I’m sitting on my balcony with a cup of chai, watching the world rush by, and it hits me—life doesn’t have to be a race. Slow living is my way of hitting pause, embracing a simple life, and finding joy in the small stuff.
These 13 tips for slow living to embrace minimalism are my go-to ideas for slowing down and living with intention. They’re practical, real, and totally doable for anyone craving calm.
From morning routine ideas to cutting clutter, let’s make life simpler together. Ready? Let’s get to it.
1. Start Your Day With a Slow Morning
I love a slow morning—it sets the tone for a calm day. Wake up 15 minutes early. Skip the phone. Make your bed. Brew a cup of coffee or tea and sip it slowly. Sit by a window or step outside. Feel the air. Listen to the birds.
A healthy morning routine doesn’t need to be complex. Just give yourself space to breathe. Try journaling a quick thought or two.
I jot down what I’m grateful for—it grounds me. Over time, this habit builds an intentional life, one quiet moment at a time. You’ll feel centered, not scattered.
2. Declutter One Drawer at a Time
Decluttering is key to how to simplify, but don’t tackle it all at once. Pick one drawer or shelf. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Sort through it. Keep what you love or need.
Donate or toss the rest. I focus on keeping items that spark joy or serve a purpose. Old receipts? Gone. That random scarf I never wear? Donated.
This small act feels like a win. It’s not just about stuff—it’s about creating space for calm.
3. Limit Your Screen Time
I’ll admit, I got sucked into scrolling Instagram one night and lost two hours. My eyes hurt, and I felt grumpy. Now, I set boundaries. Try this: put your phone in another room for an hour.
Pick a time, like after dinner. I leave mine in the kitchen and read a book instead. It’s freeing. You’re not missing much, trust me. Social media can steal your peace.
A slow living quote I love is, “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted.” But endless scrolling? That’s not joy. Replace it with something real—knit, draw, or just daydream. Your brain will thank you.
4. Take a Daily Nature Walk
Nature is magic for slowing down. Walk to a park or around your block. Notice the trees, the breeze, the crunch of leaves. Leave your headphones at home.
I listen to the world instead—birds, wind, kids laughing. It’s like a reset button. You don’t need a forest; a small garden or street works.
5. Say No to Extra Commitments
I used to say yes to everything—parties, projects, you name it. Then I’d burn out. Now, I’m picky with my time. If it doesn’t feel right, I politely say no.
Try this: next time someone asks you to do something, pause. Ask yourself, “Does this align with my priorities?” If not, pass. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care.
This creates space for what matters. Slowing down means choosing quality over quantity. You’ll feel lighter, I promise. Protect your time like it’s gold. It is.
6. Cook One Simple Meal a Week
One night, I chopped veggies and made a simple dal. It was slow, messy, and fun. Now, I cook one intentional meal weekly. Pick something easy—soup, salad, or pasta.
Use fresh ingredients. Chop slowly. Play music. I love putting on old Hollywood songs while I stir.
It’s not about being a chef; it’s about enjoying the process. This is a healthy morning routine if you do it early, or a cozy evening ritual.
7. Journal for Five Minutes
Write what’s on your mind—worries, wins, or random ideas. Don’t overthink it. I sometimes just list three things I enjoyed that day. It’s like a mental declutter.
This habit builds an intentional life by helping you reflect. No need for fancy journals; a cheap notebook works. You’ll sleep better with a clearer head.
If writing feels hard, try bullet points. It’s a small step to how to simplify your mind. You’ll love this quiet ritual.
8. Shop With a List
I used to wander stores and buy stuff I didn’t need. Now, I make a list before shopping. Write down exactly what you need—groceries, clothes, anything. Stick to it.
I check my pantry before heading out to avoid doubles. This saves money and keeps your home minimal. Impulse buys clutter your space and mind.
If you see something tempting, wait 24 hours. Usually, you’ll forget about it. This is how to live a simple life without extra stuff. Your wallet and home will feel lighter. Try it next time you shop.
9. Create a Cozy Corner
Find a small space in your home. Add a chair, blanket, or plant. Keep it simple—no clutter. I sit there to read or sip tea. It’s where I slow down.
You don’t need a big budget; use what you have. This space is your retreat from chaos. It’s a physical reminder to pause.
10. Practice Single-Tasking
I used to multitask like a pro—emails, music, and cooking all at once. It left me frazzled. Now, I focus on one thing at a time. Try this: when you’re working, close extra tabs.
When you’re eating, just eat. I put my phone away during meals and actually taste my food. It’s a game-changer. Single-tasking makes you present.
It’s a core part of slow living quotes like, “Do less, but better.” You’ll get more done and feel calmer. Start small—focus for 10 minutes. You’ll notice the difference.
11. Write a Handwritten Note
I started writing notes to friends, and it feels so personal. Grab a pen and paper. Write a quick thank-you or “thinking of you” note. Mail it or hand it over.
I wrote one to my mom, and she still talks about it. It’s a slow, meaningful way to connect. Texts are fine, but paper feels special. This builds relationships without screens.
It’s a simple act that fits an intentional life. Try it this week. Someone will smile because of you.
12. Grow One Plant
I got a tiny pothos plant, and it’s my low-maintenance buddy. Pick a plant that’s hard to kill—pothos, snake plant, or aloe. Water it when you remember.
I talk to mine (don’t judge). It’s a small way to care for something. Plants bring calm and clean air. They’re perfect for how to live a simple life.
No garden? A windowsill works. This tiny act of nurturing feels grounding. Plus, it’s pretty. You’ll smile every time you see it grow.
13. Plan a “Do Nothing” Day
No plans, no chores. Sounds lazy? It’s not. It’s freedom. Sleep in. Read. Nap. Stare at the ceiling. I spent one Sunday just listening to rain and felt reborn.
This is slowing down at its best. You don’t need to achieve anything. Just be. It’s a healthy morning routine if you start slow, or an evening unwind.
This day recharges you for an intentional life. Try it once—you’ll crave it again.
Conclusion
These 13 tips for slow living to embrace minimalism are my way of finding peace in a hectic world. They’re not hard, but they’re powerful. I’ve tried them all, and they’ve made my days feel fuller, not busier. On minimalverse.com, I’m all about keeping it simple and real. Pick one tip and start small. You’ll see how little changes spark big joy.
Life’s too short to rush through it. Let’s slow down together. Try a tip, share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s build a community around living simply. What’s your favorite way to embrace a slower, minimalist life? I’m all ears.
