Slow living has become a bit of a buzzword, where dreamy pictures of people sipping tea in oversized sweaters flood your feed. And maybe you’ve even asked yourself, what is slow living really? Is it just a trendy aesthetic, or is there something deeper behind the idea?
Well I’m here to set the record straight. If you think slow living is all about lazing around in a hammock, growing herbs you don’t actually use, or meditating for hours while gazing soulfully into the distance… it might be time to debunk a few of the myths.
Time to clear the air and spill the herbal tea. Let’s get to it!
Misconception #1: Slow Living Means Slowing Down…Everything
Slow living doesn’t mean I’m late to everything or that I stretch a two-minute task into an hour for the sake of it. Life happens! Sometimes I rush. Sometimes I overflow my coffee while checking emails, or fumble through an overly packed day. Not every moment looks like the polished, serene version of life you might see online. Some days are messy, chaotic, and far from picture-perfect.
Slow living isn’t about slowing down everything—It’s not about doing less for the sake of doing less. It’s about slowing down just enough to focus on the things that are right in front of you. It’s about creating room to truly focus on the things and people right in front of you, rather than rushing through life on autopilot.
I might drink my coffee slowly… but that’s because it’s hot, not because I’m carefully pondering the meaning of the beans.
Misconception #2: Slow Living Means Being Minimalist-Chic
Yes, minimalism is often paired with slow living, but that doesn’t mean my home looks like a Scandinavian furniture showroom. My version of slow living doesn’t come with perfectly aligned neutral décor or an Instagram-ready aesthetic. It’s more about what feels right for me—and spoiler alert, that includes plenty of quirks and chaos.
My “intentional clutter” includes piles of books I swear I’ll read, half-finished craft projects, a sock that still hasn’t found its mate and a mysterious junk drawer that’s totally in harmony with my slow lifestyle…kind of.
It’s not minimalist, but it’s all part of a lifestyle that works for me, even if “harmony” is sometimes more of a work in progress.
Basically what I’m trying to say is this type of lifestyle doesn’t require a minimalist aesthetic—it’s more about creating a space that feels comforting and uniquely yours- a space that lets you breathe, relax, and reflect. For me, that looks like a home where mismatched socks and a bit of clutter coexist alongside moments of calm. And for me, a sock-less cluttered vibe is my kind of tea.
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Misconception #3: I Grow All My Own Food
I wish! The closest I get to farming is accidentally letting my store-bought basil plant turn into a sad, wilted decoration on the windowsill.
While growing your own food is such a beautiful part of slow living for some, my “farm-to-table” moments are a little more… creative. They mostly involve selecting the organic carrots at the grocery store and then intentionally choosing the slower checkout lane for some “extra mindfulness.” Authentic, right?
For me, slow living meals aren’t about harvesting crops or kneading rustic sourdough from scratch—they’re about appreciating the process.
It’s the joy in chopping veggies while listening to a favorite record, simmering something delicious while the house fills with comforting smells, or plating the food with just a little extra thought.
Some days, it’s a carefully planned dinner, and other days, it’s slow-cooked noodles in a pantry-inspired sauce.
The important part is embracing the slower pace, even if it means the “farm” is a shelf at the store.
With the demands of daily life, becoming a full-fledged homesteader just isn’t feasible, and honestly, that’s okay. My “slow” works just fine without a thriving herb garden—probably better, actually! Let’s just say my basil would definitely agree.
Misconception #4: Every Moment of My Day is a Picture-Perfect Scene
Contrary to popular belief, slow living doesn’t mean my life is one big soft-focus Instagram filter. Sure, there are some occasional dreamy moments, but let’s be real: behind the scenes, it’s not all cozy vibes and perfectly poured oat milk lattes. There’s a pile of laundry giving me the side-eye from across the room, emails multiplying faster than I can hit “reply,” and me sitting there, very mindfully trying not to rage when my Wi-Fi cuts out mid-Zoom call. Peaceful, right?
What I’ve learned is that slow living isn’t about achieving some unattainable, aesthetically perfect life where everything looks calm and polished.
It’s about embracing all the beautiful, messy, real-life moments that don’t make it onto anyone’s highlight reel.
The mismatched socks, the impromptu dance party while scrubbing dishes, or the slightly burnt dinner that still tastes amazing because you made it with love.
Let life be imperfect and find joy in those imperfections.
Because that’s really what it all comes down to, embracing life’s imperfections—mess, mismatched socks, and all.
That’s where the real magic of slow living hides—in the chaos and the calm, all wrapped up together. And honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Misconception #5: I Don’t Own a Smartphone Because Technology is Evil
Slow living doesn’t mean rejecting modern life entirely.
My phone is very much part of my day… especially when I’m Googling recipes I’ll never actually make, or saving “slow living” pins on Pinterest.
The trick is finding balance-using technology as a helpful tool rather than letting it dictate your life.
It’s about knowing when to put the phone down and soak in real moments, rather than endlessly scrolling.
Maybe it’s taking that Pinterest idea and turning it into a tangible DIY project, or actually trying one of those saved recipes, even if the result looks nothing like the picture.
It’s a reminder that slow living isn’t anti-tech—it’s just about setting boundaries and being intentional with your time.
Misconception #6: We Never Have Fun
People sometimes think slow living is all Zen gardens, whispering breezes, and endless silence, but honestly—it’s fun to embrace a little silliness!
Sure, I meditate, but I also laugh loudly, make goofy faces, and spend way too much intentional time binge-watching my favorite shows with a giant bowl of popcorn.
Who said an intentional life can’t have a side of laughing at your messy meal prep or your failed attempt at DIY bread?
Being playful and lighthearted is just as important as being calm and reflective.
Slow living celebrates the full spectrum of life—the calm and the quirky, the present and the popcorn-filled. Because the truth is, life is meant to be enjoyed, even if it’s a little absurd sometimes. And honestly, that’s probably the best part.
Slow living isn’t about being serious or perfect all the time; it’s discovering what makes you happy and making time for whatever that might be.
Balance is the secret sauce, and it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s version of a “slow” life.
What Slow Living Really Is
Basically what it comes down to is slow living is living in a way that feels good for you. That’s it. Plain and simple.
It’s saying no to what drains you and yes to what makes you happy, even if it’s dancing in your pajamas at 10 a.m. or taking a nap because… why not?
And yes, sometimes it’s staring at a tree. But only for like five minutes, I swear.
The Real Slow Living Vibe
At the heart of slow living is the idea of being intentional—choosing what matters to you and carving out time for the things that bring you joy and peace.
It’s not about aesthetic perfection or following a set of rules. It’s sipping that coffee (or chugging it), living with a little chaos (or clutter), and making space to enjoy life in all its messy, wonderful glory.
So the next time someone asks if I just sit around and quietly daydream my days away, I’ll just smile and go back to doing life my way—perfectly imperfect and a little bit slow.