In a world that celebrates hustle culture, it can often feel impossible to slow down, especially if you’re working a full-time job. Yet, many people are discovering the power of slow living to create a more balanced, meaningful life. After all, we are supposed to be working to live, not living to work, right?
Slow living is about intentionally slowing down your pace of life, focusing on what truly matters, and making mindful choices. It’s a conscious effort to embrace a lifestyle that encourages deep connection with yourself, others, and your surroundings. When you introduce slow living into your busy routine, it can significantly reduce stress, improve your well-being, and even increase productivity at work. But how can you achieve that while managing your responsibilities?
In this blog, I’m going to dive into some practical ways you can implement slow living with a job without sacrificing your career goals.
1. Prioritize Your Time
One of the core principles of slow living is learning to prioritize what truly matters. In a busy work life, this means setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. It can be difficult to know when to step away from your computer or phone and reconnect with yourself.
Tip: Coming from someone who used to have an over-achiever mentality, learning how to say “no” has been a holy-grail. Try being realistic about your work schedule. Instead of overcommitting, practice saying “no” to extra projects or events that drain you. By prioritizing quality over quantity, you’ll feel more energized and present at work and at home.
2. Consider a “Work From Home” Career
When I was searching for a new job in early 2023, I was manifesting a flexible work environment like a hybrid or work-from-home position. Positions like these can few and far between, but I knew that it would grant me the wiggle room to prioritize my time better. Luckily, I landed a fantastic hybrid position with a company that actually cherishes work-life balance, promotes taking mental breaks during the work-day, and truly cares about their employees.
Tip: Working from home is now easier than ever. There are tons of remote positions available at companies across industries. Try looking for remote or hybrid careers on LinkedIn or Indeed. It’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to EACH job listing to increase your chances of getting an interview. Many companies now use AI or machines to sort through resumes, so find the key words in the job listing and include those key words on your resume.
3. Slow Down Your Commute
If hybrid or remote work isn’t in the books for you and you commute to work, this can be a perfect opportunity to practice slow living. Instead of rushing through your commute, try turning it into a time for reflection or a peaceful ritual. You could listen to a podcast or audiobook, enjoy some soothing music, or even meditate if you’re not driving. I really loving the podcast, On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Jay Shetty covers a wide range of topics in his podcast including ways to gain confidence and manifestation to breaking bad habits and stress reduction.
Tip: Remember to enjoy the journey of getting somewhere instead of focusing on getting there quickly. Slowing down and focusing on relaxation can turn your dreaded commute into an enjoyable one.
4. Disconnect to Reconnect
Technology and social media have a heavy impact on our attention spans, and not in a good way. If you find yourself scrolling on social media for an hour on your lunch break, you might notice that it is harder to focus when you sit back at your desk for work. Limiting screen time outside of work can benefit your mental health, relationships, and even stress levels.
Tip: Implement a digital detox day or evening once a week to unwind from screens. Use this time to focus on a creative pursuit or practice mindfulness. Disconnecting will help you reset, recharge, and return to work feeling more present.
5. Take a Real Lunch Break
Do you take a real lunch break? I’m not talking about grabbing your lunch and eating it while you finish your current task. It’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day to reset your mind. Instead of spending your lunch break at your desk, try taking your lunch outside (if weather permits) and eat in the sunshine. Or, read a good book while you eat. Our minds are not meant to focus on work for a full 8 hours a day, so respect that and give it the rest it deserves.
Tip: Set your timer for an hour (or however long your lunch break is) and step away from your desk. Setting a timer allows you to disconnect without worrying about how much time you have left on your break and constantly checking the clock.
Takeaways
In a world that celebrates hustle, embracing slow living might seem like a challenge, especially with a full-time job. But the key is finding balance. By prioritizing your time, setting boundaries, and creating space for intentional breaks, you can reduce stress without sacrificing your career goals.
Slow living isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing more of what matters. Whether it’s taking real breaks, disconnecting from screens, or finding a work environment that aligns with your values, small shifts can make a big impact.
Slow down, take a breath, and find a pace that works for you. A more balanced, meaningful life is within reach, and it starts with just a few mindful changes.
The Honest Elm 
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