Lately, you might have heard a lot about this thing called “slow living.” The idea is to step back from the hectic rush of modern life, take a breath, and focus on what truly matters. It’s becoming a bit of a lifestyle trend, one that promises more peace, more presence, and more meaning in the everyday.
But here’s the thing. Slow living often gets painted as the choice to retreat, to stay home, to “go quiet” socially. And while it’s true that slow living encourages us to be more intentional and less frantic, it doesn’t mean you have to put your social life on pause. In fact, for me, slow living has made my social life better, richer, more genuine, and definitely more enjoyable.
What Slow Living Really Means
Slow living isn’t about doing less or becoming a hermit. It’s about doing things differently, choosing quality over quantity, presence over distraction, and connection over busyness. It means being mindful about how you spend your time and energy, including who you spend it with.
Rather than rushing from event to event or trying to cram every invitation into your calendar, slow living invites you to slow down and choose the social occasions that really resonate with you. It’s about creating space for meaningful moments rather than ticking boxes.
Why Slow Living is Gaining Ground
It’s no surprise slow living is on the rise. After years of being glued to screens, juggling endless commitments, and living in a culture that glorifies being busy, many of us are craving a different way. A way that honours rest, relationships, and real joy.
This movement ties into broader trends like minimalism, mental wellness, and sustainability. We’re all trying to simplify, reduce overwhelm, and live more intentionally, including how and when we connect with others.
Keeping Your Social Life Alive Without the Rush
If you’re worried slow living means fewer nights out or less social time, I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s more about how you socialise than how much. Here are some ways to embrace slow living and keep your social life vibrant:
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- Opt for smaller, more intentional gatherings. Instead of large parties, invite a few close friends over for a cosy dinner or a casual catch-up. These moments tend to be more relaxed and meaningful.
- Choose activities that encourage real connection. A quiet walk, a shared hobby, or even a mindful sundowner ritual with friends can be more rewarding than loud, crowded venues.
- Be selective about your social calendar. Saying no isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a way to protect your energy and show up fully when it matters.
- Slow down during the social moments themselves. Resist the urge to multitask or scroll your phone. Really listen, laugh, and savour the company.
Finding Balance at Social Events
I’ll admit, embracing slow living hasn’t meant turning down every social event. Just recently, I found myself at a midweek dinner party with a few friends and colleagues. The kind of night where there’s good food, a glass or two of wine, and plenty of laughter.
Because I know these evenings can sometimes leave me feeling wiped out the next day, especially when juggling early mornings, I decided to try something new. I had Myrkl before heading out, a little trick a friend of mine recommended.
The next morning, I felt surprisingly fresh. No dragging, no fogginess, just ready to dive into the day. It wasn’t about indulging more, but about looking after myself so I could enjoy the moment and bounce back with ease.
This small act of self-care made me feel like I could have my social life and stick to my slow living values by respecting my energy and not pushing beyond what feels sustainable.
Slow Living and Socialising, The Perfect Pair
Ultimately, slow living and socialising aren’t opposites. Slow living is about being present, and that applies beautifully to how we connect with others. When you slow down and focus on quality, social interactions become less about quantity and more about meaning.
Imagine the difference between rushing from one loud event to another, versus settling in for a heartfelt conversation with a good friend over a warm drink. The latter
leaves you feeling nourished, grounded, and connected, exactly what slow living champions.
So next time you face a packed social calendar or feel pressure to keep up the pace, remember that slowing down doesn’t mean stepping back from your people. It means choosing how you want to show up for them, fully, intentionally, and with care for your own wellbeing.
And if you need a little help to keep your energy steady through those special moments, well, you now have a secret weapon too.
Enjoyed this article? You might appreciate How I Keep My Social Life Going During the Cold Winter Months, especially with colder months still looming. A Practical Guide: The Art of Food and Wine Pairing can help you set up the perfect slow-living kind dinner.
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It efficiently breaks down the absorption of alcohol, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Based on a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, conducted with 24 healthy subjects. Subjects were randomised to take 2 capsules/day of AB001 or placebo for 1 week prior to experimental day, where they ingested a light breakfast and drank a moderate glass of spirit (0.3 g/kg body weight).
- Pfützner A, Hanna M, Andor Y, Sachsenheimer D, Demircik F, Wittig T and de Faire J. Chronic Uptake of A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement (AB001) Inhibits Absorption of Ethylalcohol in the Intestine Tract – Results from a Randomized Double-blind Crossover Study. Nutr. Metab. Insights. 2022;15:1-5.
MYRKL (capsules), Unscheduled. D 34.12: Complementary Medicine (Health Supplement). Contains Fermented Rice Bran (Oryza sativa), L-Cysteine, Dextrin and Vitamin B12. (fermented by Bacillus subtilis & Bacillus coagulans). This medicine is subject to regulatory control by SAHPRA.
Developed and formulated by: De Faire Medical AB, Västra Trädgårdsgatan 11A, 111 53 Stockholm, Sweden.
Applicant: Imperial Market Access Healthcare SA (Pty) Ltd, 57 Sarel Baard Crescent, Gateway Industrial Park, Rooihuiskraal, 0157.
General contact information: Tel: 012 621 4300, info.mahsa.sm@dpworld.com. For any quality or safety related queries, please contact Imperial Quality at quality.healthcare.sm@dpworld.com or Imperial Medical at pvimperiallogistics@dpworld.com.
