Are there days when you are constantly trying to get somewhere, when the to-do list never ends, but at the end of the day, you feel like you haven’t done anything?
It happens to me a lot. Especially when you have a 2.5-year-old, some days just saying “is the day over?” is considered a success.
And then I thought: “Would I accomplish more if I slowed down a bit instead of running around so much?”
In this article, we will talk about how to combine slow living with productivity. It’s not spiritual; it’s about methods that work in everyday life. If you’re ready, let’s get started!
What is Slow Living? What does it have to do with productivity?
Slow living means “living without rushing, digesting, staying in the moment”. It may sound radical in this age when everything is speeding up. But in fact, this is exactly what we need.
Slow life:
- Prefers to focus instead of being constantly busy.
- Prioritizes producing instead of consuming.
- Aims to live with what is meaningful, not to have more.
If you ask me what this is about, let me explain it this way:
When we live fast, we just try to do more things. But that doesn’t always mean we are more productive. On the contrary, we feel scattered, tired, and exhausted.
Why Am I Busy All the Time, but I Can’t Feel Productive?
I asked myself this question a lot.
A day is full, but in the evening, I feel like “I didn’t get anything done today”.
What is the reason?
- We are always doing things, but often not the important things.
- Notifications, emails, social media… Our minds are always busy, but we can’t focus on anything.
- We try to accomplish too much and miss the “little but meaningful”.
So being busy ≠ is being productive.
The Contribution of Slow Living to Productivity: From My Own Experience
There are a few things I’ve noticed since I started incorporating slow living into my life:
- My Morning Routine Simplified
I don’t check my phone first thing in the morning anymore. Of course, it also depends on how energized my child is that day when she wakes me up but as much as I can, I try to create a “mom version” morning routine.
Instead:
- 5 minutes of quiet
- A small coffee ceremony
- Writing down the 3 most important things of the day
They both clear my mind and help me start the day more focused.
2. I’m Not Doing 10 Things at Once
I used to work on 3 tabs, looking at my phone, and playing music.
Now I choose to focus on one task and finish it.
And this gives me faster results and a sense of accomplishment.
3. I See Breaks as Recharging, Not Guilt
Slowing down is not just laziness.
Even a 15-minute walk feels like a mental detox.
In the rare moments when my son sleeps or plays by himself, I give myself a little break. Sometimes, just sitting quietly feels like meditation.
Breaks are no longer a “waste of time” but an “investment in myself”.
Less is More: Small Steps to Minimalist Productivity
If you want to try this approach, here are some small steps to get you started:
Set Only 3 Goals a Day
Instead of making a list, choose 3 things that matter.
Trust me, 3 meaningful tasks are worth more than 10 superficial ones.
Divide Time into Blocks
Focus in the morning, communicate at noon, tidy up in the evening…
Knowing the rhythm of the day won’t make you feel empty.
Turn Off Notifications
Set “quiet time” on apps.
Checking social media 1–2 times a day is more productive than checking it 15 times a day.
Add Slow Down Habits
- Meditate for 5 minutes in the morning
- Take a short walk at lunchtime
- Put down the phone in the evening and read a book (or at least a book you can pick up when you dive into your toys
These habits reduce your mental burden.
How to Plan a Slow but Productive Day (Sample Routine)
Of course, everyone’s routine is different, but this might give you an idea:
Morning (08:00–10:00)
- A quiet start
- Planning the day
- Completing the most important work
Noon (12:00–13:00)
- A light meal
- A 10-minute walk
- “downtime” before a new task
Afternoon (13:30–16:00)
- Focus block
- If there is a meeting, consolidate it to one hour
Evening (after 17:30)
- Mini review of the day
- Disconnect from technology
- Time for yourself: hobby, book, family
For Those Who Want to Start: Mini Slow Living Guide
If you’re thinking, “Slow living is good, but where do I start?”, here are 5 simple tips:
- Spend the first 30 minutes in the morning screen-free.
- Simplify your to-do list.
- Create a focus block twice a day (no notifications).
- Allow yourself a 15-minute break (with peace of mind).
- Make a habit of slowing down (walk, breathe, take a tea break).
- Slow down with your child. Going for a walk in the park, looking at books together, sorting toys calmly… These are ways to connect with your child and slow down at the same time.
As a bonus, here are a few app suggestions:
Can You Achieve More by Slowing Down?
Being fast sometimes slows you down.
I no longer slow down to catch up, but to live less but more meaningfully.
As a mom, sometimes it may seem like my only productivity is “picking up the toys and letting them fall apart again”. But slow living has shown me that productivity is not just about getting things done; it is about staying in the moment, spending quality time with my child, and giving myself some breathing space.
Slowing down has brought me not only peace but also productivity.
If you want to find your rhythm, you can start with the suggestions above.
Maybe today will be the first day of your journey to “achieve more with less”.
What is your idea of productivity based on?
Do you prefer running or slowing down?
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for reading this far.
Don’t forget to click the clap button if you liked this, and subscribe if you want to know about my other content.
Thank you again.
Selin.
