11 Amazing Ways To Slow Down And Live Blissfully
Have you ever stopped to look for real ways to slow down your life? It can feel surprising and even a little magical when you do.
With so much noise and chaos around us, I believe slowing down has become more important than ever. In this post, I’ll share some simple, practical ways to help you do just that.
I want to start by asking you a few questions.
How often have you pushed yourself too hard at work?
How many times have you kept going until you felt completely drained and stressed?
I’ll be honest—I’ve done that more times than I can count.
There were long stretches in my life when I just kept running and running without stopping. I pushed myself so hard that I burned out.
Looking back now, I honestly don’t know how I kept up with that pace.
If I could go back, I’d do things very differently.
That leads me to the main question of this post: Why should you slow down?
Why does it even matter?
And how much can you really slow down without falling behind in other parts of your life?
Before I share the ways to slow down, I think it helps to answer these questions first. Once you understand why, it’s much easier to actually make changes.
Why You Need to Learn Ways To Slow Down
Your mind is small yet incredibly powerful. But I don’t believe it’s built to handle constant pressure without a break.
You may feel like you have to keep up with everything. Or maybe you’re scared to stop because of what others might think.
I’ve been there—trying to please everyone, saying yes to everything, and forgetting to care for myself. And it really took a toll on my mental health.
If you’ve been putting yourself last for too long, now is the perfect time to slow down.
Here’s why you need to learn ways to slow down:
- Life isn’t a race; it’s meant to be lived.
- Your mental health needs you to take it easy sometimes.
- Just because everyone else is running doesn’t mean you have to.
- You deserve to feel peace and happiness.
- Slowing down is the best way to honor all the hard work you’ve done.
- Your soul needs quiet, gentle moments to heal and grow.
I hope this helps you see why it’s worth slowing down.
Now let’s get to the part you came here for—the simple, real ways to slow down.
Related: 120 Positive Health Affirmations For A Fresh And Powerful Way Of Life
11 Amazing Ways To Slow Down And Live Blissfully
1. Put Away Your Phone
I didn’t realize how much my phone was stealing my time and focus until I started leaving it in another room for an hour or two each day.
At first, it felt strange — like I was missing something important.
But after a few days, I noticed how much calmer I felt when I wasn’t constantly checking notifications.
Now, I make a habit of keeping my phone out of sight when I’m eating, reading, or just relaxing.
It’s such a small step, but it makes a big difference in slowing down my mind.
2. Wake Up Earlier
I used to roll out of bed at the last possible minute, already feeling behind before my day even started.
Then I tried setting my alarm just 30 minutes earlier.
Having that quiet time in the morning, when the world is still asleep, gave me space to breathe.
Sometimes I drink my coffee slowly.
Sometimes I just sit on the balcony and watch the sunrise.
Starting the day slowly sets the tone for everything else.
3. Say “No” More Often
This one was hard for me because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.
But I learned that saying “yes” to everything just left me exhausted and resentful.
Now, I only commit to things that truly matter to me.
If a friend invites me out and I’m tired, I politely decline.
If work piles up, I prioritize what’s important and let the rest wait.
Slowing down means making space for yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
4. Spend Time Outside
Whenever I feel stressed or rushed, I go for a walk outside.
Even just 10 minutes in the fresh air helps me feel more grounded.
Sometimes I walk to the park and sit on a bench, just watching people go by.
Sometimes I take my shoes off and stand barefoot in the grass.
Nature has a way of reminding me to slow down, no matter how busy life feels.
5. Do One Thing At A Time
I used to pride myself on how much I could multitask.
I’d cook dinner while answering emails and texting a friend — but I never felt truly present.
So I decided to try doing just one thing at a time.
When I eat, I just eat.
When I talk to someone, I give them my full attention.
When I clean, I focus only on that.
It’s amazing how much calmer and happier I feel when I’m not pulling myself in ten different directions.
6. Make Time To Rest
For a long time, I believed rest was something you earn after a busy day.
But the truth is, rest is just as important as work.
Now, I schedule rest into my day — even if it’s just sitting quietly for a few minutes.
Sometimes I take a nap in the afternoon.
Sometimes I just lie on the couch with no goal but to relax.
Giving myself permission to rest helps me slow down without feeling guilty about it.
7. Eat Slowly
This might sound silly, but slowing down how I eat has made me feel so much more connected to my body.
I used to eat meals in front of the TV or while scrolling my phone, barely tasting anything.
Now, I try to sit at the table, take small bites, and actually enjoy my food.
It turns eating from something rushed into a little ritual of self-care.
And I feel more satisfied when I really pay attention to what I’m eating.
8. Create A Simple Evening Routine
Evenings used to be chaotic for me — catching up on chores, finishing work, collapsing into bed exhausted.
Then I started creating a gentle routine to help me unwind.
I light a candle, wash my face, and read a book instead of staring at a screen.
Sometimes I write a few thoughts in a notebook before going to sleep.
Having that quiet time at night helps me slow down and sleep better too.
9. Notice The Little Things
One of the most powerful ways to slow down is to simply pay attention to what’s happening right now.
I started noticing small things I used to overlook — like the sound of birds in the morning or the way sunlight comes through the window.
Sometimes I sit in silence and just listen to the world around me.
These tiny moments remind me that life isn’t just about the big events — it’s also about enjoying what’s here right now.
10. Stop Comparing Yourself
I spent years rushing through life because I felt like I had to keep up with everyone else.
Seeing other people’s accomplishments made me feel like I was falling behind.
But I finally realized that everyone moves at their own pace, and that’s okay.
Now, I focus on what feels right for me, instead of trying to meet someone else’s timeline.
When I stop comparing myself, it becomes so much easier to slow down and enjoy my own journey.
One last thought…
These are just a few of the ways to slow down that have worked for me.
You don’t have to try them all at once.
Even picking one or two can help you feel more present and less overwhelmed.
Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re lazy or falling behind — it means you’re choosing to live your life in a way that actually feels good.
I hope you find your own ways to slow down, and I hope they bring you the peace you deserve.