Slow Living Lifestyle Women: How to Slow Down After 35 & Find Calm

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The Art of Slow Living: How to Add Calm Into a Busy Life

In a world that glorifies busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and constant hustle, the idea of slowing down seems revolutionary. Yet, for us women over 35, embracing a slow living lifestyle can be transformative, not just for our mental health, but for our overall sense of well-being, fulfilment, and joy. Learning how to slow down after 35 isn’t about abandoning ambition or goals. It’s about cultivating calm, reclaiming your time, and creating a life that feels intentional and meaningful.

If you’ve ever wondered how to slow down after 35 without losing your drive or purpose, this guide will show you how to weave calm into even the busiest life.

What Is A Slow Living Lifestyle?

Slow living is more than a trend or lifestyle buzzword; it is a philosophy that encourages mindfulness, intentionality, and presence in daily life. It is about slowing your pace, savoring moments, and prioritizing quality over quantity. While it doesn’t mean quitting your job or leaving your responsibilities behind, it does mean making conscious choices to reduce stress, simplify routines, and honor your rhythm.

For women in their mid-30s and beyond, slow living often becomes a calling. After years of balancing careers, family, and societal expectations, it’s natural to desire a lifestyle that allows space for reflection, self-care, and true enjoyment of life.

Why Slow Living Matters for Women Over 35

Life after 35 often brings a mix of clarity and challenges. You might find yourself at a crossroads, wondering whether you’re prioritizing the things that truly matter. Studies show that chronic busyness can contribute to stress, burnout, and even physical health issues like insomnia, high blood pressure, and weakened immunity.

By learning how to slow down after 35, women can:

• Reconnect with themselves: Rediscover passions, hobbies, and dreams that were pushed aside.
• Boost mental clarity: Reduced stress means more focused thinking and creativity.
• Improve relationships: Being present allows deeper connections with family, friends, and partners.
• Enhance overall well-being: Slow living encourages self-care routines that nurture both mind and body.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Slow Living into Your Busy Life

Implementing a slow living lifestyle doesn’t require drastic life changes overnight. It’s about adopting small, consistent practices that collectively create a calmer, more intentional life. Here are practical strategies for women seeking to slow down after 35:

1.Create Mindful Morning Rituals

How you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Instead of rushing through breakfast or diving straight into emails, consider creating a morning ritual that prioritizes calm and presence. This could include:

• Gentle stretching or yoga to awaken your body
• Mindful meditation or deep breathing for clarity and focus
• Journaling to set intentions and reflect on gratitude
• Savoring a quiet cup of tea or coffee without distractions

Even five minutes of gentle stretching or yoga can set the tone for a slow, grounded day. I love rolling out a supportive yoga mat like this one I recommend because it makes the practice feel intentional and comfortable, almost like a soft landing space for your body and mind.

If mornings feel impossible, try a mini ritual at night instead, lighting a candle, journaling for 5 minutes, or meditating to close the day with intention.

2.Declutter Your Physical Space

A cluttered home often leads to a cluttered mind. Slow living encourages simplicity, meaning you surround yourself only with items that bring joy and utility. Start with small, manageable spaces like a single drawer, your closet, or your work desk.

• Declutter with intention: Ask yourself if an item serves a purpose or sparks joy.
• Create calm zones: Designate spaces in your home for relaxation, reading, or meditation.
• Use mindful storage solutions: Attractive baskets, shelving, or organizers can create order while maintaining aesthetics.

Download my free Minimalist checklist to simplify your space in just minutes a day, and create calm without completely overhauling your life.

3.Embrace Digital Minimalism

We live in a world that’s always “on,” and it can feel almost impossible to fully disconnect. But slow living is about taking back your time and energy in small, intentional ways. Think of digital minimalism not as restriction, but as a gift of presence to yourself. Here are a few gentle shifts you can try:

• Set screen-free moments. Make meals, bedtime, or your morning coffee tech-free so you can fully savor those little rituals.
• Scroll with intention. Instead of mindless scrolling, decide when and why you’ll check social media. Even 10 minutes of focused, guilt-free scrolling feels better than an hour lost in the feed.
• Declutter your digital life. Unsubscribe from the newsletters you never read, silence the notifications that stress you out, and keep only what actually adds value.

And remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Start with one small boundary, like keeping your phone out of the bedroom, and notice how much lighter you feel.

If you want a little support, tools like a focus-timer app or even blue-light blocking glasses can make it easier to stay consistent without feeling deprived.

4.Practice Mindful Eating

Eating slowly and intentionally is one of the simplest ways to bring slow living into your day. I’ve found that when I actually pay attention to my meals, it changes the whole experience:

• Savor every bite: Take a moment to notice the flavors, textures, and aromas. Really taste your food instead of rushing through it.
• Put away distractions: I know it’s tempting to scroll while eating, but even a few meals without screens can feel surprisingly refreshing.
• Choose nourishing foods: Meals that fuel your body make a big difference for energy and focus. On busy days, having healthy meals ready can be a lifesaver. Meal delivery services with wholesome, balanced options are great for this.

This week, try the ‘one-bite mindfulness’ approach: take one bite, pause, notice the taste, and breathe before your next bite. It’s such a small practice, but it can completely change the way you enjoy your meals.

5.Move with Intention

Moving your body doesn’t have to mean pushing through tough workouts or following a strict routine. The goal is to choose movement that feels good and helps you reconnect with yourself.

• Take a slow walk outside and really notice the breeze, the sounds, and the way your body feels with each step.
• Add a few gentle stretches in the morning to wake up your body or at night to help you unwind.
• Even something as simple as walking barefoot on the grass can ground you and bring a sense of calm.

The key is to move in ways that leave you feeling nourished, not drained. This week, pick one small movement ritual that feels good to you and see how it shifts your energy.

6.Create Boundaries and Learn to Say No

One of the most liberating aspects of slow living is reclaiming your time. Learning to say no protects your energy and ensures that you focus on what truly matters:

• Evaluate commitments: Are they aligned with your values and priorities?
• Communicate clearly: Saying no doesn’t have to feel guilty
• Protect downtime: Schedule intentional rest as you would any appointment

I recommend you try a weekly “commitment audit” by listing everything on your schedule and eliminating anything that isn’t necessary or joyful. If you want practical tips on how to set boundaries without guilt or overthinking, check out my post on Setting Boundaries Without Guilt.

7.Prioritize Self-Care and Rest

Slow living is incomplete without genuine self-care. Rest is not laziness, it’s essential for creativity, productivity, and happiness:

• Sleep routines: Aim for 7–8 hours per night, and create a calming bedtime ritual
• Pampering rituals: Baths, skincare, or meditation help signal your body to relax
• Creative outlets: Painting, journaling, or knitting are activities that nourish your soul

Consider gifting yourself a mini self-care afternoon once a week (or even twice a month if that feels more realistic). During this time, there are no tasks, no to-do lists, just space for what truly nurtures you. It could be as simple as a nap with a calming sleep mask, diffusing essential oils while you journal, or indulging in a self-care subscription box that delivers little treats right to your door. Small rituals like these remind you that rest is productive too.

8.Foster Meaningful Connections

Social media can trick us into feeling connected, but nothing replaces the warmth of real-life bonds. Slow living invites us to be more intentional with our relationships, that is, choosing quality over quantity. That might look like;

• scheduling a cozy coffee or tea ( I love tea) date with a friend
• calling your mom just to hear her laugh
• lingering in a deep, soul-filling conversation instead of rushing through small talk

Even a simple 10-minute check-in with someone you love can be grounding and remind you that you’re not alone. If you’re looking to deepen your connections, consider exploring insightful books on relationships, like Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller, or The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, which offer valuable perspectives on understanding and strengthening relationships.

9.Cultivate a Slow Living Mindset

For me, slow living isn’t just about the routines or habits; it’s really about mindset. It’s the choice to savor the journey instead of rushing through life. Over time, I’ve found a few simple practices that help me stay grounded and present:

Practice gratitude daily: Each morning or evening, I take a few minutes to reflect on what went well, no matter how small. Even noticing a warm cup of coffee or a kind gesture can shift my perspective.

Celebrate small wins: Did I take a quiet walk outside today? Cook a nourishing meal? Complete a task without stress? I pause and acknowledge these victories because they matter.

Let go of perfectionism: I’ve learned that progress, not perfection, is what keeps life moving forward. It’s okay if everything isn’t “just right” being present is enough.

If you’d like extra support, keeping a gratitude journal has been life-changing for me. I love using tools like guided journals or apps that gently remind me to pause and reflect; small nudges that make a big difference.

10.Integrate Slow Living into Travel and Hobbies

Slow living isn’t just for your home; it can easily spill over into the way you travel and spend your free time. I’ve found that when I slow down, these experiences feel richer and more memorable:

• Slow travel: Instead of trying to see everything, I focus on one or two destinations and really immerse myself in the local culture. Staying longer in one place lets me notice the little details; the morning light on the streets, the aroma of fresh bread from a local bakery, or a quiet café tucked away from the crowds.
• Hobbies that flow: Activities like gardening, painting, or even simple crafts help me unplug and fully enjoy the moment. It’s not about perfection, it’s about the joy of creating and being present.
• Mindful holidays: I’ve learned to plan breaks that actually feel like rest. It’s not about ticking off a sightseeing checklist, but about savoring the moments, relaxing, and letting my mind and body recharge.

When I approach travel and hobbies this way, even ordinary experiences feel meaningful, and I return home feeling renewed rather than exhausted.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Adopting a slow living lifestyle isn’t always easy, especially if you’re used to a fast-paced life. Here are common obstacles and tips to navigate them:

• Feeling Guilty About Downtime: Remember, rest is productivity for your mind and body. Treat it as non-negotiable.
• Pressure from Work or Family: Set boundaries and communicate your needs clearly. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
• Impatience with Results: Slow living is a gradual transformation. Celebrate progress rather than expecting instant change.

How to Start Today

Here’s a simple 5-step roadmap for women ready to slow down after 35:

1. Pick one morning or evening ritual to implement this week
2. Declutter one small space in your home for a calmer environment
3. Designate a daily digital-free hour for reading, reflection, or quiet time
4. Add a mindful movement—walk, stretch, or yoga, to your routine
5. Journal three things you’re grateful for each day

Starting small builds momentum. Over time, these small shifts compound into a full slow living lifestyle.

Recommended Tools and Resources

If you’re ready to bring more slow living practices into your day, a few simple tools can make the journey feel more supportive and enjoyable. These aren’t about adding more to your plate they’re gentle companions that remind you to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

• Guided Journals & Planners – If you’re new to reflection, a good guided journal can make it feel less overwhelming. I personally love journals that prompt you with daily questions and space for gratitude, it helps you pause and notice your progress. This one has been a favorite because it keeps me consistent without feeling like “work.”
• Mindful Tea Rituals – Something as simple as a daily tea ritual can become a slow living anchor. A calming blend like this organic chamomile tea (my fav) turns an ordinary evening into a moment of presence.
• Aromatherapy Diffusers – There’s something magical about walking into a room that smells like lavender it instantly softens your energy. A simple diffuser like this one has become part of my nightly wind-down routine.
• Minimalist Home Organization Tools – Clutter is noisy. Investing in a few simple organizers, like these storage baskets, helped me feel like my home finally matched the calm I was craving inside.
• Books on Mindfulness & Slow Living – One of the best ways to embrace slow living is to learn from those who’ve been practicing it for years. A few of my go-to reads are this book it is gentle but a powerful guide on creating a life with more presence.

At the end of the day, learning how to slow down after 35 isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a vital practice for your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Slow living invites you to step off the treadmill of “always doing” and step into a life filled with calm, joy, and deeper meaning.

Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about presence. Start with one ritual, one corner of your home, or even one mindful breath and let the journey unfold gently from there.

Ready to take your first step into a calmer, more intentional lifestyle? My free Minimalist Lifestyle Checklist was created just for you. It’s a simple, practical guide to help you declutter your space, mind, and daily routines so you can focus on what truly matters.

Download your free Minimalist Checklist here and start embracing slow living today.

Xoxo,