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Slow Living: The Secrets to Slowing Down and Noticing the Simple Joys Anywhere
“ Slow Living is a work of art…I observed a sense of calm within myself as I read its pages and appreciated the beautiful pictures.” — Andrea Henkels , author of Herman Heals His Heart Living peacefully is within reach if you slow down your life. With Slow Living , you too can embrace simple living and mindfulness for peace-induced days! Looking for peace and happiness? Book a personal reading hour with Slow Living , your guide on how to slow down your life and live peacefully. Helena Woods, author and creator of popular YouTube channel Simple Joys , reveals the wisdom she has learned by moving abroad from the US and living a slower life in France. With beautiful prose and original photography, she provides inspiration and guidance to create a simple living environment wherever you are. Slow Living is for anyone looking to simplify life. Personal growth books for women tend to leave out men and children, but this book was intentionally crafted with everyone in mind! If you're looking for how to improve yourself and how to get into simple living, then this is the guide for you! For many, a slow European lifestyle seems out of reach, but with the direction in this book, readers are able to craft this lifestyle for themselves anywhere, anytime. Inside, you’ll If you like books for homebodies or if you enjoyed Slow , Essentialism , or Simple Pleasures , you’ll love Slow Living .
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 11, 2023
227 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 27, 2023
I struggled with how to rate this book.
On the one hand, I agree with so many of the author's points, and I think at its core, the messaging here is important. This read (listen) came at the right time for me in that it served as a reminder of a lot of goals I set for myself at the start of this year. It motivated me to get back on track with limiting my screen time, living with more intent, enjoying simple daily pleasures and reducing a lot of the extra noise of my life.
Unfortunately a lot of how this is written reeks of white privilege, to the point where I (a not easily offended, white, upper-middle class, married, child-free-by-choice woman) found myself rolling my eyes.
Example: She very often mentioned that she lives abroad in France, and explained her favorite way to wake up is to have her husband open the window so she can hear the cow bells from her neighbor's farm.
Some of her advice also comes off as contradictory. Early in the book she spends some time advising the reader to stop muli-tasking and focus on one thing at a time, but later in the book she advises you to meditate while doing a task to keep from getting bored, because meditation is hard.
I think the most egregious takeaway was when she suggested the reader stop worrying about money, because it always comes at the right time, and in the right amount. Yikes.
What might be worse is that I think if this were a much simpler series of short blog posts or of brief youtube videos (both of which exist, and is where this book originated from, unbeknownst to me) Woods would've nailed it. Those formats can better help all types of people with a wide variety of lifestyles and circumstances find simple ways to live slowly. There was no need to create more content for a longer format, because that's when things got repetitive and out of touch. As I kept listening the book became more about making silly suggestions (i.e.: Twirl in a pretty dress, use a quill to write letters, etc.) than about substance.
That being said, I'm sure she signed a nice book deal, where the money came at the right time, in the right amount.
I can't confidently recommend this book to anyone, but I do plan on checking out her blog/youtube channel for quick reminders about what my goals are when I need them.
On the one hand, I agree with so many of the author's points, and I think at its core, the messaging here is important. This read (listen) came at the right time for me in that it served as a reminder of a lot of goals I set for myself at the start of this year. It motivated me to get back on track with limiting my screen time, living with more intent, enjoying simple daily pleasures and reducing a lot of the extra noise of my life.
Unfortunately a lot of how this is written reeks of white privilege, to the point where I (a not easily offended, white, upper-middle class, married, child-free-by-choice woman) found myself rolling my eyes.
Example: She very often mentioned that she lives abroad in France, and explained her favorite way to wake up is to have her husband open the window so she can hear the cow bells from her neighbor's farm.
Some of her advice also comes off as contradictory. Early in the book she spends some time advising the reader to stop muli-tasking and focus on one thing at a time, but later in the book she advises you to meditate while doing a task to keep from getting bored, because meditation is hard.
I think the most egregious takeaway was when she suggested the reader stop worrying about money, because it always comes at the right time, and in the right amount. Yikes.
What might be worse is that I think if this were a much simpler series of short blog posts or of brief youtube videos (both of which exist, and is where this book originated from, unbeknownst to me) Woods would've nailed it. Those formats can better help all types of people with a wide variety of lifestyles and circumstances find simple ways to live slowly. There was no need to create more content for a longer format, because that's when things got repetitive and out of touch. As I kept listening the book became more about making silly suggestions (i.e.: Twirl in a pretty dress, use a quill to write letters, etc.) than about substance.
That being said, I'm sure she signed a nice book deal, where the money came at the right time, in the right amount.
I can't confidently recommend this book to anyone, but I do plan on checking out her blog/youtube channel for quick reminders about what my goals are when I need them.
October 14, 2025
The author seems to have good intentions, but a lot of it is from a place of complete obliviousness.
The overall message of slowing down and eliminating things you don't need is good, but there is nothing here that another book about mindfulness and minimalism can't teach you.
A lot of time is spent on encouraging yourself to know your "divine truths" and that everything you need to know you already have the answers to. Which is, if not dangerous, ill advised for anyone with mental health challenges/ personality disorders.
Despite not having children (by choice, so she and her husband can live a life unattached), she suggests that parents get up "a full hour" earlier than their children to focus only on themselves in a morning routine and watch the sunrise. I work in a job where I get up when it's dark, get my kids ready for school/daycare in the dark, and when I get to work it's still dark for 6 months out of the year.
There are a lot of quotes by other people that only sometimes fit with the point trying to be made.
She calls Nelson Mandela "Nelson Mandala", which speaks a lot about the research skills involved when gathering said quotes.
The overall message of slowing down and eliminating things you don't need is good, but there is nothing here that another book about mindfulness and minimalism can't teach you.
A lot of time is spent on encouraging yourself to know your "divine truths" and that everything you need to know you already have the answers to. Which is, if not dangerous, ill advised for anyone with mental health challenges/ personality disorders.
Despite not having children (by choice, so she and her husband can live a life unattached), she suggests that parents get up "a full hour" earlier than their children to focus only on themselves in a morning routine and watch the sunrise. I work in a job where I get up when it's dark, get my kids ready for school/daycare in the dark, and when I get to work it's still dark for 6 months out of the year.
There are a lot of quotes by other people that only sometimes fit with the point trying to be made.
She calls Nelson Mandela "Nelson Mandala", which speaks a lot about the research skills involved when gathering said quotes.
September 7, 2024
This book presents ideas about slow living and ways and methods how to achieve it. It was interesting to read and therefore think about this topic.
January 12, 2024
The first half of this book was 5 stars for me. Once she started getting into meditation and your "inner self," I felt like it got a little repetitive and contradictory.
But oh man...that first half. I felt like she was writing directly from my thoughts. She called me out multiple times, especially with that idea of fulfilling an identity because you feel like you have to, rather than because it makes you happy. The book was worth it just for that.
But oh man...that first half. I felt like she was writing directly from my thoughts. She called me out multiple times, especially with that idea of fulfilling an identity because you feel like you have to, rather than because it makes you happy. The book was worth it just for that.
May 28, 2023
The simplest way to free ourselves from overwhelm is to subtract.
Everything you need to know, you already have. What you seek, you already know. All you need to do is remove what covers it.
Be okay with good enough. Simplify your desires and your need to possess.
Eliminate the unnecessary.
Eliminate what's no longer working.
Be your own influence.
Surrender to life's changing plans.
Everything you need to know, you already have. What you seek, you already know. All you need to do is remove what covers it.
Be okay with good enough. Simplify your desires and your need to possess.
Eliminate the unnecessary.
Eliminate what's no longer working.
Be your own influence.
Surrender to life's changing plans.
July 19, 2025
I mean at one point she suggests writing with a quill…so take that how you’d like
September 11, 2023
One thing I now believe even more, living slowly is a privilege and a luxury. I do agree to some of the author wrote in the book and of course who doesn’t want to have a peaceful mind and comfortable slow life, but honestly for me it seems a little harder to reach from my current perspective and circumstances. I feel like I cannot relate to the author’s perspective as an Asian woman who lives in Asian country. Our life is completely different and I don’t have a lot of her privilege. I feel like some people have to have more effort and sacrifice to achieve this kind of lifestyle realistically and I am happy for her to be able to live her life the way it is. Maybe someday I can have this life too but i dont think her advices in the book applies to me.
My problem with self-help book is that it is not for everybody and the tendency to generalise people’s life.
My problem with self-help book is that it is not for everybody and the tendency to generalise people’s life.
November 13, 2024
Loved it so much that after listening to the audiobook, I had to get the hardback as well (which by the way is absolutely beautiful).
It really has changed my life. As someone who loves to be productive and is always on the go. I've learned that slow living doesn't mean the lack of productivity. It just means I'm more intentional with my time.
Walking away from this book. I will now be enjoying the very simple pleasures like sipping my tea, feeling how warm it is, lighting a candle and watching the flames, taking time outside, being more creative -- just taking time to be.
I highly recommend!
It really has changed my life. As someone who loves to be productive and is always on the go. I've learned that slow living doesn't mean the lack of productivity. It just means I'm more intentional with my time.
Walking away from this book. I will now be enjoying the very simple pleasures like sipping my tea, feeling how warm it is, lighting a candle and watching the flames, taking time outside, being more creative -- just taking time to be.
I highly recommend!
February 22, 2024
Blog posts from someone rolling in privilege turned into a book. I’ve said before that blogs don’t often translate well into book form, and I’ll say it again. One other thing about this book that bugged me is that the pictures are not labeled (where are these amazing places!?)
May 4, 2023
Profound musings and actionable steps toward living intentionally and in line with your personal values. I'm sure I'll revisit this in years to come.
December 28, 2024
This is a book I had to take a break from for a few months. I got it for my Kindle and had looked forward to it, as I am someone who has embraced slow living for a long time.
While the author is a sweet young woman, a lot of what she had to say seemed contradictory. Also she seemed to equate having children as being one without freedom. As someone with three children who have brought me great delight with lots of fun, I didn't understand how she could say that she decided to not have children in order to "have freedom" as if the rest of us lack it. She then would talk about how we had to have our inner child to cater to and how beautiful that was, yet why not enjoy doing that with the children you do have too? She had to push two times that she did love her friends kids and playing with them, but constantly had to let us know she chose to not have children. Then tried to give advice to parents to get things done more if they wake an hour before their children, and told them other things they could do. As someone who wakes at 5:30 AM naturally, I can get a whole lot more done throughout my day still with children, because I have made lots of other strides to do so. I just don't like when people who have no idea what it is like to day in and day out have children would try to give advice to those who have them as if they understand, and also make it seem like a child is some great burden and a reason for us to be unable to have an enjoyable life. She also said at one point how women are made to believe they all have to have children and how that is not true but in the same page states how we all have inner yearnings and things that are a natural part of who we are (like how the high majority of women yearn to have children without being told to). If she doesn't want to have children, I can respect that she put a lot of thought into that. What she and her husband have decided to do is between them.
What I did like about this book was that she is totally right about why it is that people are bored out there, need to get off of their phones, need to change how much time they put into dedication to online life, and how they can gain so many hobbies and enjoy their lives more without it all. I loved that portion of the book.
A lot of what the author stated was a bit out there. Things like how we need to listen to our feelings, while to me, feelings are usually lying to us and the heart is the most deceitful above all else. Her advice was not very good. I think giving into your feelings will more often hurt you than help you.
I really wanted to like this book but only enjoyed about 35% of it. Maybe I need to check out the author's blog or her vlogs to understand her better. Thankfully, she is okay with people not understanding her or seeing who she is, as she established in this book. I don't want to upset her, because she seems sweet.
While the author is a sweet young woman, a lot of what she had to say seemed contradictory. Also she seemed to equate having children as being one without freedom. As someone with three children who have brought me great delight with lots of fun, I didn't understand how she could say that she decided to not have children in order to "have freedom" as if the rest of us lack it. She then would talk about how we had to have our inner child to cater to and how beautiful that was, yet why not enjoy doing that with the children you do have too? She had to push two times that she did love her friends kids and playing with them, but constantly had to let us know she chose to not have children. Then tried to give advice to parents to get things done more if they wake an hour before their children, and told them other things they could do. As someone who wakes at 5:30 AM naturally, I can get a whole lot more done throughout my day still with children, because I have made lots of other strides to do so. I just don't like when people who have no idea what it is like to day in and day out have children would try to give advice to those who have them as if they understand, and also make it seem like a child is some great burden and a reason for us to be unable to have an enjoyable life. She also said at one point how women are made to believe they all have to have children and how that is not true but in the same page states how we all have inner yearnings and things that are a natural part of who we are (like how the high majority of women yearn to have children without being told to). If she doesn't want to have children, I can respect that she put a lot of thought into that. What she and her husband have decided to do is between them.
What I did like about this book was that she is totally right about why it is that people are bored out there, need to get off of their phones, need to change how much time they put into dedication to online life, and how they can gain so many hobbies and enjoy their lives more without it all. I loved that portion of the book.
A lot of what the author stated was a bit out there. Things like how we need to listen to our feelings, while to me, feelings are usually lying to us and the heart is the most deceitful above all else. Her advice was not very good. I think giving into your feelings will more often hurt you than help you.
I really wanted to like this book but only enjoyed about 35% of it. Maybe I need to check out the author's blog or her vlogs to understand her better. Thankfully, she is okay with people not understanding her or seeing who she is, as she established in this book. I don't want to upset her, because she seems sweet.
January 24, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
“When you're routinely told where your talents lie and how you should spend your time to maximize your ‘potential,’ you start to go along with it blindly, ignoring the light pings in your heart asking you to reconsider. You nod your head, telling yourself how you should be spending your time, what you should prioritize.“
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but felt the second half was a bit too drawn out. That being said, it’s a great message. To slow down, to do things that you want purposefully, to appreciate everything about your life.
There were some super poignant, hard-hitting messages throughout this. I was happy to realize that I naturally already do a lot of the things recommended, but it’s nice to hear someone remind me and give ideas of what else I could be doing. I also enjoyed the several sections of journal prompts.
“I soon realized I wasn't 'chasing the dream' to make myself happy. I was doing it to fulfill an identity I created… I rationalized that I was making so many people proud, so I couldn't quit.”
“When did it become such a bad thing to have your head in the clouds?”
“When you're routinely told where your talents lie and how you should spend your time to maximize your ‘potential,’ you start to go along with it blindly, ignoring the light pings in your heart asking you to reconsider. You nod your head, telling yourself how you should be spending your time, what you should prioritize.“
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but felt the second half was a bit too drawn out. That being said, it’s a great message. To slow down, to do things that you want purposefully, to appreciate everything about your life.
There were some super poignant, hard-hitting messages throughout this. I was happy to realize that I naturally already do a lot of the things recommended, but it’s nice to hear someone remind me and give ideas of what else I could be doing. I also enjoyed the several sections of journal prompts.
“I soon realized I wasn't 'chasing the dream' to make myself happy. I was doing it to fulfill an identity I created… I rationalized that I was making so many people proud, so I couldn't quit.”
“When did it become such a bad thing to have your head in the clouds?”
November 4, 2024
“Adults live in the mind, but children live in the heart.”
Slow Living: The Secrets to Slowing Down and Noticing the Simple Joys Anywhere by Helena Woods is more than a guide to slow living. It’s a treasure trove of ideas that are simple and practical. The ideas can be implemented right away so that you are able to live a more enjoyable life. Woods’s writing is conversational and easy to read. I listened to the audiobook and felt like a friend was chatting with me and giving me advice. I jotted down so many bits and bobs of useful information. I love this quote, “honor our energy as is.” I also captured numerous journaling prompts. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in living a more calm and joyful life.
“Honor the whispers of your heart.“
Slow Living: The Secrets to Slowing Down and Noticing the Simple Joys Anywhere by Helena Woods is more than a guide to slow living. It’s a treasure trove of ideas that are simple and practical. The ideas can be implemented right away so that you are able to live a more enjoyable life. Woods’s writing is conversational and easy to read. I listened to the audiobook and felt like a friend was chatting with me and giving me advice. I jotted down so many bits and bobs of useful information. I love this quote, “honor our energy as is.” I also captured numerous journaling prompts. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in living a more calm and joyful life.
“Honor the whispers of your heart.“
Read
June 20, 2025DNF. I've started to like going into books cold and Spotify randomly recommended this to me. So I decided to give it a shot, since I had some audiobook hours to burn. Stopped at 30%. This young author seems like a really nice person but, her view of what slow living is, a romanticized life of minimal obligations and responsibilities, is unrealistic for most people on Earth.
Which makes the book not as useful as it could be to all, that being the author's goal. There is also a contradictory feeling to the book. Other reviews reflect similar feelings to what I've pointed out.
Which makes the book not as useful as it could be to all, that being the author's goal. There is also a contradictory feeling to the book. Other reviews reflect similar feelings to what I've pointed out.
November 16, 2025
The content of the book for me was about advocating for the slow, European simple lifestyle.
It was very persuasive at times, especially being the dopamine addict which I typically am.
I especially liked the part around picking four or five keywords that define your life and you’re happy to stick with.
I would like to try sipping tea and watching a cloud pass by, look in the mirror - body appreciation, leave a comment on a Insta video or YouTube clip,
I like how the aesthetic of the book matches the content… Thoughtful.
Quite a lot of repetition, I think too much so even factoring in a desire to reinforce certain concepts on the part of the author. About halfway through the book I was so exhausted from hearing the same sequence of slowdown that I started skipping through the book, because I felt value wasn’t being placed on my time and reading it.
It was very persuasive at times, especially being the dopamine addict which I typically am.
I especially liked the part around picking four or five keywords that define your life and you’re happy to stick with.
I would like to try sipping tea and watching a cloud pass by, look in the mirror - body appreciation, leave a comment on a Insta video or YouTube clip,
I like how the aesthetic of the book matches the content… Thoughtful.
Quite a lot of repetition, I think too much so even factoring in a desire to reinforce certain concepts on the part of the author. About halfway through the book I was so exhausted from hearing the same sequence of slowdown that I started skipping through the book, because I felt value wasn’t being placed on my time and reading it.
June 20, 2024
My friend gifted me this book last year. I saved it for January since one of my goals for 2024 was to live in the moment and live more purposely. This book had a lot of good insight and tips but it was DRIPPING in privilege. The last 40% of the book became so repetitive and I found myself rolling my eyes at the author. She clearly has never faced any actual hardship in her life. 3 stars because the first part was pretty inspiring.
October 5, 2024
I read this book slowly, one piece at a time as part of my morning routine and i absolutely loved it. It’s exactly what I needed to read at this point in my own healing journey. M
Also, I live here voice, it feels like you are getting solid advice from a very cool and dear friend.
If slowing down your life is something you’re thinking about , or like me have been struggling with, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Also, I live here voice, it feels like you are getting solid advice from a very cool and dear friend.
If slowing down your life is something you’re thinking about , or like me have been struggling with, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
April 24, 2025
Decent read. I’d prob take it with a grain of salt. I read/listened to this after listening to Frugal Hedonism which is a similar take, but that one was cheekier and funnier. I don’t know if it’s the way it was ready, but this one does seem less about the frugal aspect and more about letting go.
July 10, 2023
Full of reminders on how to find calmness in this overwhelming world. I know I will find comfort in returning to this book in the difficult, dreary days of winter.
Read
January 21, 2024DNF
March 28, 2024
I loved it, and it's one of the best books I have read. The book discusses many concepts close to my heart, like defining success. It is on my reread list.
May 9, 2024
The author probably has good intentions, but most of the suggestions are either vague or very impractical for most people.
The pictures are absolutely gorgeous though.
The pictures are absolutely gorgeous though.
August 17, 2024
3.5/5 stars (audio)
This book has lots of tips to slowing down your life pace but a little bit preachy for me
This book has lots of tips to slowing down your life pace but a little bit preachy for me
January 18, 2025
Interesting but feels a bit privileged.
January 31, 2025
🎧
Tarsi ir nieko per daug naujo nesužinai, bet klausant šios knygos tiesiog natūraliai sulėtėji, susimąstai ir priverti save kiek ramiau žiūrėti į aplinką.
Tarsi ir nieko per daug naujo nesužinai, bet klausant šios knygos tiesiog natūraliai sulėtėji, susimąstai ir priverti save kiek ramiau žiūrėti į aplinką.
February 11, 2025
Wealth of suggestions and ideas to pursue slow living. Great reference book as well!
February 26, 2025
Visai gerai buvo prisiminti, kad nėra kur skubėti...
March 10, 2025
Įdomūs pastebėjimai, kol skaitai viskas aišku, kai reikia įvendinti - ne viskas taip paprasta.
March 23, 2025
Kažkaip labai lėtai skaitėsi. Vietomis įdomūs priminimai bet daug kur pasidarydavo tiesiog nuobodu nuobodu. Knyga galėtų vadintis sulėtinti skaitymą.
December 26, 2025
Dnf. It was too off for me.
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