The world often tells us to go faster. To be productive, efficient, and endlessly available. But somewhere along the way, I realized I didn’t want to move at that pace. I wanted my days to feel meaningful, not just full. I wanted to notice things. To create more than I consumed. To feel at home in my own rhythm.

That’s where slow living began for me, not as a trend, but as a quiet decision to live differently.

These 10 habits have become part of my everyday life. They’re simple, but powerful. If you’re looking for a softer way to move through your day, I hope a few of these speak to you too.

1. I begin the morning without my phone.

No scrolling, no checking. I stretch, open a window, and let light into the room. The first few minutes of the day belong to me, not the world.

2. I prepare tea or coffee as a ritual, not a rush.

Even on busy mornings, I slow down just enough to notice the steam, the scent, the warmth. It helps me move into the day with calm instead of chaos.

3. I write something small every day.

A list, a thought, a line of poetry. Writing gives shape to my feelings and helps me stay grounded in the present.

4. I go outside, even for five minutes.

I walk barefoot in the grass or step onto the porch. Fresh air resets everything. It’s a habit that feels like a breath for the soul.

5. I keep a soft, seasonal rhythm.

Each season brings its own mood and pace. I decorate simply, shift my meals, and change routines to reflect the world outside. It makes life feel connected and intentional.

6. I tidy without pressure.

Cleaning isn’t a race anymore. I do one small thing at a time, sweep the porch, wipe the table, wash the linens. I treat it as a form of care, not perfection.

7. I romanticize small tasks.

Lighting a candle before I read. Putting on an apron before I bake. Adding a flower to the breakfast table. These little things make ordinary moments feel like something special.

8. I unplug in the evenings.

I light a candle, make tea, and read or journal instead of scrolling. It doesn’t happen every night, but when it does, I sleep better and feel calmer.

9. I create with my hands.

Baking, crafting, gardening, writing, these aren’t just hobbies. They reconnect me with myself. I don’t create for productivity. I create for joy.

10. I make room for slowness on purpose.

Some days, I say no to plans. Some days, I sit in silence. I’ve learned that rest isn’t a reward, it’s a rhythm. And it’s allowed.

Slow living isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing things with more meaning. It’s about tuning in instead of tuning out. And it’s something you can begin anytime, in any space, with just one small habit.

If you’re starting your own slow living journey, you don’t need to change everything. Just begin where you are. Let life soften. Let the day stretch a little. Let yourself breathe.

With warmth,
– Autumn

P.S. If you’ve been enjoying this post, I think you’ll love my new book, The Cottagecore Project — it’s a gentle guide to slow living, creativity, and building a life that feels like home. You can take a look at it here.