8 Practical Tips to Start Your Slow Living Journey

Today, I’m sharing 8 practical yet powerful tips that I use in my day-to-day life to embrace slow living. These are simple changes, but they can make a huge difference in creating a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and intentional.

1. Be Mindful in the Morning

Your first 20 minutes of the day set the tone for everything that follows. Instead of rushing, try to slow down and be intentional.

I have a toddler, and mornings can be chaotic, but we’ve built in buffer time—so she can wake up slowly, cuddle, eat a little, and play before heading out. These small, gentle moments set a peaceful rhythm for the day.

Routines work for some, but not for me. The key isn’t perfection—it’s what feels right for you. Whether that’s sitting on the couch with a glass of water or just looking outside for a few moments, slow down your morning to set up the day intentionally.

2. Learn to Say No

We often say yes to everything, filling our days with commitments that don’t align with our values. Learning to say no is powerful. It protects your time for what truly matters.

Ask yourself before committing:

• Is this aligned with my values?

• Will it take time away from something more important?

Think of it as self-care. You can say no tactfully, without hurting anyone’s feelings. The idea is a “quick no, slow yes”—say no quickly when something isn’t aligned, but reflect before saying yes.

3. Take Breaks and Check In with Yourself

We live in a “go, go, go” society, and it’s easy to forget to pause. Take breaks to reflect on how you’re feeling and what you’re doing.

Ignoring this can lead to burnout or realizing years later that your life isn’t aligned with what you want. Trust your instincts—listen to your body, rest when needed, and check in with yourself regularly.

4. Accept Imperfection

Perfection doesn’t exist, and honestly, imperfection is beautiful.

If I waited to film videos until everything was perfect, I wouldn’t be creating at all. Embracing imperfection allows progress, creativity, and authenticity.

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be you. Being yourself is enough. Always.

5. Give Your Brain a Break

Our brains are constantly working, and even during rest, we often fill the time with chores, scrolling, or other distractions. Your brain needs downtime.

Think back to childhood—you daydreamed, watched clouds, or counted ceiling tiles when bored. These moments of mental rest are essential. Rest is productive and helps you reconnect with yourself.

6. Go Outside

Fresh air, sunshine, and nature have a grounding effect. Even in harsh weather, finding ways to get outside is vital.

For example, I take my daughter out to play in the rain sometimes. Nature slows us down, improves mental health, and keeps us present. Even a short walk or opening a window can make a difference.

7. Find Joy in the Everyday

Life can feel mundane if we operate on autopilot. Slow living invites us to notice and appreciate small moments.

A simple example: letting the grass grow a little and discovering little flowers with my daughter. Baking cookies, playing, arranging flowers—these small joys add up. By paying attention, you’ll see happiness hiding in everyday moments.

8. Create Boundaries

Boundaries are a form of self-care—they protect your time, energy, and priorities.

For me, boundaries include:

• Limiting client hours

• Scheduling quiet reflection time

• Saying no to overcommitment

Boundaries make it easier to live in alignment with your values. For instance, I choose when to see friends so it doesn’t interfere with family time. Communicating limits clearly and confidently is key.

Reflect and Start Small

Slow living isn’t about overnight transformation. It’s about intentional, incremental steps that build a life aligned with your values.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Which of these tips could you try today?

• Where could you slow down, say no, or create more joy?

• How can you honor your values in small ways right now?

I’d love to hear from you. Share your reflections or small wins in the comments, and let’s inspire each other to slow down and live more intentionally.

Watch the full video version of this blog here: 8 Slow Living Tips - Slow Living for Beginners