Slow Living // What it means to me
Slow living is a term used to describe a gentle lifestyle philosophy. A person, group or company described as ‘slow’ has chosen to cultivate a more meaningful, deliberate and conscious way of being that aligns closely with what they value most.
I define my pottery as slow — and not because it always takes me ages to make, though sometimes it does! What I mean is that each piece is created thoughtfully and with intention, made in a way that feels true to me and reflects my individual style and values.
I consider the environment and my own well-being, and I create handmade items intended to support others who wish to live a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle.
Its little things like eating breakfast from a handmade bowl, outside when it’s sunny and taking a moment to feel how great that is!
“Slow living” is definitely not about moving as slowly as possible; speed has, however, become an issue for a lot of people. So yes, I do think we should feel free to glide through the day at a snail’s pace when we need to, allowing moments of calm and intention to replace constant rushing.
There is this growing pressure now to live faster and to cram more into each day, and sadly, that can lead to burnout—especially for neurodivergent folks.
A slow lifestyle suggests that instead of pushing yourself to do things faster, why not just do things better? Better for you, better for your loved ones and better for the planet.
I’d personally say it’s about self-awareness, taking time to thoughtfully work out what you truly value, what’s better for your mental health and the wider world around you. Some of the things I value now include a restful, calm home space that supports wellbeing, regular time to be creative and make things, and, of course, being outdoors with my loved ones—preferably by water where we can relax and reconnect.
My son ‘Bow’ on one our morning walks.
It all began in Italy as ‘The slow food movement’ back in the 1980s and 1990s, when a group of people protested the opening of the first McDonald’s in picturesque Rome, championing traditional cuisine, local producers and a slower, more mindful way of eating.
The idea of fast food was rejected by people who wanted to preserve the pleasure of traditional meals shared with friends and family. Out of that resistance grew the slow food movement, which later expanded into the broader concept of slow living — a response to how rapidly our societies have embraced not just fast food but also fast fashion, next-day delivery, instant access to information via the internet, and an ever-accelerating pace of life.
This new pace of life and the technology we all use in one way or another means that we feel like we can get more done in a day, allowing us to work faster and for longer stretches. Always reachable and seemingly more productive than ever before, we push through packed schedules and constant notifications. But it’s also become clearer that living in the fast lane can be pretty exhausting, and many people feel an increasing pressure to keep up.
Slow living offers a little headspace for all the burnt-out folks and for those who simply don’t feel comfortable in the fast lane. It’s an opportunity to recognise that it’s perfectly fine to shift your pace from frenetic to gentle, and to honour that change. Slow living also invites us to be more present, to savour small moments, and to make decisions guided by what feels nourishing rather than only by what is most efficient.
It can also be seen as a form of quiet activism against the relentless, curated busyness and apparent success we encounter on social media. Those glossy images and confident captions make you feel you should be able to have it all if you just cram more into every hour. In reality, doing too much takes a toll on both physical and mental health. Many people are exhausted yet unable to sleep, and this constant strain is contributing to rising levels of anxiety and depression. The phrase “it’s all a little too much” feels apt. The slow living ethos offers a calm rebuttal: “Simplicity is key, my friend.”
In its nature, slow living also encourages us not to be wasteful or to overconsume, but rather to take time to live life with more kindness, intention and meaningful presence.
For example, slow living guides might suggest trying your hand at growing some of your own vegetables and cooking a meal with what you’ve harvested, attempting simple repairs to mend clothing, or even upcycling pieces of furniture rather than immediately buying replacements.
Another key competent to the lifestyle is to appreciate and spend time in nature, in an effort to feel more connected to the earth. It recommends activities such as long walks in the outdoors, maybe without your phone, listening and looking at what is around you.
Something I love is to take my shoes and socks off and spend ten quiet minutes simply enjoying the feeling of fresh grass or warm sand on my feet. Taking that small amount of time to pause, breathe and really feel connected to the earth beneath me is quietly restorative and truly lovely.
Of course, if you're looking at ways to embrace slow living, it can initially seem inaccessible and perhaps only achievable by the hippy elite. It’s easy to be deterred if you don’t feel you have the luxury to slow down — especially if you’re juggling a young family and all their needs, and/or a demanding job role you depend on. So I thought I would wrap up this article by suggesting that you could begin simply, by trying a few small, manageable changes if the idea appeals to you.
such as:
Learn the art of saying no, and don’t feel obliged to accept social expectations that leave you too busy to feel rested. This is especially important if you are not neurotypical, as your needs for rest and boundaries may differ from what others assume.
Turn your phone to flight mode in the evenings now and then, switch off the constant buzz, and enjoy not being reachable for a little while.
Have a little gentle stretch in the garden and spend a few extra minutes with your eyes closed, simply listening quietly to the subtle sounds around you.
On your days off work, make a conscious effort to avoid tackling your ‘to do’ list and instead ensure you carve out at least one hour of genuine chill time—however you personally define it, whether that’s reading, resting, pottering about, or doing nothing at all.
Try growing a few fresh herbs on your kitchen window ledge and use them to flavour your cooking.
If you're preparing a big, hearty meal, consider sharing a plate with your elderly neighbour or someone who lives on their own.
For further reading, I also recommend the following books for deeper insight:
‘Grounded’ by Anna Carlile.
Seeking Slow: Reclaim Moments of Calm in Your Day by Melanie Barnes
Destination Simple: Everyday Rituals for a Slower Life by Brooke Mcalary
