want in life instead of running around chasing things that aren’t aligned.

How Slow Living Can Help With Anxiety 

Slow living can be a powerful antidote to anxiety by fundamentally altering the way we interact with our environment and ourselves. At its core, anxiety often arises from a sense of being overwhelmed—by the demands on our time, the pressures to perform, and the constant bombardment of information and stimuli in our fast-paced world. Slow living offers a deliberate shift away from this frantic pace, encouraging us to focus on the present moment, simplify our lives, and prioritize what truly matters.

One of the key ways slow living helps with anxiety is by reducing the cognitive load we carry daily. When we intentionally slow down, we create more mental space, which allows us to process our thoughts and emotions rather than being swept away by them. This mindfulness—the practice of being fully present—can break the cycle of anxious thinking that often spirals out of control when we’re moving too quickly to catch our breath.

Slow living helps us create a deeper connection to our inner selves and the world around us. By focusing on quality over quantity, we engage more meaningfully in the activities we choose to pursue, whether it’s enjoying a leisurely meal, taking a walk in nature, or simply sitting quietly with our thoughts. These moments of intentional slowness allow our nervous system to relax, helping to shift us out of the constant fight-or-flight mode that so often accompanies anxiety. Over time, this shift can lead to a more balanced, peaceful state of being, where anxiety no longer holds as much power over our lives. By cultivating meaningful connections with people, culture, work, nature, and self-awareness, we enrich our lives and foster deeper, more fulfilling relationships.

How to Start Embracing Slow Living

All my anxious girlies reading this might be thinking, Arielle this is WILD there’s no way I can embrace this slow living movement. And I get it, the idea of it definitely seems a little overwhelming, especially because so many of us are used to fast-paced lifestyles. But the beauty of this approach is that it’s not about making drastic changes overnight. Instead, it’s about making small, intentional adjustments that align with your values and needs. So instead of throwing your whole life out the window and diving head first into the slow living movement, here are some small ways to start embracing the slow living energy without completely overwhelming yourself.

1. Prioritize What Matters

Begin by identifying what truly matters to you. What are your core values? What brings you joy and fulfillment? Slow living means aligning your life with these values, focusing on mindfulness, fulfillment, and intentionality. Take some time to reflect on what’s most important to you. Once you have clarity on this, you can start to let go of the things that don’t serve your highest good.

2. Simplify Your Schedule

Take a look at your calendar and see where you can make room for more breathing space. Are there commitments you can decline or postpone? Can you create more buffer time between activities? Simplifying your schedule and adopting a slower lifestyle allows you to move through your day with more ease and less stress.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a cornerstone of slow living. By bringing your full attention to the present moment, you can cultivate a sense of calm and reduce anxiety. Engaging with your own bodies through mindfulness practices, such as mindful breathing, mindful eating, or simply pausing to notice your surroundings, can help you reconnect with yourself and foster a deeper relationship with your body and mind.

4. Embrace Minimalism

Clutter—both physical and mental—can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. Embracing minimalism, which often goes hand-in-hand with slow living, involves decluttering your space and your mind. Start by clearing out items that no longer serve you, and consider how you can simplify your mental load as well.

5. Cultivate Patience

In a fast-paced world, we often expect immediate results. But slow living encourages us to cultivate patience and trust in the natural flow of life. Whether it’s waiting for your garden to grow, allowing a creative project to unfold, or simply taking your time with daily tasks, embracing patience can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace.

6. Set Boundaries with Technology

Technology has undoubtedly brought many benefits, but it can also contribute to a sense of urgency and anxiety. Setting boundaries with your devices—such as establishing tech-free times or creating a morning routine that doesn’t involve your phone—can help you reconnect with the present moment and reduce the mental clutter that often comes with constant connectivity.

7. Engage in Slow Activities

Incorporate activities into your life that naturally encourage a slower pace. This could be anything from cooking or baking from scratch, taking long walks in nature, practicing yoga, doing a puzzle or reading a book. These activities allow you to be fully present and enjoy the process, rather than rushing to the next thing on your to-do list.

Embracing Slow Living When You Have High Functioning Anxiety

Embracing slow living when you struggle with High functioning anxiety might feel incredibly daunting, especially when you’re used to operating at full speed. But hear me out, making this shift is entirely possible with small, intentional steps that prioritize your well-being without compromising your ambition or responsibilities. It’s important to address misconceptions about slow living; it’s not about being lazy or unproductive. Instead, it promotes a conscious deceleration to enhance productivity and well-being. Here’s how you can start:

1. Start with Micro-Slowing: Begin by incorporating tiny pockets of slowness into your day. This could be as simple as taking five minutes in the morning to sip your coffee without distractions, practicing deep breathing between tasks, or spending a few moments in nature. These small acts of slowing down can create a ripple effect, gradually shifting your overall pace and helping you feel more grounded.
2. Reframe Productivity: High-functioning anxious women often tie their self-worth to productivity. To embrace slow living, it’s essential to redefine what productivity means to you. Focus on the quality of your work rather than the quantity. Celebrate tasks that contribute to your well-being, such as journaling, meditating, or spending time with loved ones. Remember that rest and relaxation are productive in their own right—they recharge your mental and emotional batteries, allowing you to show up more fully in other areas of your life.
3. Practice Saying No: Learning to say no is crucial in slowing down. High-functioning anxious women tend to take on too much, leading to burnout. Practice setting boundaries by gently declining commitments that don’t align with your values or drain your energy. This will free up time and mental space for activities that truly nourish you, allowing you to engage more deeply with the present moment.
4. Embrace Imperfection: Perfectionism is often a hallmark of high-functioning anxiety, but it’s also one of the biggest barriers to slow living. Allow yourself to embrace imperfection by letting go of the need for everything to be just right. Whether it’s a less-than-perfect work project or a messy home, remind yourself that it’s okay to have things be “good enough.” This mindset shift can relieve pressure and create more room for relaxation and enjoyment.
5. Create Rituals of Rest: Incorporate rituals of rest into your daily or weekly routine. This could be a Sunday afternoon dedicated to reading, a nightly bath with calming essential oils, or a monthly digital detox. By scheduling regular downtime, you’ll create a rhythm that supports slow living and helps counteract the high-stress tendencies of anxiety.
6. Tune into Your Body: High-functioning anxious women often live in their heads, constantly planning, worrying, and overthinking. To embrace slow living, make it a habit to tune into your body. Whether through yoga, mindful movement, or simply taking deep breaths throughout the day, reconnecting with your body helps you stay present and reduces the mental chatter that fuels anxiety.

By taking these steps, we can all can gradually integrate slow living into our lives. It’s not about giving up your ambitions or drive; rather, it’s about creating a more balanced, sustainable way of living that honors both your achievements and your need for peace and rest.

Real-Life Examples of Slow Living

To help you visualize what slow living might look like in practice, here are some real-life examples:

• Morning Rituals: Instead of rushing through your morning, consider creating a slow, intentional routine. This might include savoring your cup of coffee or tea, doing some gentle stretching, and setting an intention for the day. By starting your day mindfully, you set a calm tone for the hours ahead.
• Slow Meals: Cooking and eating can be wonderful opportunities to slow down. Embrace the principles of slow food by preparing a meal from scratch, using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. As you cook, focus on the colors, textures, and smells of the food. When it’s time to eat, do so mindfully, savoring each bite without distractions. This practice not only supports local economies but also enhances your connection to the food and the experience of sharing meals with others.
• Mindful Movement: Whether it’s yoga, tai chi, or simply going for a walk, moving your body in a slow and mindful way can be incredibly grounding. Focus on your breath, the sensations in your body, and the rhythm of your movement. This not only reduces anxiety but also helps you connect with your body in a nurturing way.
• Digital Detox: Set aside time each week to disconnect from your devices. Use this time to engage in activities that nourish your soul, whether it’s spending time in nature, engaging in a creative hobby, or simply being still. This break from technology can help you reset and reconnect with yourself.

The Challenges of Slow Living

While slow living offers many benefits, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not always easy to adopt, especially in a society that values productivity and speed. You might encounter resistance—both from within yourself and from others—as you start to slow down. The term ‘snail’s pace’ is often used to describe slow living, but it’s a misconception. Slow living is about conscious deceleration rather than being sluggish or unproductive.

You may feel guilty for not doing enough or fear that you’ll fall behind. You might encounter skepticism from those who don’t understand your choice to slow down. It’s important to be gentle with yourself as you navigate these challenges and to remember that slow living is a deeply personal journey. There’s no one right way to do it, and it’s okay to move at your own pace.

The Long-Term Benefits of Slow Living

Over time, embracing slow living can lead to profound changes in your mental and emotional well-being. As you create more space for rest, reflection, and intentional living, you may notice a decrease in anxiety and an increase in your overall sense of peace and fulfillment.

Slow living can also lead to a deeper connection with yourself and with others. When you’re not rushing through life, you have more time and energy to cultivate meaningful relationships, to pursue your passions, and to truly enjoy the present moment.

Moreover, slow living encourages sustainability—not just in the environmental sense, but also in terms of how you live your life. By focusing on quality over quantity, you’re more likely to make choices that support your long-term well-being rather than seeking immediate gratification. This philosophy also includes the concept of fair pay, ensuring that local producers receive fair compensation for their products, which aligns with the values of quality and sustainability.

How Slow Living Fits into Modern Life

You might be wondering how slow living can fit into a modern life that demands so much of us. The key is to find your own balance. Slow living doesn’t mean you have to abandon your responsibilities or live a life of leisure. It’s about integrating a slower pace into your existing life in a way that feels authentic and sustainable for you.

The slow movement, originating from the slow food movement, encourages individuals to embrace a more deliberate pace of life. This cultural initiative saw a resurgence during the pandemic as people sought simplicity and meaningful connections, alongside a growing interest in slow living practices like slow eating, slow parenting, and slow travel.

For example, you might start by slowing down just one aspect of your life, such as your morning routine or your approach to work. Over time, as you experience the benefits, you may find that slow living naturally expands into other areas of your life.

It’s also important to recognize that slow living looks different for everyone. For some, it might mean moving to a rural area and living off the grid, while for others, it might simply mean being more intentional about how they spend their time in the city. There’s no right or wrong way to practice slow living—it’s all about what feels right for you.

Additional Resources on the Slow Living Movement

For those looking to embrace slow living, here are some more resources:

Books on Slow Living: “In Praise of Slowness” by Carl Honoré , “The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down” by Haemin Sunim offer insightful perspectives on the benefits of decelerating and living more mindfully.

Blogs on Slow Living: Be More With Less provide practical tips and personal stories on simplifying life and embracing intentionality.

Podcasts on Slow Living:  The Slow Home Podcast delve into real-life applications of slow living, offering interviews and advice on how to integrate these practices into everyday life. These resources can serve as valuable companions as you explore the slow living lifestyle, offering both inspiration and practical guidance.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Slow Living

In a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic, slow living offers a sanctuary—a way to reclaim your time, your peace, and your joy. It’s a lifestyle choice that can help you reduce anxiety, cultivate mindfulness, and live in alignment with your values.

As you begin to explore slow living, remember to be patient with yourself. This is a journey, not a destination, and it’s okay, even preferable to take small steps. Each moment of slowness, each mindful breath, and each intentional choice is a victory in its own right.

Slow living is not about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about embracing the beauty of a life lived with intention and care. So, take a deep breath, slow down, and allow yourself to savor the richness of each moment. Your anxiety will thank you for it.