How to Embrace Slow Living in the Busy City

I used to be surrounded by people who wore their busyness like a badge of honor. You know the kind — always hustling, back-to-back calls, barely any time to breathe, let alone rest. I thought that was the only way to succeed — to keep going, stay occupied, and save rest for the weekends (if at all).

Until one afternoon, I stumbled upon an article that completely shifted my perspective. It said something so simple yet so powerful: resting, slowing down, and even taking short power naps during the day can actually make you more productive.

That hit me.
What if we didn’t have to burn out just to feel like we “deserve” rest?
What if slowing down wasn’t laziness but a form of calming our nerves?

I started to look for little habits and rituals that are intentional — nothing fancy, habits that can help me stay centered, focused, and, productive. It all starts with one mindful moment at a time, where one can protect their piece without quitting the city and urban lifestyle.

Start creating a morning ritual before the world gets loud

Instead of jumping straight into your phone or rushing to the kitchen, try something different: wake up in stillness. Just sit for a moment. Breathe. Let the silence greet you. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but neuroscience says that these few quiet minutes right after waking up can reduce stress, improve focus, and even help create new brain cells. Yep, silence is that powerful.

I know the urge to check your phone is real. But here’s the thing — once you start scrolling, time flies, and suddenly you’re saying, “I don’t have time for myself.” We all do it. But shifting just a few of those minutes toward a mindful morning can completely change your energy for the day.

Start simple:
Light a candle or camphor. Stretch gently. Meditate for five minutes, or just sit with your breath. Let the moment ease into you. Then, make yourself a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. Instead of opening email notifications, open a window. Listen to the birds. A soft playlist. A chant. Whatever makes you feel grounded.

This whole ritual? It doesn’t need more than 15–20 minutes. But the peace it brings will last you all day.

Turn Your Commutes into Mindful Moments

We often treat commutes as something to just “get through” — the traffic, the honking, the rush… it’s easy to let the chaos get under your skin. But what if you used that time to pause instead of push?

Try this: put on music that soothes you or tune into a mindfulness podcast. Let it guide your thoughts toward calm. Look outside — notice the trees, the sky, the small movements of the city waking up. Let the breeze touch your skin and be in that moment, even if just for a few minutes.

Think of it like this — in many European cultures, people intentionally observe their surroundings: the people, the weather, the energy. They don’t rush through it. They absorb it. And in that stillness, they find clarity.

You don’t have to participate in the morning chaos.
Take a deep breath. And another. Even if you’re in a hurry, move with grace — not stress. When we look hurried, we feel hurried, and that tells our brain to panic. It shuts the door on creativity, clear thinking, and presence.

So next time you’re commuting, don’t just get through it — let it ground you.

Eat slowly — and give your phone a break too

We’ve all been there — scrolling through our phones while eating, barely tasting our food, rushing through lunch just to get back to the to-do list. But what if you tried something different today?

Put your phone aside. Open your tiffin. Take a deep breath. And actually enjoy your meal.

Try sitting with a few colleagues — share a laugh, have a light chat. It may seem small, but these moments calm your nervous system and shift you into a more relaxed state. And guess what? Mindful eating not only makes your food taste better, it helps your body digest it better too. When you eat slowly, you start recognizing when you’re actually full. You avoid overeating, bloating, and that post-lunch crash. You tune in, instead of rushing past.

And here’s a gentle habit to add: after you eat — breakfast, lunch, or dinner — go for a 10-minute walk. No phone, no calls, just a slow stroll to help your body settle and your mind breathe.

So the next time you sit down to eat, treat it like a mini ritual — not another task.

Say No to Hustle Culture

You don’t have to say yes to everything. You really don’t.

Whether it’s at work or in your personal life, start choosing boundaries. If your plate is already full, give yourself permission to say no. If something doesn’t feel right, or if it’s only adding pressure — you’re allowed to step back.

Saying no isn’t rude. It’s respectful — to your time, your energy, and your peace.

It’s not just about setting boundaries; it’s about preventing burnout before it starts; because constantly running on empty is a fast track to exhaustion.

Practice this gently, one step at a time. Start with small nos and build your way up. You’ll notice a shift — more balance, more clarity, and more space for the things that truly matter.

Remember, a balanced life begins when you stop overcommitting and start honoring your limits.

Start creating soft evening rituals

Let your home feel like a retreat — a space where the noise of the day gently fades away.

As the sun sets, switch to warm, low lighting. Step away from screens. Create a little green corner in your living room or bedroom — plants have a way of bringing calm to any space. Light a candle, do your skincare slowly, journal a few thoughts, or read a few pages of a book that soothes you.

These tiny acts are more than routines — they’re signals to your mind that it’s time to unwind.

Yes, watch a show you love, but try to stick to a gentle rhythm. Staying up scrolling until 2 a.m. might feel tempting, but a consistent sleep schedule will feel like a quiet superpower once it becomes a habit. And if it takes a few days to adjust, that’s okay — every small step adds up.

Journaling before bed, listening to soft music, or practicing 5 minutes of meditation — these are not just wellness tips, they’re little pieces of magic for better sleep and deeper rest.

Weekend Pause: Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down

Let your weekends be your reset — not just a break from work, but a moment to truly rest and reconnect.

Sleep in. Seriously, let yourself have that beauty sleep without guilt. After a week of commuting, deadlines, and constant to-dos, your body deserves deep rest. Let yourself wake up naturally, without an alarm, when your body feels fully recharged.

Then, make yourself a meal you actually love — not rushed or reheated. Something comforting, nourishing, made with intention.

Watch a movie you’ve been saving for a cozy day. Call a friend or have a heart-to-heart with someone in your family. Just connect — no agendas, no filters.

And if you’re craving inspiration, step outside. Try something new — maybe a pottery class, a picnic in the park, a book club meetup, or even a local workshop. Engage in things that bring your creativity to life.

There are so many beautiful communities out there — whether it’s around healing, books, tech, or simply slow living. Find your people. Share space with those who energize you.

Your weekends don’t have to be packed to be fulfilling — they just need to be intentional.