Slow Living: A Secret Weapon to Calm a Creative Brain

In a world of endless scrolling, binge-watching, and digital distractions, the idea of slow living might sound like an absolute nightmare. But if you’re feeling creatively blocked, overwhelmed, or constantly frazzled, then maybe -- just maybe -- the problem *isn’t* the world. Maybe it’s how you’re engaging with it.

Why Slow Living Matters for Creativity

Slow living has become the foundation of my creative lifestyle. It’s what keeps my overactive, obsessive, hyperfixating mind in check. If my number one priority is creativity, then my second priority is slow living. Here’s why.

My journey toward slow living wasn’t instant. It took two marriages, multiple homes, and years of working in high-stress environments like major newspapers and the Orlando theme park industry before I truly embraced it. Initially, I was drawn to minimalism, and while that’s still important to me, it was only the gateway to something deeper. Minimalism is about decluttering; slow living is about intentionally designing a life that supports your (slower) priorities.

Breaking Free from Consumerism and Distraction

It’s a familiar cycle that is all too easy to fall into: boredom leads to impulse purchases, new things bring temporary excitement, and then the novelty fades -- only to start the cycle all over again. A few years before the start of the pandemic, I downsized and lived tiny. Then, when the world slowed down in 2020, I found myself fast-tracking into a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

And it felt like coming home.

The truth is, I’ve never been comfortable in the fast-paced, hyper-connected world. I don’t like crowds. I barely like people. I’ve never understood the appeal of spending a fortune to stand in long lines at a theme park. I like my quiet backyard, long walks with my dog, and the convenience of grocery delivery. For me, the pandemic was a catalyst for embracing a lifestyle that aligned with how I already felt inside.

The Power of Simplicity, Mindfulness, and Boredom

Simplicity. Mindfulness. Intentionality. Even boredom -- sweet, creative boredom. These are the tools that help me manage stress, filter out unnecessary distractions, and create a mental environment where my creativity can thrive. Slow living gives me space to focus on what truly matters: my art.

That’s how I was able to write an 80,000-word novel in two months. It’s how I tackle creative challenges even when my day job is overwhelming. When stress creeps in, I step away, take my dog for a walk, and let my brain work through the problem in the background. More often than not, that’s when the best ideas come.

### Escaping the Chaos and Reclaiming Your Creativity

Modern life is chaotic by design. The system wants you stuck in a cycle of consumerism, living paycheck to paycheck, endlessly scrolling, and accumulating more stress (and useless plastic *stuff*) than fulfillment. Breaking free from that cycle isn’t easy -- because it’s not meant to be.

But if you do? If you choose slow living? The rewards are immense.

A calm, quiet mind is a creative mind. And if discovering and pursuing your own creative expression isn’t reason enough, then consider this: peace of mind is one of the greatest luxuries you can give yourself.

Embrace slow living. Create with intention. And most importantly ... stay creative.