9 Simple Ways to Slow Down and Actually Enjoy Life More
- Mar 10
- 6 min read
Written by Céline Kusters, Yoga Teacher
Céline Kusters is a certified yoga teacher and founder of Namunyak Yoga. Driven by the mission to show that yoga is for everybody and every body, she offers simple, accessible, and down-to-earth practices, on and off the mat, that help people cultivate balance, ease, and presence in everyday life.
Have you ever paid attention to the pace at which you move through your day? The way you walk, talk, cut your vegetables, clean your house, type your messages, answer emails? Do you ever feel like you’re just running from one thing to the next and need more than 24 hours in a day to keep up with everything you have to do? Somewhere along the way, we have started to move through life as though everything is urgent. We chase fast results, fast progress, fast answers, fast everything. But what would happen if we just slowed down?
In this article, I share nine simple ways to bring you into a slower way of life. Whether you are racing through to-do lists or speeding through everyday routines, these easy practices will help you reduce stress, be more present, and enjoy life a little more.
From constant urgency to intentional pauses
For a long time, I was stuck in the ‘go, go, go’ mindset. I rushed through my to-do lists, ran from one thing to the next, rushed through my daily routines, always focused on what came next rather than what was happening now. I told myself I was being efficient and productive, or, my personal favourite, that I 'have to' live this way to be valuable. But beneath this constant movement was a quiet but persistent tension. Even when I found time to ‘relax’, I was still thinking about all the things coming my way in the future. Those moments of ‘relaxation’ were often overshadowed by a feeling of not being productive enough.
When yoga came into my life, I slowly started to notice the power of slowing down. First on my mat, through movement. Then breathwork came into play, and this sense of presence and grounding followed me in short moments off the mat. I started to notice the difference between these moments of peace and the rest of my day, where I got caught up in the ‘go, go, go’ mindset that was all around me. I started to realise that the more of these slow moments I fit into my day, the better I could handle stressful situations. It also became easier to be more present, live less in the future, and even sleep better. I felt so much lighter. Although I am often still pulled back into that ‘go, go, go’ mindset, I am now able to find these moments of quiet more and more throughout the day, and it’s been life-changing.
Why slowing down is so hard
Be honest, how often do you answer the question ‘how are you?’ with the answer ‘busy’? I do that more often than I’d like to admit. And why wouldn’t we? We live in a society where moving fast has become the norm, and moving slow feels like a failure. Time is not seen as something to experience and enjoy, but rather as something to save and optimise. We are surrounded by a system that rewards speed. From work cultures and deadlines to the huge emphasis on productivity and the pressure to be busy all the time, everything is structured around the idea that your worth is determined by how many things you can achieve in as little time as possible.
Even though no one is actually rushing us, we still feel guilty when we rest, uncomfortable when we take a break from our never-ending to-do lists, and anxious when we are not actively working towards something. Social media only adds to this pressure with its beautifully curated portrayals of success, productivity, and efficiency, making it very easy to feel like you can’t keep up. Everyone else seems to be moving through life like they have 48 hours in a day, so why can’t I? In a society where everyone is rushing, slowing down is not only very hard to do, but it can also feel like a failure. Moving fast becomes a habit, and moving slow can feel uncomfortable. And that is a completely understandable outcome of living in a fast-paced society. But that doesn’t make it the right way to live.
The art of slowing down: What it actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re lazy or lack ambition. It also doesn’t mean doing nothing all day or giving up on your goals. Slowing down, for me, is being able to notice the little things that are often overlooked. Like how good the warmth of the sun feels on my face. The taste of that first sip of my morning coffee or tea. The flowers I pass every day without really seeing them. It is resting when I need to rest instead of constantly being on the move. It is choosing the moment I am in over a future that may never even exist. It is paying attention rather than being distracted and finding these little quiet moments of awareness in between my busy schedule and never-ending to-do list.
It is important to note that slowing down does not mean you have to completely disregard your responsibilities or routines. You also don’t have to radically change your life and completely ditch your busy schedule and to-do lists. Even in a fast-paced society, you can find ways to slow down and bring a little more presence into your day.
Why slowing down matters
Allowing yourself to slow down more has so many benefits, even if it doesn’t always feel that way at first. It will help you prevent stress and burnout by creating space to breathe and rest instead of constantly pushing through and trying to keep up. It also supports your physical, emotional, and mental health by helping you be more aware of what you truly need, instead of ignoring the warning signs your body is giving you because you ‘have to keep going’. When you slow down, it becomes so much easier to recognise what things matter most and what things you can let go of because they don’t deserve your energy. It allows you to live life with more intention and presence, giving you more rest, clearer boundaries, and the space to actually enjoy life.
9 simple ways to slow down more
So, without further ado, here are nine simple ways to slow down more.
Pay attention to your pace: Slowing down starts with awareness. Notice the pace with which you do your daily activities, like brushing your teeth, eating dinner, or vacuuming. See if you can literally slow down these activities.
Create a meaningful morning routine: Starting your day with a few quiet moments to yourself is a game-changer for how you feel throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Even five minutes of breathwork, a few simple stretches, or simply taking the time to really savour your morning tea or coffee can all be very effective morning routines.
Savour one small daily activity: This can be drinking your morning tea or coffee, brushing your teeth, or any other small activity that is part of your daily routine. Experience every second of it. Really savour it.
Stop multitasking: It is very hard to be present when your mind is in ten different places. Focus on one thing at a time.
Go outside: Your surroundings play a big role in your ability to slow down, and there is nothing slower than nature. Everything just moves at its own pace there. When you surround yourself with an environment like that, it becomes so much easier to slow yourself down, too.
Reflect and journal: Awareness is key, and reflecting on how you moved through your day can be a big eye-opener to help you slow down more.
Find a hobby that helps you slow down: Preferably something with no screens, like reading, painting, or drawing. Schedule five minutes a day in your calendar to do just this, without any distractions.
Schedule time in your calendar to rest: Make an appointment with yourself to rest and do nothing. Really do nothing.
Breathe: Your breath is the most powerful tool to help you slow down, feel grounded, and tune in. Find time throughout your day to take a few deep breaths every now and then. It may help to set a reminder on your phone.
Small moments, lasting change
Slowing down doesn’t have to be complicated, but it will be life-changing. Start small. Pick one thing you want to incorporate into your routine, whether it is taking a few deep breaths in between meetings, finding a new morning routine, or spending more time in nature. Keep it simple, and let the magic of a slower way of life unfold.
Read more from Céline Kusters
Céline Kusters, Yoga Teacher
Céline Kusters is a certified yoga teacher and founder of Namunyak Yoga. With a background shaped by personal healing and professional training, she’s dedicated to making yoga accessible, inclusive, and practical. Through her classes, social media, and writing, she shares practical, down-to-earth ways to integrate yoga into daily life and help people find ease, balance, and connection. Céline’s mission is to show you that yoga is for everybody and every body, and that even a few mindful breaths can change how you move through the world.
