How to Slow Down Life in 2024: 100 Tips for Introverts

Raise your hand if you’ve thought “How is it {insert month} already?!” at least once this year (I know I have). Between the demands life places on us (work, family, friends, community) and the pressures we place on ourselves (thoughts, beliefs, mindsets, expectations), it can feel like life is whizzing by. While a fast-paced life may look alluring on the outside, we’re often racing past the things that make life a joy to live: peace, curiosity, awe, creativity, connection. If you’re craving a softer, quieter life in 2024, you’re not alone. Here’s 100 practical answers to the question, “How to slow down life in 2024?”

Mindful Living:

• Start your day with a positive affirmation, even as simple as “Today is going to be a great day!” Say it or think it as soon as your feet touch the ground.
• Engage your senses when you’re doing every day tasks like sipping coffee, washing your hands, applying your makeup, etc. Focus on the sensations in that moment to disconnect.
• Incorporate a practice like EFT tapping to clear your mind and work through feelings.
• Build a practice like gratitude journaling.
• Prioritize tasks that will make the most impact instead of trying to do it all.
• Focus on one task at a time instead of multitasking.
• Take a deep breath any time you stand up from your desk.
• Schedule 5-10 minutes a day for solitude.
• Reflect at the end of every day: what made you happy, what went well, what you learned, what you’d like to do differently, etc.
• Think about the best part of your day as you’re falling asleep.
• Practice saying “no” to commitments that don’t align with your priorities.
• Whenever you make a mistake, practice self-love by saying (or thinking) you forgive, love, and accept yourself.

Digital Detox:

• Use a traditional alarm clock instead of your phone to reduce the chance of scrolling first in the morning.
• Turn your phone off (or to airplane mode) while working on an important task or assignment.
• Designate specific “tech-free” hours or days each week and add them to your calendar or planner.
• Unsubscribe from 1 unnecessary email newsletter and/or text subscription every day until you’re free of them.
• Delete 1 unnecessary app a day until you’re left with the most important apps.
• Use a physical planner or journal to consolidate all your to-do’s.
• Take a deep breath each time you catch yourself mindlessly scrolling on social media.
• Set a timer whenever scrolling social media so you don’t get sucked in.
• Unfollow any accounts or creators that inspire comparison.
• Opt for a creative pursuit like reading instead of scrolling.
• Set an alarm to mark the end of screen time for the day.
• Pick a spot to leave your phone at night and place it there.
• Dedicate 15-20 minutes to manage the notification settings on your phone (and turn off all unnecessary notifications).

Decluttering and Minimalism:

• Choose one home item to recycle or donate each week until your home is decluttered.
• Practice the “one in, one out” rule for new purchases.
• Switch to paperless billing.
• Each season, create a capsule wardrobe from your existing closet.
• Assess home decorations. Cut down to only essential and meaningful items until your home is decluttered but cozy.
• Discard any expired makeup, skincare, or toiletries.
• Create a go-to makeup bag with only the essentials. Consider gifting or discarding anything you don’t reach for.
• Cut down your skincare routine to the essentials. Consider gifting or discarding anything you don’t reach out.
• Donate one book a week to your local library or secondhand bookstore.
• Clean as you cook.
• Unload the dishwasher each morning. Load the dishwasher each night.
• Commit to smaller loads of laundry more regularly to stop it from piling up.

Health and Well-Being:

• Pour a cup of water as soon as you walk into the kitchen each morning.
• Opt for spa water instead of soda or sparkling water.
• Invest in a dishwasher-safe water bottle or tumbler for daily use.
• Reorganize your fridge so fresh produce is more visible.
• Master the art of making your favorite latte or tea at home.
• Invest in to-go containers to pack leftovers and snacks.
• Purchase a lunchbox that reflects your style.
• Spend 5 minutes a month checking the expiration dates on your condiments.
• Add movement by opting to walk whenever possible.
• Do two squats whenever you flush the toilet (it adds up).
• At the end of each call or meeting, stand and stretch your entire body.
• Opt to take the stairs whenever possible.
• Leverage free online workouts, like Yoga with Adriene.
• Set a reminder to start your evening routine (and end screen time).
• Designate one afternoon to schedule all medical follow-ups.

Relationships and Social Connections:

• Limit social commitments to prioritize quality time with those who matter most.
• Ask friends and family to kindly put their phones away at gatherings.
• Be honest about your expectations as often as you can.
• Practice not jumping to conclusions.
• Practice sharing what’s on your mind versus keeping it bottled up.
• Reflect on your relationships. Which would you like to maintain, which would you like to strengthen, and which would you like to step away from?
• Spend 5 minutes brainstorming a boundary you’d like to set with a toxic relationship.
• Designate a recurring moment during your day (like breakfast or lunch) to text a friend or loved one.
• Research local organizations and select one you’d like to volunteer with.
• Consider heartfelt notes of gratitude and appreciation instead of material gifts.

Financial Simplification:

• Create a budget that aligns with your priorities.
• Automate bill payments to avoid late fees and reduce mental load.
• Log expenses daily.
• Evaluate subscriptions and cancel any that you no longer use.
• Unsubscribe from shopping newsletters that promote overconsumption.
• Unfollow any creators that encourage you to overspend.
• Evaluate your current belongings before making a purchase. Do you already own something similar?
• Invest in high quality items that withstand trends and time.
• Shop secondhand.
• Don’t be afraid to repeat outfits. No one’s keeping track.
• Opt for library books or a Kindle Unlimited subscription to save money on books.
• Consider a minimalist approach to shopping—focus on needs over wants.
• Automate monthly savings, even if it’s $20 a month.
• Plan meals ahead of time and give meal prepping a shot.
• Invite your friends and family over for a potluck instead of eating out.
• Schedule outings at no-spend or low-spend places like the library, park, or museums.

Work and Productivity:

• Check-in with yourself each day. Gauge your energy level and adjust your to-do list accordingly.
• Prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Box method (Urgent vs. Important).
• Review your priorities with your manager regularly to avoid miscommunication or misplaced effort.
• Add a note to your signature explaining that you don’t respond to emails right away to focus on work.
• Log out of email and instant messaging when you’re in deep work to avoid distractions.
• Review your recurring meetings and excuse yourself from any that are not critical (you can always review the meeting notes on your own time).
• Schedule breaks in between meetings and deep work sessions to decompress.
• Spend five minutes a day filing or deleting emails to prevent a cluttered inbox.
• Set a 5-minute timer at the end of each day to declutter and clean your desk.
• Write down your wins, accomplishments, and success metrics at the end of each week (it’ll make preparing for performance reviews much easier).
• Create a process document for tasks you delegate to avoid unnecessary back and forth.
• Adjust your approach to social events, like networking, to avoid energy drains. Make them work with you, not against you.

Self-Care and Personal Growth:

• Adjust your schedule to prioritize sleep.
• Swap screen time for creative pursuits like reading, writing, crafting, dancing, etc.
• Practice self-reflection by journaling about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
• Pick one day a week to stay off social media.
• Choose a skill you’d like to learn outside of work.
• Take long walks, hikes, or bike rides to clear the mind.
• Celebrate achievements whether big or small.
• Give yourself permission to feel. It’s okay to not be okay.
• Embrace solitude regularly.

Spirituality and Mindset:

• Cultivate a daily gratitude practice.
• Practice forgiveness, including for yourself.
• Engage in activities that nourish the soul, such as meditation, prayer, or reflection.
• Embrace affirmations to build a positive mindset.
• Find purpose and meaning in daily actions and interactions.
• Seek experiences that promote personal growth and self-discovery.
• Surround yourself with inspirational and uplifting content.
• Practice deep breathing exercises for relaxation and stress relief.
• Practice embracing imperfections and self-acceptance.

Travel and Leisure:

• Plan staycations and daycations during busy seasons. You don’t have to vacation for multiple days to find pleasure.
• Plan simpler itineraries to give yourself time to move slowly and explore.
• Pack light and only carry essential items when traveling.
• Explore local attractions and hidden gems in your area. 
• Opt for slower travel modes like road trips or trains to savor the journey.
• Disconnect from technology during vacations to fully immerse in the experience.
• Prioritize experiences over material possessions when creating memories.