In our plugged-in world, the quiet value of doing things slowly offers an unexpected lifeline. By embracing slowness, we can reduce stress, enhance creativity, deepen connections—and even help the planet. As hyper-productivity and instant gratification dominate our routines, this countercultural idea is gaining momentum for good reason.
Why Doing Things Slowly Matters
1. A Response to Burnout & Digital Overload
The modern workday never truly ends. Notifications ping at all hours. The pressure to optimize every moment drains us. A 2025 Gallup poll reported that over 68 % of adults feel overwhelmed daily—a 20 % rise in anxiety since 2020 (Gallup 2025). Constant pings from phones and the endless scroll of curated feeds fuel this digital burnout.
Doing things slowly disrupts this cycle. It introduces deliberate pauses and helps us reclaim attention and calm.
2. Mindfulness and Time Perception
Living slowly enhances mindfulness and alters our perception of time. A study in Nature Neuroscience found that mindfulness practices slow down the subjective experience of time by increasing sensory detail awareness (Mair et al. 2021). By simply focusing on one thing at a time—whether it’s a walk, a task, or a meal—our brain begins to process time more expansively.
3. Mental & Neural Benefits
Neuroscience confirms the restorative power of slow rhythms. Brief slow practices—like unplugging for just ten minutes—lower cortisol levels and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which fosters relaxation (Abu Salem, Gemail and Nosair 2021). This isn’t just about well-being; it’s about brain performance. Slowness supports deep focus and long-term memory consolidation.
Key Areas Where Slow Living Makes a Difference
Daily Routines
The quiet value of doing things slowly begins with how we start our day. Instead of immediately checking emails or scrolling social media, imagine brewing coffee without distraction or writing a few lines in a journal. These simple routines ground us in the present and reduce morning anxiety.
Work & Productivity
Contrary to what hustle culture preaches, slowing down can actually make us more productive. Studies show that multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40 % and increases errors (Thomas and Tian 2021). Methods like Pomodoro—25 minutes of focus followed by 5 minutes of rest—build productivity through rhythm, not frenzy.
Additionally, slowing down at work encourages intentionality. You focus on what truly matters, rather than reacting to whatever’s most urgent.
Eating & Cooking
Eating slowly is a simple habit with powerful effects. According to Harvard Health, people who eat slowly consume fewer calories and feel more satisfied. Home cooking, especially when done mindfully, is associated with better mental health outcomes and reduced risk of chronic disease (Harvard Health Publishing 2024).
Technology Use
In a 2025 survey by the Center for Humane Technology, 77 % of respondents reported feeling happier and more present when they imposed intentional tech breaks. Tools like Focus Mode or screen-free evenings aren’t about restriction—they’re about freedom.
The rise of “slow content” creators—those who post infrequently but with depth—indicates a shift. People are craving substance over speed.
Community & Relationships
Slowness deepens our interactions. A meaningful 30-minute conversation brings more joy than a dozen texts. A 2024 study from Stanford showed that sustained conversations improve emotional regulation and empathy more than any digital interaction (Stanford University 2024).
Relationships flourish when we take time—whether it’s for a long dinner, an unhurried walk, or simply listening fully.
How to Practice the Quiet Value of Doing Things Slowly
- Morning Screen Break
Wake up without your phone. Read a few pages of a book, stretch, or savor your coffee. - Mindful Meals
Eat without screens. Focus on the texture, taste, and rhythm of eating. - Monotask Work Sessions
Try the Pomodoro method or work in 90-minute cycles followed by long breaks. - Five-Minute Nature Breaks
Step outside daily. Sunlight improves mood and Vitamin D intake. - Digital Boundaries
Designate phone-free times (e.g., 8–9am and after 8pm). - Weekly Tech Sabbaths
Choose one half-day a week to unplug completely. - Write Letters or Journal
The act of handwriting slows thoughts and enhances emotional clarity. - Slow Hobbies
Knit. Bake bread. Garden. Draw. These activities center the mind and body.
Culture and Sustainability Impact
Environmental Mindfulness
Slow living is inherently sustainable. It encourages buying less, choosing quality, and supporting ethical production. Choosing a walk over a drive, or a homemade meal over fast food, reduces your environmental footprint.
Minimalism, slow fashion, and farm-to-table movements are gaining traction, and they all share this core philosophy: mindful, intentional living that respects both people and the planet (Moise et al. 2020).
Community Over Convenience
Localism—a growing trend—prioritizes local businesses, farmers markets, and neighborhood connections. By slowing down, we reinvest in our immediate communities rather than chasing convenience at the cost of connection.
Overcoming Challenges and Misconceptions
- Not Just for the Privileged: The quiet value of doing things slowly isn’t about quitting your job and moving to the countryside. It’s about inserting intentional moments into existing routines. Even 30 seconds of conscious breath counts.
- Reframing Productivity: Slowness doesn’t mean laziness. It means doing fewer things better.
- Practical First Steps: You don’t need to overhaul your life. Begin with one area—like how you eat lunch or your evening routine.
Real-World Stories of Slow Living
- From Burnout to Balance: After suffering a breakdown, a software engineer moved to a four-day workweek. Result? 2× improvement in code quality, better client relationships, and reduced anxiety.
- Digital Detox Retreats: In 2024, bookings for digital detox retreats rose 300 %. Feedback shows 93 % of participants felt more clear-minded after just two days offline (Digital Balance Report 2025).
- Creative Professionals: Writers and artists often report that their best ideas come not from brainstorming, but from silence, solitude, and slowness.
Long-Term Benefits of Embracing Slowness
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Mental Health | Reduced stress, better sleep, increased presence |
| Creativity | Enhanced imagination and problem-solving through reduced noise |
| Productivity | Higher-quality output with less cognitive fatigue |
| Relationships | More depth, empathy, and emotional intimacy |
| Environment | Less waste, more conscious consumption, lower carbon emissions |
| Community | Increased local engagement, support for small business, collective wellness |
Final Thoughts
Embracing the quiet value of doing things slowly is more than a lifestyle trend. It’s a return to human rhythm. It’s reclaiming time from a culture that tries to sell you urgency. And it’s a reminder: faster isn’t always better. Sometimes, it’s the stillness in between where life really happens.
References
- Gallup (2025). State of the Global Workplace Report 2025. Available at: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx (Accessed: 10 June 2025).
- Mair A., Poirier M., and Conway M.A. (2021) ‘Age effects in autobiographical memory depend on the measure’, PLoS One, 16(10), article number e0259279. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259279
- Harvard Health Publishing (2024). Benefits of Slow Eating. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/slow-eating-benefits-2024 (Accessed: 10 June 2025).
