What is Slow Living? 6 Ways to Embrace it This Winter
This article was originally written by Emily Pascale of Rent. and features The UnOrthoDoc.
In the hustle of daily life, it's easy to forget to pause and be present. Slow living encourages us to savor the moment and prioritize what truly matters. As winter sets in, whether you’re cozying up at home in Bend, OR, Burlington, VT, or an apartment in Edgewater, NJ, slowing down during these colder months creates space for rest, renewal, and a deeper connection with yourself.
How do we define slow living?
Slow living is more than a trending hashtag – it’s a mindset that invites us to slow down, savor life’s simplest moments, and embrace a rhythm that nurtures our well-being and purpose. Wellness business coach, Joanna Sapir, familiar with the pressures of a fast-paced society, shares her journey of adopting a slow living mindset and prioritizing these practices today.
“After selling my first business, I knew I wanted to start this one with a slow lifestyle in mind. I wanted to wake naturally with no alarm each day, so my business doesn’t ‘open’ until late morning. I didn’t want to commute, so I found the technology to work with individuals from home. I limited my work hours so I have ample time for leisure, exercise, and enjoying life. I’m now going on eight years in this business, and it’s been wonderful.”
While approaches to slow living may differ, Joanna’s story highlights its core values—intention, balance, and joy. The team at Sipping Streams Tea embraces slow living by incorporating mindful rituals into their lives such as drinking tea. “Each sip embodies mindfulness, offering a pause to reconnect with yourself and appreciate simple joys. With its rich flavors and warmth, tea becomes more than a drink—it’s a practice of balance and a reminder to cherish quality over haste in a busy world.” Let’s explore more ways to embrace slow living this winter.
1. Appreciate the present moment
Daily tasks pull us from the present, but embracing the moment brings calm, clarity, and connection, especially in winter's slower pace. Jennifer Dowdy at Slow Simple Seasonal shares, “As the quietude of winter turns us inward, we have the opportunity to pay greater attention to the details of our lives. We can create a beautiful life from ordinary moments. Write a handwritten letter to a friend, wash the dishes by candlelight, or go stargazing. These moments remind us to find joy in a noisy, busy world.”
Practice mindfulness in your daily routine
One way to incorporate presence into your slow living lifestyle is through mindfulness, which is rooted in simple, everyday actions. Bass Wellness Center, a mental health center based in New York, explains how meditation can support this approach. “One activity that aligns perfectly with a mindful lifestyle is practicing meditation. This winter, taking a few moments each day to meditate can help you savor the present moment, fostering peace and balance amidst the hustle of daily life.”
Along with meditation, Erika Millage, owner of Third Planet Boutique located in Bellingham, WA, shares simple practices that can enrich your day: “Slow living is about savoring the moment and being present. It’s noticing the snail on the sidewalk as you walk your dog, smiling at a stranger or store employee, or savoring the warmth of your bed for an extra minute before starting your day. Slow living is taking time to truly live and appreciate what it means to be alive.”
Echoing this focus on mindfulness, Kayla Baker of All Tree Roots, which offers all-natural products and healing services, shares a mindful practice called The Sacred Pause. “Before everyday tasks like washing dishes or folding laundry, pause and bring your full attention to what you’re about to do. Focus on one task at a time, rather than rushing through multiple activities. This transforms routine chores into moments of presence and peace, helping you savor the simplest parts of your day.”
Act intentionally
While mindfulness is about being present, intentional action involves making choices that align with your values and goals.
Jeffrey Smith, MD, DLFAPA of How Therapy Works, believes one of the most vital steps you can take for the long winter days is to make the intention to value your inner self. “Our conscious, logical self is great for filtering out spontaneous thoughts that don’t make sense, but the inner self is the creative one. Making it part of your life is like riding a horse, you have influence, but you aren’t fully in control. It operates independently, but it’s the one that owns your true motivation and deepest interests. The more you pay attention to your inner self, the more it will respond and enrich your hours and days with ideas, projects, mimes, and goals you really want to pursue.”
This sense of intention can extend into other areas of your life, such as your yoga space. Leigha Butler Yoga shares, “Chefs talk about their ‘mise en place,’ or how they set up their cooking space. I encourage my students to think of their yoga set-up in a similar way. Consciously choose items for your yoga nook that please your senses and heart, like a handcrafted yoga mat instead of a mass-manufactured one. When each item is intentionally chosen, your brain will naturally settle into a slower, more present, and appreciative rhythm.”
2. Build a peaceful morning routine
Embrace slow living this winter by starting your mornings with intention. Whether you rise early for a nourishing breakfast or linger in bed, mornings set the tone for a more meaningful day.
Start your morning with a hot cup of tea
As discussed earlier, tea is often part of daily rituals but when incorporated specifically into the morning routine it can offer both comfort and a variety of benefits. TeBella Tea Company, located in various locations across Florida, is all about the ritual of tea and the mindfulness it creates. They highlight how tea can enhance your routine. “Tea contains L-theanine, a powerful amino acid thought to promote mindfulness, mental clarity and focus while reducing stress and anxiety.”
Ashita Agrawal, the Indian Tea Blogger, can speak from her personal morning routine on the impact tea has in her life, “Every morning I wake up, I brew a cup of Tea in Gaiwan. For me, tea is not just a beverage, but a way of mindfulness. The process of brewing helps me calm down. The unfurling of leaves, the aroma, to the warmth of that first sip, each moment helps me slow down and feel more peaceful. Brewing tea reminds me how important each moment is.”
Similarly, Tuk Tea Company based in Portland, OR, emphasizes how tea can serve as the cornerstone of a slow living lifestyle, encouraging mindfulness and tranquility with every sip. “Tea embodies the essence of slowing down. The process of preparing and drinking tea – whether it’s a ritual or a simple act-naturally draws you into the present moment. Together, slow living, mindfulness, and tea create a space where you can unwind, recharge, and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.”
Implement morning pages into your routine
While sipping your morning tea or coffee, consider adding morning pages to your routine—a practice from Julia Cameron's The Artist’s Way that clears the mind, sparks creativity, and fosters mindfulness. Alina Liao, owner of Zenit Journals, a radical wellness company dedicated to the mental health benefits of journaling, shares insights on making this transformative practice a meaningful part of your mornings.
“When we are constantly living fast, we often push aside our feelings and ignore our needs. A journaling routine is a powerful way to pause, check in with ourselves, process our feelings, and identify what serves us. This winter, we can embrace slow living by taking 5-10 minutes in the morning to check in with ourselves using journaling prompts like: ‘What am I feeling in my body, heart, and mind right now?’ ‘How did I honor my needs and wants yesterday?’ ‘What serves me today?’”
Maybe writing isn’t your thing, but you can still set intentions and cultivate mindfulness by reflecting on meaningful questions to start your day. Dr. Patrice Smith of The UnOrthoDoc shares her way of doing it. “One activity that truly aligns with the principles of slow living is starting my mornings with a cup of tea or coffee. Taking just 10-15 minutes to reflect on what I’m thankful for helps me ground myself, embrace mindfulness, and set a peaceful tone for the day. It’s a simple, intentional practice that reminds me to savor the little joys in life.”
Get fresh air
After morning pages or quiet reflection, take your slow living practice outdoors. A stroll in nature or sipping your drink on the porch brings fresh air, mindfulness, and a sense of renewal.
Meredith Van Ness, a Licensed Psychotherapist (LCSW), highlights the power of connecting with nature as a way to embrace slow living this winter. “One of my favorite slow living practices is a morning walk in nature. It's a simple way to slow down and connect with the world. Even if you don't live in the mountains like I do, you can find little spaces of nature almost anywhere – a park, a garden, or just a few potted plants. Taking a few minutes to breathe in the fresh air can bring calm and clarity to your day, helping you live more intentionally.”
Similarly, Indigo Wellness Group shares a grounding practice they like to take part in to embrace the slow living philosophy, “Our ‘10 before 10’ principle—spending 10 minutes outside before 10 a.m., no matter the weather. Time in nature and fresh air are powerful for our nervous system, helping to reduce stress, boost mood, and promote clarity. This small daily ritual reconnects us with the world around us, nurturing inner calm and setting a balanced, intentional tone for the day ahead.”
3. Embrace slow activities
As winter settles in, cozy beds and couches beckon, tempting us to sleep or binge-watch. This season of hibernation is perfect for embracing slow living and nurturing mind and body.
Take the first step toward less screen time
Limiting screen time helps reclaim your day and fosters deeper self-connection. Jordan Brown, MS, LPC, NCC of No Worries Wellness in Wauwatosa, WI, explains how stepping back from digital distractions creates space for more meaningful activities and personal growth.
“Limiting screen time allows you to be more present and mindful, creating space in your day for more meaningful activities. By spending less time online, you reduce the tendency to compare yourself to others and become less influenced by outside opinions and lifestyles. This allows you to tune into your own needs and values, helping you focus on what’s most important to you and prioritize what truly matters in your life.”
Move your body
Slower movement, like gentle stretches or peaceful walks, encourages mindfulness and connection with yourself and your surroundings. Anya Keys of Yogini Keys explains that mindful movement benefits not only your body but also your mind and soul.
“Slow, mindful living extends to how and when we move our bodies. While exercise is key to physical health, it’s important to approach movement with intention, especially in winter when days are shorter. Check in with your body—does it crave a brisk walk to get your blood moving, yoga to loosen muscles, or a bath to recover? Tuning into your body’s needs cultivates mindfulness and self-awareness, essential for living a deliberate, slow-paced life.”
Current Wellness, a wellness center for physical and mental health in downtown Raleigh, NC, reiterates the importance of mindful movement. “Yoga offers the opportunity to be present in each moment. It helps us connect to our breath, balance effort and ease, and reflect on how we do what we do. It cultivates gratitude and deeper respect for our bodies. Practicing integrity and purpose on the mat carries into our lives off the mat.” If you're in Raleigh, Current Wellness offers yoga classes and workshops to deepen your practice and embrace slow living this winter.
Indulge in a good book
There's something captivating about curling up with a good book, especially in the quiet of winter. Books With Bunnyblog perfectly captures how reading can add to your days of slow living.
“Reading is the perfect way to embrace slow living. Especially during winter, nothing beats bundling up by the fireplace with a good book. Not only does reading help you unplug from the digital world, but it can also inspire you and encourage you to take a moment out of your day to do something just for yourself.”
Set time aside for your creativity
Expressing creativity through hobbies like painting, writing, or crafting is a beautiful way to slow down and find fulfillment.
Sewing at home is a great activity to embrace slow living, allowing you to unplug and savor the joy of creating something unique. Wild Linens highlights how using high-quality materials like linen enhances the experience, as its natural texture and durability ensure handcrafted items are kind to the environment and will bring joy for many years to come. “The process of cutting, stitching, and creating invites you to focus on the present, with each handmade piece becoming a meaningful addition to your home, wardrobe or a thoughtful gift for someone you love.”
Writing by hand offers another way to slow down and reconnect. Katri Soikkeli, author and owner of Protagonists Crafts, illustrates how this practice encourages reflection and self-expression in a fast-paced digital world. “Whether you're writing a little story about birds and goblins, working towards your future bestselling novel or just jotting down a funny memory from that day, it engages your brain differently than typing on the computer and it helps you share your unique point of view with the world. What's even better, there's no rush to be perfect on the first try – mindful editing of your writing is a valuable part of the process.”
Immerse yourself in a creative retreat
Wellness retreats provide a chance to slow down, nurture creativity, and escape busy crowds. Ceramic artist Nathalie Edwards left London for Aveyron, France, where she renovated a historic mill to create ceramics and host Writers Retreats and Artist Residencies.
“I wanted The Mill France to be a place of connection, creativity, and community—and that’s exactly what it has become. I created a 'home' where creatives can be inspired, rest, reconnect with nature, and rediscover their inner artist. I have the privilege of working alongside them. Bringing artists and writers together in a small community is where the magic happens—discussions, cross-pollination, and mentoring unfold naturally. These retreats embody slow living, allowing creativity and reflection to flow at a peaceful, intentional pace.”
Nathalie explains how most of her mornings look at The Mill. “I have my coffee outside by the river with my bare feet in the grass—even when it's icy. Connecting with the earth and swimming in the cold river really brings you into the present moment. Most guests join in with the river swimming, it’s very addictive.”
4. Get in touch with your senses
A key aspect of slow living is reconnecting with your senses to ground you in the present moment. Latinx Therapy, a network providing mental health services to the Latine community, highlights the power of engaging with your senses to cultivate mindfulness.
“Giving gentle attention to one of your five senses while engaging in activities is a powerful way to embrace slow living. Our senses ground us in the present moment. For example, when making a meal, notice the texture, temperature, and weight of what you’re holding. Using sight during a walk or nighttime routine, observe the colors around you. Pausing to breathe helps bring balance and slows down the nervous system.”
Infuse your space with calming scents
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to slow down and create a calming space is through the power of scent. Tyler Aromatherapy believes slow living is rooted in connecting with the present moment, and essential oils have a transformative ability to inspire everyday wellness.
“This winter, embracing scents like warming Clove, grounding Cedarwood, or uplifting Sweet orange can help align your mood with the season. Diffusing these oils or lighting a candle infused with them creates a sensory experience that encourages mindfulness and a deeper connection with the world around you. It’s a simple yet powerful way to slow down and savor the beauty of the moment.”
Adding to this sensory experience, Calen Candles explains, “Soy candles are a perfect way to bring warmth and relaxation to your slow-living routine. Lighting a candle invites you to unwind and savor the moment, the gentle glow creating a calm atmosphere. The scents captivate your senses and bring you to quiet mindfulness, cherishing the details that make life enjoyable despite the rush of daily life.”
Find peace in textures and comfort
Transform your space into a peaceful retreat with cozy textures and calming decor. West Path, a sustainable online store of handmade goods, shares how thoughtful design fosters peace at home.
“Slow living at home is encouraged by creating a calm, intentional environment that fosters relaxation and mindfulness. Cozy elements like artwork, Mexican blankets, and candles add warmth and texture, inviting rest and comfort. These blankets not only enhance your space aesthetically but also encourage slow, mindful activities—whether curling up with a book or relaxing yoga. Surrounding yourself with meaningful, tactile items cultivates peace and connection within your home.”
Calm your body with soothing flavors
Experts across the tea industry emphasize tea as a tool for mindfulness and relaxation. The Beauty Tea Company says it best, “A cup of tea has the power to bring us to the present moment, allowing us to feel grounded and at peace.”
Full Moon Tea Company, based in Asheville, NC, emphasizes how the ritual of loose-leaf tea fosters calm and mindfulness in your routine.. “Steeping and drinking loose leaf tea is a mindful ritual that invites a slower pace into your day. The process of measuring, warming the water, and allowing the leaves to unfurl creates a moment of calm and presence. Each sip encourages you to pause, savor the flavors, and connect with the present moment. It's a perfect way to embrace the art of slow living and find tranquility in the everyday.”
Even if you’re not a traditional tea lover, you can still infuse mindfulness into your winter routine by adding simple ingredients to a warm cup of water. Amber Barone, Holistic RN and Functional Medicine Practitioner of Bar1wellness, shares her favorite herb blends. “Simple combinations like rose petals and mint, chamomile and orange peel, or a single cinnamon stick in hot water can have profound effects. These herbal pairs and offerings cue the nervous system into comfort, balance, and peace, honoring the ‘less is more’ adage. This perspective strengthens my appreciation for life’s subtleties, paving the way for greater joy, appreciation, and love.”
5. Connect with your thoughts on paper
Journaling isn’t just for mornings—it can capture mid-day reflections or help you unwind in the evening, deepening your connection to slow living.
As the Well Being Journal notes, studies show that journaling positively impacts wellbeing. “Reframing and shifting your mindset can contribute to peace of mind and happiness. In the rush of everyday life, we often miss the simple beauty around us – like a tasty meal, a beautiful view, or birds singing on a morning walk. Taking a moment to jot down these observations can enhance the experience and promote living in the moment.”
Building on the idea of connecting with slow living through your senses, Yop&Tom, a London-based notebook and stationery shop, recognizes how beautifully curated journals can positively influence us to engage in mindfulness. “We believe in the power of journaling and planning to create space for thoughtful living. Using a beautifully designed notebook or planner can help you organize your thoughts, set meaningful goals, and find joy in the slow pace of the season.”
6. Prioritize your health
Slow living is key to healing the body, but stress—whether physical, emotional, or mental—can hinder this process. Mitchell Holistic Health in New York, NY, emphasizes that many health issues are rooted in stress, making it essential to address it for true healing. “The body cannot heal under high levels of stress. Slowing down to cook whole food meals, savor relationships, and focus on sleep are foundational to a healthy life. Although many health concerns are also influenced by other factors, slowing down and dealing with stress is always at the foundation of health.”
London-based yoga teacher Yogibanker helps finance professionals manage stress through yoga and meditation, promoting a slower-paced, healthier lifestyle. “The best way to embrace slow living, in my view, is through mindful walking and eating. These are daily habits, yet we often aren't present while walking—we're focused on our destination—and when eating, we may be distracted by the media or rushing to finish. While these are natural habits, pausing for a moment—waiting patiently at traffic lights, even when there's no danger, or putting down the phone to savor each bite of food or sip of tea or coffee—helps us become fully present and experience life.”
In the broader discussion of tea as a way to embrace slow living, the simple act of enjoying tea also plays a vital role in prioritizing health, thanks to its many benefits to the body and its well-known ability to reduce stress. The Great Mississippi Tea Company, based in Brookhaven, MS, believes that tea is the perfect companion for a slower pace, offering a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect. “From the soothing ritual of steeping leaves to savoring each warm sip, tea encourages mindfulness and presence. It’s a celebration of simplicity—a true comfort in a cup. Preparing a cup of tea is a purposeful act, inviting you to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace life’s quiet joys.”
Embrace slow living this winter
Winter offers a unique chance to embrace a slower, more intentional pace, focusing on what brings us joy and comfort. Elizabeth B. Burton, EdS, NCC, BC-TMH, encapsulates slow living best. “In a culture that values productivity, it’s essential to slow down, rest, and savor life with a child-like sense of wonder. Slowing down gives our soul space to breathe, refueling us for sustainable productivity, as we’re refreshed and ready to work, serve, and love. Give yourself permission to slow down and notice how you feel on a soul level. Practice this by taking a few minutes to notice beauty, practice gratitude, and be rejuvenated.”
