In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant pressure to be productive, efficient, and always “on.” But for those who have discovered the benefits of slow living, the rewards are clear: greater peace of mind, deeper connections with loved ones, and a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in life. These Ted Talks about slow living give us the inspiration we need to always strive to live a fuller life.
At its core, slow living is about embracing a more intentional and mindful approach to life. It involves slowing down, simplifying our lives, and being more present in the moment. This can take many different forms, from practising mindfulness meditation to disconnecting from technology and spending more time in nature.
One of the key benefits of slow living is the reduction of stress and anxiety. When we slow down and focus on the present moment, we become more aware of our thoughts and emotions and are better able to manage them. This can lead to a greater sense of calm and well-being, and can help us to better cope with the inevitable challenges and setbacks of life.
Slow living can also help us to deepen our relationships with others. When we slow down and make time for meaningful conversations and shared experiences, we build stronger connections with loved ones and foster a greater sense of community. This can lead to greater happiness and fulfilment in life, as well as a greater sense of purpose and belonging.
Another benefit of slow living is the opportunity to cultivate our passions and interests. When we prioritize slow living, we create more space in our lives for the things that truly matter to us, whether that be creative pursuits, outdoor activities, or spending time with loved ones. By taking the time to nurture our passions and interests, we can find greater joy and fulfilment in life.
Slow living offers a powerful antidote to the constant busyness and stress of modern life. By slowing down, simplifying our lives, and being more mindful and intentional in our actions, we can cultivate greater peace of mind, deeper connections with loved ones, and a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in life.
To give you some ideas, we selected our favourite Ted Talks about slow living to draw inspiration from.
Table of Contents
“In Praise of Slowness” by Carl Honoré
In one of his Ted Talks about slow living, “In Praise of Slowness,” Carl Honoré advocates for the benefits of slowing down in a world that has become obsessed with speed and productivity. He argues that the cult of speed has led to stress, burnout, and a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others.
Honoré shares examples of people and communities who have embraced a slower way of life, such as the Slow Food movement, which promotes the enjoyment of local and traditional cuisine, and the Slow Cities movement, which prioritizes human-scale urban environments that encourage walking and social interaction.
Honoré also discusses the importance of embracing “the art of living” by savouring the present moment and finding pleasure in simple things. He encourages listeners to reclaim their time and resist the pressure to constantly multitask and stay connected to technology.
Honoré argues that slowing down can help us live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. He encourages listeners to challenge the culture of speed and find ways to cultivate more slowness and mindfulness in their daily lives.
“The Power of Time Off” by Stefan Sagmeister
In one of his Ted Talks about slow living, “The Power of Time Off,” designer Stefan Sagmeister discusses the importance of taking breaks and time off from work in order to foster creativity and productivity. He argues that many people in the creative industries, including designers and artists, often work themselves to the point of burnout, and that this can be detrimental to their work and their well-being.
Sagmeister shares his personal experiences taking sabbaticals every seven years, during which he takes a year off from work to pursue personal projects and travel. He discusses how these breaks have helped him to come back to work with renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and new ideas.
Sagmeister also introduces research that supports the idea that breaks and time off can improve creativity and productivity, and he encourages companies to consider offering sabbaticals and other forms of time off as a way to support their employees and improve their work.
Sagmeister encourages listeners to consider the benefits of taking breaks and time off from work and to prioritize rest and self-care in order to lead more fulfilling and productive lives. He reminds us that taking care of ourselves is essential to our creativity and our ability to do our best work.
d to prioritize rest and relaxation in order to lead more fulfilling and balanced lives.
“The Art of Stillness” by Pico Iyer
In one of his Ted Talks about slow living, “The Art of Stillness,” writer and journalist Pico Iyer discusses the importance of finding stillness and quiet in our increasingly noisy and fast-paced world. He argues that by intentionally disconnecting from technology and busyness, we can cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace and clarity.
Iyer shares his personal experiences with stillness, including his regular meditation practice and his yearly silent retreats. He discusses how these practices have helped him to gain perspective and clarity, and to better understand his own thoughts and emotions.
Iyer also introduces the idea of a “third place,” which is a space that is neither work nor home, and that can provide a refuge for stillness and reflection. He encourages listeners to find their own third place, whether it be a park, a museum, or simply a quiet corner of their own home.
Iyer reminds us that stillness is not just a luxury, but a necessity for our well-being and our ability to be present in the world. He encourages listeners to disconnect from the noise and busyness of daily life, and to cultivate stillness and reflection as a way to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
“A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success” by Alain de Botton
In one of his Ted Talks about slow living, “A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success,” philosopher and writer Alain de Botton critiques our culture’s definition of success, which he argues is narrow and focused solely on material wealth and status. He suggests a more holistic and compassionate approach to success, one that takes into account our emotional well-being and our relationships with others.
De Botton introduces the idea of “status anxiety,” which is the fear of being judged by others and the desire for social status and recognition. He argues that this anxiety is pervasive in our society, and that it often drives us to pursue external markers of success at the expense of our own happiness and well-being.
De Botton suggests a more compassionate approach to success, one that emphasizes our personal values and sense of purpose, as well as our relationships with others. He encourages listeners to focus on developing their own unique talents and interests, rather than chasing after external markers of success.
De Botton reminds us that success is not just about achievement, but about living a meaningful and fulfilling life. He encourages listeners to be kinder to themselves and to others, and to embrace a more compassionate and holistic approach to success.
“The Unforeseen Consequences of a Fast-Paced World” by Kathryn Bouskill
In one of her Ted Talks about slow living, “The Unforeseen Consequences of a Fast-Paced World,” social scientist Kathryn Bouskill discusses the impact of technology and fast-paced living on our health and well-being. She argues that while technological advancements have brought many benefits, they have also contributed to a range of health problems, from sleep deprivation to anxiety and depression.
Bouskill introduces the concept of “technological speed,” which refers to the rapid pace of technological change and the increasing demands placed on our attention and cognitive abilities. She discusses the ways in which this constant stimulation can lead to burnout, and can contribute to a range of physical and mental health problems.
Bouskill also discusses the social and cultural impact of technological speed, and argues that it has contributed to a sense of disconnection and isolation in our communities. She suggests that by slowing down and being more present in our interactions with others, we can build stronger connections and foster a greater sense of belonging.
Bouskill encourages listeners to be more intentional about their use of technology and to prioritize rest and self-care as a way to counteract the negative effects of technological speed. She reminds us that we have the power to shape our relationship with technology and that by being more mindful and intentional in our use of it, we can lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.
“When You Feel the Need to Speed Up, Slow Down” by Kimi Werner
In one of her Ted Talks about slow living, “When You Feel the Need to Speed Up, Slow Down,” professional free diver and spearfisherwoman Kimi Werner discusses the benefits of slowing down and embracing a more mindful approach to life. She shares her personal experiences of being constantly on the go and feeling disconnected from her own life, and discusses how the practice of free diving helped her to reconnect with herself and the natural world.
Werner introduces the concept of “deep embodiment,” which involves being fully present and connected with our bodies and the world around us. She argues that by slowing down and being more mindful in our actions, we can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and meaning in our lives.
Werner also discusses the importance of prioritizing rest and self-care, particularly in a society that values constant productivity and achievement. She encourages listeners to take time to slow down and recharge, whether that be through meditation, spending time in nature, or simply taking a break from technology.
Werner reminds us that by slowing down and being more mindful in our actions, we can live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. She encourages listeners to find their own path to deep embodiment, and to prioritize rest and self-care as a way to nurture their own well-being and connection to the world around them.
You can find more Ted Talks about Slow Living on TED dedicated page.
Picture: Gary Barnes
