Living in the present, living simply and slowly has been in our DNA as human beings forever. And yet, autopilot seems like our everyday default speed, causing us unprecedented levels of stress, fatigue and anxiety. In today’s world, learning how to slow down your life has become both a challenge and a valuable skill.
Just a few decades ago, we used to live less constrained by time and less preoccupied with keeping social appearances. We used to be focusing more on how we did things and not just on getting them done. Back when “online” wasn’t even a word, we used to be more connected with ourselves, and with others and we had more control over our lives. We were living slowly without knowing the opposite is a possibility.
In today’s hectic world, ruled by consumerism, the deceptive mirage of overnight success, and the overwhelming domination of technology, we are finding ourselves instinctively drawn back to a simpler way of living. As we often feel tired and disconnected from ourselves and the people we love, we need these slow moments more than ever.
I find it fascinating how cultures around the world have developed their unique approach to simple living, creating internal systems that encourage people to slow down, savor life’s simple pleasures, and make time for what matters most in life.
Here’s a selection of the most prominent philosophies around the world that will remind you to slow down your life:
1. Hygge in Denmark
Let’s start with hygge, the Danish way to live well or the so-called “art of creating intimacy”.
Hygge is a concept that has gained tons of popularity over the past few years due to Meik Wiking’s Little Book of Hygge – a must-read for those who want to find out what eligibly makes Denmark one of the happiest nations in the world.
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that refers to a cultural concept promoting a feeling of coziness and comfort, an inviting atmosphere where we feel safe and at ease. Mostly associated with long and cold winter nights, hygge is when you indulge in nutritious food next to family and friends in dimmed light or when you wrap yourself in a knitted blanket with a cup of hot chocolate by the window.
It is difficult to point out the exact origins of hygge, as it is a cultural concept that has evolved over centuries. However, the term appeared for the first time in written Danish at the beginning of the 17th century and to this day hygge remains a defining aspect of the Danish lifestyle and identity.
”Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience rather than about things”
Meik Wiking
The idea is to create a comfortable and inviting setting that triggers all your senses and helps you unwind. The Danish have a cult for quality lighting, so a first mandatory step to get that hyggelig vibe is to surround yourself with warm, soft light.
Having a fireplace and creating a hyggekrog at home (a nook where you can snuggle with a book and a cup of hot tea, usually by the window) is also at the heart of hygge. A hygge decor includes wooden furniture and ceramic decorations, plants or natural elements such as twigs or pinecones, vintage items, books, and candles, as well as plenty of throws and pillows.
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
Here’s what a friend of mine living in Copenhagen for several years and working at one of the city’s most popular pastry shops is saying about hygge: “To me, hygge means spending time at home with a good read, while lighting candles and enjoying a cup of tea or coffee. Here, in Denmark, we have dark days most of the year and one must learn how to maximize their time indoors.”
However, hygge often has a social component, as Danish people are big fans of coffee and pastry, which they sometimes like to enjoy together with friends. Even moms with babies in strollers take a well-deserved break for a hygge moment in cozy coffee shops during their daily walks, while their babies take a good nap outside, in crisp air.
2. Lagom in Sweden
Moving a bit North-East, we meet the Swedish concept lagom. Similar to hygge, lagom describes a lifestyle or mindset that values moderation and balance and is often associated with sustainability, simplicity, and well-being.
The word roughly translates to “just the right amount” or “not too much, not too little.” The idea behind lagom is to avoid extremes and to find a happy medium in all aspects of life, including work, play, consumption, and relationships.
Lagom promotes a sense of contentment and satisfaction with what you have, rather than always striving for achieving more and being in a consuming state of competition. It also encourages decluttering our homes to the extent of sticking only to the things we either need or love, as well as adopting a minimalist approach to what we buy and own.
According to lagom, we should buy less often and when we do, only invest in long-lasting, quality pieces. This Swedish philosophy promotes conscious purchase decisions and surrounding ourselves with authentic, significant things and memories that make us feel grateful every day. More often than not, to slow down your life means staying away from consumerism and the social pressure to always own “the latest”, “the most advanced”, “the most fashionable”, “the most instagrammable”, etc. And this is what lagom also teaches us.
A connected Swedish concept that encourages to slow down your life is Fika – a typical Swedish tradition or ritual translated as “a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life”. Fika refers to when you take time to pause, enjoy coffee with something sweet by the side, and get social.
Although the moment of fika is known to revolve around coffee and pastry – which in many cases are the famous cinnamon buns, often referred to as fika bread –, fika is a deeply rooted ritual that cherishes conversation and companionship, meant as a time to recharge batteries for the rest of the day.
Cool fact: this is also a widespread practice at work, where people can take turns to prepare fika for their colleagues, as a social ritual and an opportunity to bond.
Image by Freepik
3. Koselig in Norway
The hygge equivalent in Norway is koselig, a concept that encompasses a sense of coziness, comfort, warmth, and contentment.
Koselig is a cultural concept that refers to creating an intimate atmosphere with warm colors and soft light, spending quality time with your loved ones, enjoying delicious food and good conversations in the safety of your home. The idea of koselig is closely associated with the long, dark winters in Scandinavian countries, where people seek comfort and togetherness indoors.
Sitting by a fireplace while sipping a cup of hot cocoa, having a candlelit dinner with friends, or enjoying a quiet evening at home with soft lighting and comfortable surroundings can be described as koselig. The concept goes beyond just the physical environment and extends to the feelings of contentment and well-being that arise from these cozy and intimate moments.
Another related concept in Norway is friluftsliv, referring more to the joy you get by spending time outdoor. As opposed to hygge, which refers more to quality and meaningful time spent in the comfort of your home, friluftsliv translates to “open-air-living”. Time spend in nature is always the best way to slow down your life and Norwegians know it better than anyone.
Friluftsliv comes from the enjoyment of outdoor activities and a deep connection with nature, which in Norway is considered essential to people’s overall well-being and happiness. With all that stunning nature around them, it’s no wonder Norwegians think of friluftsliv as a key component of happiness.
Image by marymarkevich on Freepik
There’s clearly a deep connection between Scandinavian weather and these slow living philosophies, as people in this region seek to fight harsh weather conditions with indoor warmth and coziness. However, two connected concepts can also be found in other European countries – gemütlichkeit in Germany or gezelligheid in the Netherland.
While hygge is most often linked to a state of solitude and indoor relaxation, these two concepts have a more social meaning attached to them.
4. Gemütlichkeit in Germany
Gemütlichkeit is used to describe an atmosphere or environment that is welcoming and comfortable, where people can gather and enjoy each other’s company. Think of the traditional German beer gardens with their relaxed vibe and the sound of clinking beer mugs and you’ll know what gemütlichkeit is all about.
5. Gezelligheid in the Netherlands
Slow living in the Netherlands is commonly associated with gezelligheid, as a fundamental aspect of social interactions and relationships. Gezelligheid is when you spend time in good company, enjoy good food and drinks, and engage in light-hearted conversation. It can describe a cozy evening at home with friends, a convivial gathering, a chill party, or any situation where people come together in a comfortable and enjoyable setting.
6. Ikigai in Japan
I particularly love this concept, as it features a holistic approach to finding happiness and fulfillment in life. And since Japan is home to some of the world’s longest-living people, with a life expectancy of almost 85 years (in 2022), but also recording a high-quality lifestyle and increased well-being levels even at old ages, I guess we all have a lot to learn from the Japanese and not ignore the principles of ikigai.
Simply put, ikigai refers to the reason for being and finding your life purpose. Ikigai is that thing that brings joy and satisfaction and makes you jump off the bed each morning.
The intersection of four elements will lead you to a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment: what you love (passion), what you are good at (profession), what the world needs (mission), and what you can be paid for (vocation). To Japanese people, it is as simple as that.
If you think of it as a Venn diagram, your ikigai is the common area where these four circles overlap. When you engage in activities that check all four criteria, you’re likely to experience a deep sense of satisfaction, contentment, and well-being. Ikigai is often considered a guiding principle for finding meaning and direction in one’s life and career and it might also be the first important change to slow down your life.
The book that popularized the concept – Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, written by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles – offers an in-depth look into all these ideas. The authors also discuss the concept of `flow`, which refers to the state of complete absorption and engagement in an activity. Engaging in activities that align with your ikigai can lead to moments of flow, where you lose track of time and feel a deep sense of satisfaction.
“Our ikigai is different for all of us, but one thing we have in common is that we are all searching for meaning.”
Hector Garcia
According to the Japanese, self-reflection, exploration, and a deep understanding of your passions, skills, values, and the needs of the world around you are the main steps to discovering your ikigai.
How to find your ikigai:
- take time for self-awareness (through sports, meditation, journaling, time spent in nature)
- identify your passions and interests by trying new things, taking on projects, enrolling in a new course, volunteering, or exploring hobbies
- make an inventory of your skills and talents, reflecting on your core values and beliefs
- exploring the needs of the world around you (online and offline research)
Taking action can always provide valuable insights.
Remember that finding your ikigai is a journey that requires patience and ongoing self-discovery. It’s also important to acknowledge that your ikigai may not be just a single pursuit, but a combination of various activities and roles that contribute to your overall sense of purpose and fulfillment.
7. Dolce far niente in Italy
The Italian slow living philosophy is summed up by a popular phrase that translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing”. It refers to the enjoyment of idleness, relaxation, and leisure without feeling guilty about it.
It is a state of mind that embraces the pleasure of simply being present in the moment and appreciating the beauty of life. And if you’ve ever been to Italy, you know what I’m talking about, because il dolce far niente is a state of mind there.
Italians are known for their love of food, wine, and spending time with family and friends. The concept of dolce far niente embodies this love of life and the importance of savoring the present moment. Il dolce far niente is not about being lazy or unproductive, it’s about living without haste.
To slow down your life implies taking a daily break from the autopilot of daily life and enjoying some downtime to recharge and rejuvenate. Doing so without feeling the need to be constantly productive or engaged in activities can do wonders for our physical and mental health.
Think about it as a way to relieve stress and reduce anxiety, because il dolce far niente encourages a balance between productivity and relaxation, promoting mental wellbeing and a deeper connection with one’s surroundings.
8. Biniște in Romania
This one I saved for last. In 2021, Romanians have come up with their concept of slow living and it’s called biniște. The idea originated from a real estate website’s online campaign two years ago, inspired by the lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic and the resulting increase in time spent at home.
Thousands of Romanians voted for an equivalent term to hygge and biniște was the winner. Eventually, the company released a booklet teaching people how to create a sense of inner peace, gratitude, and happiness at home.
Biniște refers to the quality of a moment or a space that inspires a feeling of peace, well-being, and calm, and it’s also a state of mind that’s free from struggles and negative thoughts, where one is simply grateful for the present moment. Biniște moments come naturally, but here’s how you make sure of this comforting vibe: simplify, become aware of your surroundings – see, feel, smell, listen –, cook at home, and pamper yourself.
Is it a coincidence that all these cultures have developed their slow living philosophy? Probably not. These similar concepts prove that slow living is not a trend, but a mindset we can adopt long term for a more balanced and fulfilled life.
I am curious to learn whether you know other similar concepts or if you’ve traveled places where you observed people practicing a slow living lifestyle, even if they didn’t put a tag to it. I would love to hear from you.
Personal takeaways from these 8 slow living philosophies to help you slow down your life:
- Use time wisely, as it’s the most important asset we have in life. Learn to say no, live on your own terms, and make the most of every day. If it’s important to you, prioritize it.
- Value togetherness. In the most beautiful and difficult moments in life, you need people by your side. Nurture those few relationships that matter. Memories built with your family and close friends are the most valuable gift you can give to your older self.
- Cherish the mundane. Life is made of routines, small happenings, and big events. Don’t live only for the latter. Cherish and be thankful for being healthy and capable of doing all those small chores and repetitive activities that make part of the mundane.
- Spend time in nature. It’s pure therapy. Nature has a special way of healing, grounding you, and bringing calm and clarity. Time spent in nature is never wasted time.
- Create space for your passions. Cuz no one else will. If you can’t make a living out of them, at least create room regularly for what brings you utter joy and satisfaction.
- Surround yourself with beautiful objects. Life’s too short to be surrounded by things you don’t love. Repurpose old items and choose new items wisely – only those that bring value into your life.
- Keep balance in everything you do. Work and personal life. Social media and off-screen time. Eating, shopping, doing sports, you name it. There is no such thing as `a perfect life`, but balance helps us have the closest thing to it.
All these life philosophies share common themes such as togetherness, mindfulness, intentional living, and a focus on being instead of having. While they may originate from different cultural contexts, they prove our visceral need to return to a simpler way of living and to adopt a more thoughtful approach to life in a fast-paced world.
I hope they’ll inspire you too to slow down your life and find that lost balance and inner peace.
