Slow Living: How to Thrive by Slowing Down
- Astrid van Essen
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
In a world that runs on deadlines, notifications and never-ending to-do lists, it’s no surprise many of us feel like we’re constantly rushing — and still falling behind. Slow living is a quiet invitation to do things differently. Not by doing less for the sake of it, but by choosing to live with more intention, more presence, and more joy in the everyday.
At Simmer&Stir, we believe slow living isn’t about perfection — it’s about pausing, paying attention, and finding meaning in life’s small rituals. Whether it’s a simmer pot bubbling on the hob or a mindful moment with your morning tea, the slow lifestyle is rooted in simplicity, seasonal rhythms, and the senses.
But what is slow living? And how can we embrace it in a way that feels authentic and grounded?
Personal Note:
Some of the links in this post may be Amazon affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only ever recommend products I genuinely love, use myself, or think you’ll find truly helpful on your slow living journey. Thank you for supporting Simmer&Stir – it helps keep the kettle on and the simmer pots bubbling.
A Brief History of the Slow Movement
The Slow Movement began in the late 1980s, sparked by Italian journalist Carlo Petrini. When a McDonald’s opened near Rome’s Spanish Steps, he responded not with outrage but with an idea — the Slow Food movement. It celebrated traditional cooking, seasonal ingredients, and the joy of sharing a proper meal.
From there, the philosophy of “slow” spread to other parts of life — from travel to fashion to family life. It became a quiet resistance to the pressure of constant speed and consumption.
Today, slow living is part of this broader movement — a lifestyle choice that prioritises depth over distraction, presence over pressure, and quality over quantity. It’s about coming back to what matters.
What Is Slow Living?
Slow living is the conscious decision to live more deliberately — to step away from autopilot and into a life that reflects your values, not just your schedule. It’s about choosing presence over pressure, connection over convenience, and meaning over mindless busyness.
Importantly, slow living isn’t about being slow at everything. It’s not laziness or inefficiency. It’s about doing things at the right pace — your pace. That might mean making space for long walks, slow-cooked meals, or simply leaving your phone behind for a while.
It’s about creating a life that feels nourishing, not just productive.
Common Misconceptions About the Slow Lifestyle
Before we go any further, let’s clear up a few myths about slow living:
“You have to live in the countryside.” Not at all. Slow living can happen anywhere — even in the middle of a busy city. It’s about mindset, not postcode.
“It’s just for people with time or money.” You don’t need to quit your job or grow your own veg (unless you want to!). Slow living is about small choices, not significant life changes.
“It means living without technology.” Technology can support slow living — think mindful playlists, digital detox apps, or using your phone to document the beauty in your day.
“You have to do everything slowly.” It’s not about dragging your feet. It’s about being thoughtful with your time, energy and attention.
The Real Benefits of a Slower Life
Embracing a slower lifestyle isn’t just about feeling calm, though that’s a lovely bonus. There are all sorts of gentle benefits:
Clarity & focus – You start noticing what matters (and what doesn’t).
Better mental health – Less overwhelm, more grounding.
Deeper connection – With others, nature, and yourself.
Sustainability – Fewer impulse buys, more thoughtful consumption.
Creativity & inspiration – Slowness makes space for daydreams, ideas and beauty.
At Simmer&Stir, we love incorporating slow moments into the rhythm of the day — such as making a fragrant simmer pot with seasonal herbs or setting aside five minutes to mix your own potpourri or herbal salt blend. These little rituals anchor you, bringing the senses gently back into the present.
Scent: A Simple, Powerful Anchor to the Present
One of the most beautiful — and often underestimated — tools for slowing down is scent.
Our sense of smell is directly connected to the emotional centre of the brain. A single whiff of clove, lavender or citrus can instantly transport us, calm us, or bring back a memory. That’s why scent is such a powerful anchor for mindfulness and slow rituals.
At Simmer&Stir, we use scent in small, sensory rituals that help bring focus to the moment — like:
Brewing a calming herbal tea.
Stirring a pot of simmering orange peel and cinnamon.
Mixing a seasonal potpourri with dried herbs and essential oils.
Lighting a stick of incense — perhaps tucked into one of our handmade incense holders from our sister company Botanical Blueprint — can turn even a short pause into a grounding ritual. Whether it’s rosemary for clarity or vanilla for comfort, scent helps us return to ourselves, one breath at a time.
These moments aren’t just about fragrance — they’re about presence. When we pause to notice a scent, we’re no longer in the past or rushing ahead. We’re here.
How to Begin Living Slowly (Without Overhauling Your Life)
Slow living isn’t a finish line or aesthetic. It’s a way of being, and anyone can begin, no matter where you are.
Here are a few lovely, easy places to start:
Start your day with tea and no phone.
Take a short walk and notice five beautiful things.
Try a Sunday evening ritual — maybe a bath with essential oils or a calming simmer pot.
Make your own seasonal potpourri or herbal tea blend (see our DIY Cocktail-Inspired Potpourri Blends for ideas).
Journal, sketch or sit with a candle for 10 quiet minutes.
Inspiration from Slow Living Authors & Creators
Want to dig a little deeper into this gentle way of life? Here are some wonderful voices in the slow living world:
Carl Honoré – In Praise of Slowness
A global look at how slowing down can enrich our lives.
Haemin Sunim – The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
Beautiful, reflective wisdom from a Buddhist teacher.
Courtney Carver – Soulful Simplicity
A deeply personal story of simplifying with heart.
The Slow Home Podcast – Practical tips and honest conversations about living slow.
Closing Thoughts
Slow living isn’t about doing life ‘perfectly’. It’s about listening to your body, your breath, your season. It’s about reconnecting with the present and making space for softness in a world that often asks us to be hard and fast.
At Simmer&Stir, we believe in the power of little things: steam rising from a citrus and clove pot, hands blending dried petals into a fragrant bowl, a Sunday afternoon with no plans at all.
So if you’re feeling pulled in every direction, consider this your permission slip — to pause, breathe, and choose one small slow moment today.
Start Here
👉 Sign up to our Slow Living Seasonal Notes – free monthly tips, rituals and recipes👉 Browse our latest Simmer Pot Recipes for seasonal, sensory inspiration👉 Try this easy botanical potpourri blend for a moment of calm
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