Why Slow Homemaking is the Attitude Shift You Need to Enjoy Your Days

When you stay home, there’s a lot to do. And sometimes, you feel like you have a lot to prove. And don’t get me wrong—being busy is a good thing, and so is productivity. But I hope you don’t forget how to slow down and actually enjoy your days.

Let’s take a look at slow homemaking—it’s about finding beauty in the everyday, from waking up in quiet to preparing meals with love. Let’s journey to remove the rush, embrace a more peaceful way of life, and make your house feel like home without the stress.

Wake up slow

The morning sets the tone for the entire day. Instead of jolting awake to blaring alarms, embrace the quiet. This is your time to move slowly, without rushing.

Enjoy the morning silence

Resist the urge to immediately check your phone or turn on the TV. I totally understand the temptation to check your phone first thing, but try to resist for a while. A peaceful start to the day will ground you and prepare you for whatever lies ahead.

Sip your coffee mindfully

For many, that first cup of coffee is a sacred ritual. Don’t gulp it down mindlessly. Savor each sip, letting the rich aroma fill your senses. Notice the warmth of the mug in your hands. Be present in this simple moment of indulgence. This mindful practice sets the tone for a slower, more intentional day.

Tackle chores with intention

Housework is often seen as a chore, a tedious necessity. But what if we reframe these tasks as opportunities for mindfulness? Slow homemaking is about enjoying the process, not just checking items off a list.

Focus on one task at a time

Focus on a single task, abandoning the scattered approach of multiple chores. You might think multitasking is efficient, but it’s not. You’ll get through tasks better and with less stress if you do one thing at a time.

When you’re washing dishes, be present with warm water and soapy bubbles. Folding laundry? Notice the fresh scent and soft textures. This feels weird at first. You’ll have the urge to check your email, put on a podcast, do something else. But stay focused on the task at hand. It’s less stressful and it’s more efficient too.

Prepare meals with love

In our fast-paced world, cooking is often reduced to a rushed necessity. However, slow homemakers know that preparing food is an act of love. This sounds cheesy. It’s still true.

Start dinner early

Instead of scrambling at the last minute, begin meal prep hours in advance. I like to start dinner so early it almost feels ridiculous. There’s nothing enjoyable about scrambling around, slamming down pots and pans, and stressing everyone out.

Of course, sometimes afternoons are busy and this is impossible. In that case, I recommend starting a small dinner task (chopping, making salad dressing, etc.) early in the day. It makes dinner in general feel less overwhelming when you know some of it is already done.

Enjoy the process

Cooking shouldn’t feel like a chore. There are a lot of ways to make feeding your family more enjoyable. Beyond starting early, try having a glass of wine while you cook, listening to music (not with headphones!), and setting the table in a pretty way.

Create cozy spaces

Slow homemaking isn’t just in your mindset. It’s also a part of your physical world. Your home should be a haven, a place where you can truly unwind and recharge. You can’t do that if you don’t like your home.

Declutter regularly

Clutter is a breeding ground for stress and overwhelm. Routinely purge items you no longer need or love. Decluttering makes your life easier in so many ways. You’ll magically find that you have more time when you own less.

Add decor, but keep it simple

Once you’ve pared down, thoughtfully curate your surroundings. Display personal items, fresh flowers, or cozy textiles. Choose pieces that evoke calm and contentment. Avoid trends or excessive embellishments. The goal is to add what you think is pretty, but not to add clutter. If you focus on attractive utility, you won’t go wrong.

Embrace Imperfection

One of the greatest obstacles to slow homemaking is the pursuit of perfection. Release yourself from this unrealistic and draining expectation. Your home does not need to look like a magazine spread to be a nurturing sanctuary.

Homemaker, on Purpose: How to create and stick with simple routines of homemakingHabits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family RhythmsHome Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping HouseRedeeming Home: A Collection of Monthly Homemaking Tips and Encouragement + A Homestead JournalMy Homemaker Checklist Planner for Weekly Tasks and Meal Planning Version I: Exquisitely Simple Planner and Organizer for Traditional Housekeeping, … Meal Planning for Homemakers and HousewivesThe Hidden Art of Homemaking

 

Let go of perfectionism

Perfection is an illusion – one that robs you of presence and joy. Reframe your mindset to celebrate progress over perfection. If the bed isn’t made immaculately, it’s okay. If a few crumbs linger on the counter, the world won’t end. Breathe deeply and choose to find peace in the imperfect moments.

Find beauty in the everyday.

Slow homemaking is about appreciating the simple, unvarnished beauty of daily life. Notice the warm, inviting glow of a well-loved sofa. Admire the abstract artwork created by a spill on the kitchen floor. View things from a different angle to appreciate the charm of imperfections.

Slow homemaking balances out the frenzy of the outside world. It’s about savoring the simple joys. The morning quiet, the aroma of a home-cooked meal, and the cozy comfort of your home. Let go of perfection and lean into the beauty of the imperfect.

Is slow homemaking… lazy?

No 🙂. Slow homemaking simply means being more intentional with your time and energy. It’s about savoring tasks instead of rushing through them mindlessly. You might find that by staying present, you actually get more done.

How do I find time to slow down?

Start small. Focus on one new habit at a time, such as no technology before 7 am. When you’ve mastered it, move on to another, like starting dinner 30 minutes earlier than usual.

Next, take a look at your schedule. Sometimes you need to let some things go.

Will my home be messy?

This isn’t about neglecting chores—it’s about changing your approach. Focusing on one task at a time with presence will likely make you more efficient. And decluttering regularly will make you have less mess to contend with overall. The goal is a tidy, cozy space achieved without frenzy.

I hope you found this useful and inspirational. Of course there is a lot to get done every day. But it’s important to enjoy those days too.