The Slow Living Movement Can Reduce Your Stress (and Save You Money)

After emptying your bank account on holiday gifts, testing the limits of your stress with family time, and forcing your brain to clock into work the week between Christmas and New Year's Day—well, there's nothing like the new year to force you to take stock of what really matters in life. Faced with society's fixation on speed and convenience, you may have seen the term "slow living" crop up as a solution.

Slow living emphasizes a mindful, intentional lifestyle that prioritizes well-being over nonstop, cog-in-the-machine productivity. While I'd never urge you to hop on board the latest finance trend (in fact, I warn against it), there's some merit to the slow-living mindset. Slow living requires being intentional about how you spend your time and, of course, money. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the frenetic pace of modern life, implementing some slow living practices could help provide more fulfillment. Here’s an overview of the movement and how to decide if it’s the right fit for you.

What is slow living?

Slow living pushes back against a culture obsessed with busyness, multitasking and constant stimulation. The goal is to bring more mindfulness to all aspects of your life. This includes slowing down to appreciate life’s little moments, focusing on one task at a time, and making conscious choices rather than rushing on autopilot. Slow living gives you permission to savor life by doing things like:

• Practicing mindfulness through meditation, yoga or just spending time in nature

• Single-tasking instead of multitasking

• Disconnecting from technology and social media

• Saying no to jam-packed schedules and activities

• Cooking more meals at home instead of rushing through fast food

• Growing your own vegetables and herbs

• Walking or biking rather than driving, whenever possible

Is slow living for you?

Slow living is ideal for anyone who feels overwhelmed, overworked or over-scheduled. But it does require some life changes that may not work depending on your circumstances. Ask yourself the following:

• Do you want to live more in the moment?

• Does life feel too rushed and hectic?

• Are you open to simplifying and letting go of clutter?

• Can you make space for more mindfulness each day?

• Are you willing to cut back on busywork and obligations?

If you answered yes, experimenting with a slower approach to life could lead to more happiness and fulfillment. You might be suffering from a scarcity mindset, when you can cultivate an abundance mindset instead. This involves focusing on all that you have instead of what you don’t. When you embrace the idea that you can achieve financial security in your life, you’ll be in a better position to make sound financial decisions.

Adopting the slow-living mindset

In addition to time, slow living can apply to your finances as well. It encourages conscious spending aligned with your values instead of mindless consumerism.

One of the easiest strategies of more intentional living: Pay with cash. Using credit and debit cards makes it easy to overspend without noticing. Paying with physical cash increases your awareness of what you're spending in the moment. Withdraw a set amount each week to use for food, entertainment, etc. When it runs out, your spending must slow down.

Another slow-living strategy that helps your wallet is to literally slow down your decision making when it comes to spending money. Before making any non-essential purchase, wait 24 hours and consider if you really need it or just want it in the moment.

With slow living, you can help your wallet by:

• Avoiding impulse purchases and unnecessary clutter

• Repairing possessions instead of replacing them

• Renting, borrowing or buying secondhand when possible

• Supporting local businesses and farmers markets

• Taking DIY approaches to tasks when practical

The savings from more intentional purchasing can be invested in what matters most—time with family, hobbies, passions and community. Start gradually introducing new habits and routines focused on intentionality over speed. The work you put into a little extra intention just might pay off through reduced stress, more savings, and a greater sense of fulfillment.

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