Slow living philosophy promotes intentional, mindful, balanced living.
In Short
- Slow living is trending on social media
- It is being discussed as a potential solution to the air pollution crisis.
- Experts suggest that slowing down can be one way to combat pollution, but it’s not enough.
Rarekar Kamlakant, a 62-year-old who works at a luxurious property of Coco Shambala in his village in Maharashtra, doesn’t look a day over forty. He can also effortlessly trek the hills around his village and walk miles without breaking a sweat. When asked about the secret behind his vitality, his answer is simple.
“This happened after I moved back to my village, Sindhudurg, and adopted a slow life,” he says. Rarekar believes the need for cleaner air here is one of the main reasons he left his fast-paced life in Mumbai and returned to his village years ago. He has no regrets, he says, as he notes that his health has improved significantly since embracing slow living.
Much like Rarekar, many are now thinking of escaping to rural areas and embracing slow living, especially as the air pollution crisis makes yet another annual comeback in Delhi-NCR.
Living just one day in Delhi is equivalent to smoking 25 cigarettes, according to the latest AQI data. Delhi reached “severe” on Wednesday with an overall AQI of 422. Here’s the thing: if you’re in Delhi or any other metropolis where severe pollution dominates headlines year after year with no real solutions, chances are you’ve either considered or heard someone talk about leaving fast-paced urban life behind.
The Internet is also abuzz with conversations about slow living—a growing trend initially embraced as a way to escape city life for mental health reasons or to break free from the toxic 9-to-5 grind. But it has gained even more traction with the rising pollution levels, for it isn’t just unpleasant but can be fatal.
Living the life, one step at a time
When Ankit Vengurlekar, a former executive editor at Amazon’s Asia-Pacific region, posed a thought-provoking question on Instagram about how Delhites can tackle rising pollution, he sparked a conversation about the possibility of relocating to less polluted areas.
“I have a genuine question for people living in Delhi or the North of India. If you can move, why don’t you move out of Delhi? A few days of AQI are above 1000, which equals smoking 50 cigarettes a day. Imagine your children breathing this air, your parents, and yourself. This isn’t going to change. Not suddenly, not overnight, not tomorrow; this has been happening for years. So, what’s the long-term plan, Delhites? What will you do to protect yourselves?” He asked on Instagram.
Like Ankit, many people today embrace slow living and use social media to highlight its benefits. What started during the pandemic, when movement was restricted, has evolved into a lifestyle for many. Indians are gradually shifting towards a slower approach to life, driven by toxic work cultures, constant connectivity, relentless pursuit of success, demanding schedules—and, of course, the unbreathable air outside.
Neelesh Misra, a journalist, author, radio storyteller, scriptwriter, and lyricist, is one such person who opted for a quieter life in his village, which was far from the urban chaos. Neelesh frequently shares glimpses of his peaceful rural life on social media. In one of his latest tweets, he shares his favourite part of living in the village—waking up to the fresh, crisp morning fog in his village, not the suffocating smog that blankets cities.
Have a look at his post:
India Today also spoke to various experts who suggest that slow living can be a good step towards reducing pollution. Aditya Shivpuri, the founder of HENDS Foundation Trust and an environmentalist, says, “Slow living is a good approach for battling pollution, but it would be better if we practise minimalism and sustainability alongside because slow living might be self-centric. To combat pollution, we must be thoughtful about the environment and our carbon footprints.”
Is slow living the answer?
The concept of slow living, while seemingly an ideal solution for the rising pollution in metro cities like Delhi, is not without its critics. Many people commenting on Ankit’s post and some experts argue that it might not be a practical answer to the problem.
Dr. Deepak Ramesh Gaur, an environmentalist, founder & chairperson of the Gift a Tree Network, believes that moving to villages is merely avoiding the issue. He suggests that practicing slow living within metropolises could benefit everyone.
“Keeping nature intact, no matter where you live, is essential,” he says. Connecting with nature is one of the crucial steps of slow living.
Dr. Gaur attributes the rise in pollution to today’s fast-paced lifestyle and warns, “This is just a trailer. Pollution levels will worsen yearly if we don’t act.”
He further explains how lifestyle changes have impacted health over generations: “Our forefathers lived an average of 90 to 100 years. Now, the average lifespan is in the 70s, and soon it could drop to the 50s or 60s. Blame the air and today’s lifestyle,” he says.
Dr. Gaur himself transitioned to a slow life after a life-changing accident forced him to refocus his priorities and step away from the relentless hustle.
Aditya, another advocate of mindful living, points out that relocating to villages won’t solve the problem if people continue to practice the same toxic lifestyle there. “The change has to come from within,” he emphasises.
How to live a slow life in metro cities?
Muskan Gupta, an MBA student from Assam, is in her final year of studies in Delhi. The city’s pollution has led to dry eyes, constant coughing, and skin breakouts. Despite this, she says she can’t move back to Assam (where the AQI in some places is often in single digits) because her life is “now here.”
“Every time I complain about the AQI to my family, my parents ask me to move back, but I can’t. How will I manage my studies there?” she says.
Like Muskan, many of the population in Delhi and other metro cities find it impossible to leave due to work, studies, or other commitments. Moreover, flying to a secluded region and starting a new life from scratch is a luxury that not everyone can afford.
However, Deepak believes that we can tackle pollution together if everyone starts taking small, consistent steps towards slow living and reconnecting with nature.
Here are some steps suggested by both Deepak and Aditya on how to live a slow life:
1. Declutter your schedule
Identify tasks that genuinely matter and let go of activities that add unnecessary stress. Prioritise quality time with loved ones or meaningful hobbies over rushing through endless to-do lists.
2. Adopt mindful consumption
Buy only what you need and choose sustainable, locally sourced products. Avoid falling into the trap of fast fashion or impulsive shopping. This helps you live consciously while reducing waste.
3. Limit digital distractions
Set boundaries with your devices. Dedicate specific times for checking emails and social media, and spend more time offline. Create tech-free zones in your home to fully engage with the present moment.
4. Embrace slow food practices
Prepare meals from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Meal Prep. Cooking at home promotes healthier eating and allows you to enjoy the process, fostering a deeper connection with your food.
5. Spend time in nature
Whether walking in a nearby park, tending to a small garden, or simply sitting on your balcony, regular time in nature helps you disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with yourself.
