Don't Be Fooled by the #SlowLiving Pose
Instagram vs Reality. Choosing real over reel.
Ah, ‘slow living’!!! The new hashtag du jour, splashed across pictures of perfectly arranged avocado toast or sitting at a cafe with a latte complimenting the ‘aesthetics’ or lounging in your favourite co-ords with a book in hand or artfully tousled beach waves and the latest ‘Embracing the slow life’ while vacationing. But before you pack your bags for a spontaneous #digitaldetox (complete with sponsored filter, of course), let's unpack what slow living truly means.
OK, back to slow living.
Living a truly slow life is more than just a fleeting moment or an aesthetic for social media. It's a mindset and a way of being that prioritises presence, intentionality, and savouring the simple joys of everyday life. Unfortunately, the term has been co-opted and misused by influencers and content creators who often present a romanticised, curated version of "slow living" for a day or two, only to return to their fast-paced, consumption-driven lifestyles.
In a world where social media often presents a distorted and curated reality, it's crucial to approach new trends and concepts with a critical eye and a willingness to dig deeper. Don't blindly consume what influencers and content creators present as "slow living" – instead, take the time to research and understand the true essence of this philosophy before embracing it in your own life. Slow living is a journey, not a destination, and one that requires patience, self-awareness, and a commitment to living with intention.
Now, I am not saying perfectly staged breakfast spreads can't be part of the slow living journey (hey, gotta make that avocado toast money somehow!). But remember, social media is a highlight reel, not a documentary. Don't be fooled by the curated calmness.
Let's be honest, folks, there's a difference between slowing down to capture the perfect content and slowing down to actually, you know, live. Influencers might be serving up slow living aesthetics, but true slow livers are cultivating a way of being.
So, what does that look like? Here are some hallmarks of the genuine slow life crew:
Intentionality: Those who genuinely embrace a slow life are characterised by a commitment to mindfulness, simplicity, and a focus on quality over quantity. They prioritise experiences over possessions, and find fulfilment in the present moment rather than constantly chasing the next thrill or trend. They prioritise experiences over possessions. Every action, from their morning routine to their evening wind-down, is geared towards what brings them peace and fulfilment. They're not just mimicking trends; they're curating a life that reflects their values.
I've always been a morning rusher, but this year, I've embraced a slower start to my day. By prioritising sleep and waking up earlier, I've discovered the joy of peaceful mornings surrounded by nature. This quiet time allows me to collect my thoughts and begin the day feeling calm and refreshed.Minimalism (of a sort): It's not just about the number of things they own (although that often plays a huge role). It's about minimising commitments, distractions, and anything that clutters their mental space. Their days are unhurried, filled with intentional activities that nourish the mind, body, and soul – whether it's tending to a garden, savouring a home-cooked meal, or engaging in a beloved hobby.
I prioritize quality over quantity in both my possessions and relationships. I value clear communication, respect for time, and a clutter-free environment. This mindful approach helps me conserve energy and focus on what truly matters. Need vs wants approach has always helped me be mindful of my lifestyle.Consistency: Consistency is key in slow living, as it's a lifestyle choice rather than a temporary fad. It's about cultivating habits and routines that foster a sense of balance, contentment, and connection with oneself and the world around them. It's a rejection of the relentless pursuit of productivity and the constant need for stimulation that characterises modern life. This slow living business isn't a one-time photoshoot. It's a daily practice, a commitment to mindfulness and intentionality that weaves its way through everything they do. Imagine, prioritising sleep most nights!
It is essential to critically examine the content we consume online. While many influencers present an idealised lifestyle, it's crucial to remember that social media often offers a curated and filtered perspective. By scrutinising the consistency between an influencer's professed values and their actions, consumers can develop a more discerning eye for authentic content. It's important to recognize that not all influencers are disingenuous; many use their platforms for positive impact. However, the pressure to create viral content can sometimes overshadow genuine messaging. Ultimately, social media should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment rather than a definitive guide to living.
Social media has a knack for turning profound concepts into fleeting trends, and slow living is no exception. We're bombarded with idyllic vacation photos showcasing meticulously planned itineraries overflowing with tourist hotspots and enough photo ops to fill a digital gallery. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing inherently wrong with crafting a vacation that way – travel is a deeply personal experience. What bothers me is the superficiality of it all, this complete distortion of what slow living truly represents.
Take me, for instance. My past vacations were a whirlwind of activities, driven by the warped idea that leisure was only earned after professional milestones. (How toxic was I?) The mere thought of free time was anxiety-inducing, so I crammed my schedule to the max. Add to that limited vacation time and financial constraints, and the "make the most of it" mentality took over.
After moving to Sweden, however, I've consciously chosen to embrace a slower pace of life, and it's been a journey of both challenge and revelation. My new home is a testament to this – a deliberate move away from the bustling city center to a nature-rich area with walking trails, the calming sounds of seagulls and rain, and a clear night sky for stargazing. Don't get me wrong, I loved the energy of my old Hyderabad life, and the London skyline (watching the majestic Shard from my kitchen and dining area) held a certain charm back then. But now, I crave tranquillity over constant stimulation. Picking berries in the forest, long walks with Leia, and decorating my home with fresh hand picked flowers – these everyday experiences may seem quaint to some, but for me, they are the epitome of luxury. I've become attuned to subtle changes – the movement of clouds, the arrival of migratory birds, the seasonal dance of blooming flowers and changing foliage. While I do actively capture snippets of my slow living journey online,the true essence – the daily practice of mindfulness and intentionality – flourishes offline.
Sure, I get it. Slow living needs to fit your individual rhythm. A new mom or someone juggling a demanding schedule can't realistically embrace it in the same way. I've been there myself – early morning classes, my freelance work, current projects, social obligations and household chores leave little room for quiet contemplation or savouring my morning coffee. But here's the thing: waking up just an hour earlier grants me that precious time. As my schedule inevitably gets busier, I've vowed to myself to be intentional about carving out space for slow living.
Vacations are another story. The travel bug still bites, but frankly, crowded tourist traps and overhyped recommendations never held much appeal, even before the reel culture took over. Leia has redefined travel for us too. It'll be a mix of a few curated experiences and plenty of relaxation – after all, not everything on Instagram is real (hello, colour correction and heavy photoshop!). No FOMO here – just a clear understanding that slow living can take many forms, and for me, it means cherishing stolen moments and approaching travel with a focus on rest and connection.
Even seemingly mundane tasks like grocery shopping or house cleaning have undergone a transformation. I plan and phase them out to avoid last-minute stress. Sure, I value efficiency and strive to optimise my days, wielding the Eisenhower Matrix like a productivity warrior. But the key shift is respecting my mind and body. This slower, more intentional approach has resulted in a happier, calmer, and more productive me. Peacefulness has become a constant companion. This newfound tranquillity extends to my social circle. Disorganisation and last-minute changes trigger my anxiety, so the "last minute" crowd just isn't my tribe. People who make a dozen calls while rushing through life, or those more interested in selfies than savouring the moment, don't resonate with me. The same goes for those who are poor listeners or flit from one event to the next, seeking fleeting validation through likes and comments.
My plea to influencers and content creators: embrace authenticity! Ditch the glorification of lifestyles that aren't your norm. Don't mislead others by twisting concepts like "mindful travel" or "conscious living." If you pack 20 outfits for a weekend getaway – own it! But don't preach about minimalism afterward. Sharing experiences from a rural escape is great, but avoid claiming a lifelong connection to that lifestyle. People can be gullible, believing the curated reality they see online. Wouldn't authenticity be a refreshing trend? Let's celebrate individuality and ditch the pressure to conform to a fabricated ideal. Remember, there's no hate here – live your life on your terms. But ditch the facade and the pressure to present your lifestyle as the only option.
And to those who consume social media, the next time you come across a perfectly staged "slow living" moment on the gram, or see someone basking in the #slowliving glow, take a moment to research the philosophy behind it. Remember that true slow living is about embracing the beauty in the ordinary, the joy in the present, and the freedom that comes from living with purpose and presence. It's a way of being that cannot be captured in a fleeting moment or a carefully curated feed – it's a lifelong practice that requires dedication and a willingness to step off the treadmill of modern life.
The internet is a vast resource, people! Use it to explore different perspectives before diving headfirst into the next trendy lifestyle.
Because after all, living slow is about living authentically. And that, my friends, is anything but a pose.
TID
(Tanushree Ishani Das)
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Love this. I can feel that you embody slow living just through your words :)
Are you me? I spent so much of my 20s hustling and constantly making plans, because society (and a certain side of social media) value productivity above all. I've lived in a few bigger cities, but now I'm living on a quiet, peaceful island that encourages me to slow down. Also, you are absolutely right about the false illusion of slow living on social media!