76 Slow Living Habits That Will Completely Change Your Life

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There’s a moment — maybe at the end of a long day or while scrolling aimlessly — when you realize how much life feels like a blur.

The constant noise. The rushing. The endless tabs open in your mind.

You tell yourself you’ll slow down someday — when things calm down, when work is lighter, when you finally have time.

But what if slowing down was something you could start doing right now, in small, meaningful ways?

Slow living is about choosing presence over pace. It’s about noticing beauty in the ordinary. It’s about designing your days with intention — not urgency.

Here are 76 slow living habits to help you reconnect with your life.

Morning Slow Living Habits

1. Wake up with light instead of an alarm — this sunrise alarm clock I love helps me start the day calmly.
2. Open your curtains before checking your phone.
3. Make your bed slowly and intentionally.
4. Light a candle while you get ready.
5. Drink your morning beverage — coffee, tea, or this creamy matcha latte blend — without multitasking.
6. Write one thing you’re grateful for before the day begins.
7. Step outside, even for 60 seconds, to feel real sunlight.
8. Listen to music or a podcast that lifts your energy.
9. Journal a few lines instead of scrolling.
10. Stretch before you open your laptop.

Mind & Body Habits

11. Schedule pauses throughout your day — not just breaks.
12. Practice breathing deeply before reacting.
13. Move your body in ways that feel joyful, not punishing.
14. Take a slow walk without headphones.
15. Eat at least one meal a day without distractions.
16. Keep your skincare routine simple but intentional.
17. Drink more water than caffeine.
18. Try meditating for five minutes each night.
19. Give yourself permission to rest, even when things aren’t finished.
20. Read a few pages of something peaceful — The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down is one of my favorites.

Home & Environment Habits

21. Declutter one small drawer or corner each week.
22. Keep surfaces clear and your favorite things visible.
23. Diffuse essential oils like lavender or citrus — this diffuser fills your space with calm.
24. Display fresh flowers or greenery.
25. Light candles during your evening wind-down.
26. Add cozy textures like blankets, rugs, or bamboo sheets.
27. Keep your kitchen sink clean before bed — small peace, big difference.
28. Cook at home more often.
29. Play music while cleaning.
30. Read or browse The Kinfolk Home for slow design inspiration.

Work & Productivity Habits

31. Start work with a clear intention — not your inbox.
32. Take short, tech-free breaks every hour.
33. Keep one tab open at a time (yes, really).
34. Create a calming workspace — plants, light, minimal clutter.
35. Plan your day with three realistic priorities.
36. Step outside during lunch, even for five minutes.
37. Stop working when you say you will.
38. Take one meeting a day without multitasking.
39. Celebrate progress — not perfection.
40. Leave space in your calendar for rest.

Relationships & Connection Habits

41. Text your loved ones “thinking of you” — no reason needed.
42. Ask deeper questions during conversations.
43. Eat dinner together without screens.
44. Call instead of texting when something matters.
45. Send a handwritten note to someone you love.
46. Spend time with people who make you feel grounded.
47. Listen fully — without planning what to say next.
48. Compliment someone sincerely.
49. Laugh more — even at the small things.
50. Spend time alone and learn to enjoy it.

Evening Slow Living Habits

51. Dim your lights an hour before bed.
52. Take a warm shower or bath to unwind.
53. Write down one thing you’re proud of from the day.
54. Read a few pages of a good book instead of scrolling.
55. Journal three simple things you’re grateful for.
56. Listen to soft music or ambient sounds.
57. Do a few stretches before getting into bed.
58. Drink something soothing — herbal tea or warm milk.
59. Reflect on what went well, not what went wrong.
60. End your night without a screen in your hand.

Slow Living Lifestyle Habits

61. Say “no” when something drains you.
62. Take full, deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed.
63. Shop more intentionally — buy less, choose better.
64. Keep your phone off the table during meals.
65. Leave five minutes early for everything.
66. Walk slower.
67. Spend time in nature regularly.
68. Watch sunsets instead of your feed.
69. Declutter your social media — follow fewer, connect deeper.
70. Add joy to your daily routine, even in small ways.

Mindset & Reflection Habits

71. Give yourself permission to rest — guilt-free.
72. Focus on what you have, not what’s missing.
73. Practice gratitude out loud.
74. Unsubscribe from things that drain your energy.
75. Take life one day at a time.
76. Remind yourself: slow isn’t lazy — it’s intentional.

The Takeaway

You don’t have to change your whole life to live slower.

You just have to pause long enough to notice it.

Slow living is built in the tiny moments — the sip of coffee you don’t rush, the candle you light before bed, the breath you take before answering.

Start small. Choose one habit that feels good and let it lead you to the next.

FAQ: Slow Living Habits

1. What is slow living?
Slow living is an intentional lifestyle that prioritizes presence, peace, and meaning over speed or multitasking.

2. How do I start living slower?
Begin with one simple habit — like drinking your coffee without your phone or stepping outside each morning. Over time, these small moments reshape your rhythm.

3. What are examples of slow-living habits?
Simple daily choices like journaling, mindful eating, or diffusing essential oils with this aromatherapy diffuser are all slow-living habits.

4. Do I have to be minimalist to live slowly?
Not at all. Slow living is about awareness, not minimalism. It’s about making space for what matters — not stripping life down.

5. What are the benefits of slow living?
Better focus, calmer moods, deeper relationships, improved sleep, and a more meaningful connection to your daily life.