QUESTION: Can you live the slow life in London?
In today’s fast-paced world, where hustle and bustle have become the norm, there is a growing need for a counterbalance that promotes mindfulness, well-being, and meaningful experiences. Enter the concept of slow living. It’s a movement that advocates for a more intentional and mindful approach to life. Slow living is not about being idle or unproductive; it’s about consciously choosing to slow down, simplify, and savour the present moment.
But what does that even look like?
Some may argue that the slow life is a luxury reserved for those who have bid farewell to London’s manic energy. Countless articles narrate tales of departing the capital for the tranquility of the countryside, painting a picture of idyllic canoe trips and leisurely afternoons. Yet, is it possible to embrace the ethos of slow living within the vibrant pulse of London, or are city dwellers resigned to a life in the fast lane?
Slow Living: The idea that you can’t live the ‘slow life’ in London is a false narrative…
The truth is, amidst the hustle and bustle of London, opportunities for slow living exist. London is not just a place; it’s a mindset. With focus and intention, one can carve out moments of tranquility and reflection even in the heart of the city. Amidst the frenzy, there exists a multitude of avenues to embrace a slower pace of life. Financial constraints may pose challenges, but the essence of slow living transcends monetary concerns. It’s about reclaiming agency over our time and priorities, regardless of our circumstances.
So, how do you do it?
To embrace slow living in London, it’s essential to adopt a mindset of exploration and appreciation for the city’s offerings. Contrary to popular belief, Central London isn’t solely synonymous with frenzied shopping excursions and crowded eateries.
For those seeking solace amidst the pages of a book, London boasts a plethora of independent bookstores and literary havens waiting to be discovered. From the historic charm of Daunt Books in Marylebone to the eclectic ambiance of Word On The Water nestled along Regents Canal, each bookstore offers a sanctuary for bibliophiles to indulge in the art of slow reading, accompanied by a steaming cup of tea.
In essence, slow living is not a destination but a journey, a conscious choice to savour life’s simple pleasures and cultivate a deeper connection with oneself and the world. So, why not embark on a journey of slow living amidst the vibrant tapestry of London? After all, the choice is ours to make.
Look, if you are on the breadline and all you can do is work with no downtime, the slow life is gonna be pretty tough to achieve- but this would be the same anywhere. If you are broke, life is going to be tough in London and out in the countryside too – broke is broke. In summary, If you have a small income and access to some free time, you can choose the slow life in London. Yes, you can. Here’s a couple of ideas to get you started…
Keep it local and join your local Facebook groups
There are no travel costs when you keep it local (if budget is an issue). Visit your local farmers market or library, join a walking group or start your own. Whether you are walking through South Bank or through your local park, walking is the slow life experience that truly ticks all the boxes. Walking is low impact on your joints and even lower impact on your wallet, it’s also just the right pace to get you out and about with enough time to smell the roses.
Be a tourist and sightsee (…don’t shop)
If you live in the City, Central London is at most a bus or 2 away. Make a packed lunch, be a tourist and stroll! Many of us associate going into Central London or ‘town’ as being about hitting Selfridges, shopping amongst the crowds, queuing for expensive meals or having to buy lots of bits for the kids. It’s just not true – visit one of the free museums or a destination library / bookstore and for goodness sake, bring a packed lunch. You can eat a packed lunch almost anywhere and at anytime, which means no reservations needed and no second mortgage needed to pay off expensive meals.
”POP ALONG TO A LIBRARY FOR THE ULTIMATE SLOW LIFE EXPERIENCE…”
You could take a friend for a ‘bookathon’ and grab a cup of tea. Here are a few libraries to try – all in the same general location or a walk away. A London slow life book-tour list for a day spent smelling the pages? Yes please:
Daunt Books, Marylebone
Hatchards, Piccadilly Circus
Any Amount of Books, Charing Cross Rd
Word On The Water, Regents Canal
London Review Bookshop, Bloomsbury
Waterstones, Piccadilly (the biggest book shop in London)
Foyles Charing, Cross Road
Judd Books, Bloomsbury
Still not convinced? Watch this video to get you in the Slow Life in London zone…
