In an age where productivity is the measure of worth, the idea of slowing down and enjoying a laid-back lifestyle may seem radical. Yet more and more people are finding that the constant push to do more, be better, and achieve more is leaving them exhausted yet unfulfilled. That’s where the more relaxed lifestyle comes in—not as an excuse to be lazy, but as a conscious decision to live more intentionally, more peacefully, and care for our well-being.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a life where mornings start slowly, your to-do list isn’t dictating your every move, and your evenings involve something more fulfilling than endless screen time or late-night emails, this article is for you. Here’s how to make the laid-back lifestyle your own—without quitting your job or moving to a deserted island.
1. Redefine Success
Before embracing a laid-back lifestyle, you must determine what success means for you. For many, it is tied to status, income, and how full your calendar looks. But what if success was measured by how peaceful your mind feels? How well do you sleep? How often do you laugh with friends or feel genuinely rested?
Creating your own definition of success is the first—and perhaps most liberating—step in making this lifestyle your own. Write down what a “successful” day looks like to you. Maybe it’s finishing your work without stress, going for a walk, cooking a simple meal, and having time to read before bed. Let that vision guide your choices.
2. Create Space for Slowness
Slowing down doesn’t just happen; you must make intentional room for it. Start by identifying one part of your day where you can make changes.
Instead of immediately grabbing your phone in the morning, you could take 15 minutes to sit quietly, stretch, or sip coffee in silence. During a workday, go for a walk or sit outside with a cup of tea. In the evening, try dimming the lights, taking a warm bath, or reading a physical book instead of watching TV.
The goal isn’t to overhaul your schedule overnight but to find pockets of calm and gradually expand them.
3. Simplify Your Commitments
We often overcomplicate our lives with obligations we feel we have to maintain. One of the key principles of a laid-back lifestyle is simplifying. Review your calendar and eliminate non-essential meetings or obligations that drain your energy without adding value.
Say no more often: it’s okay to turn down social invites or tasks that don’t align with your priorities. Instead of FOMO, practice JOMO or Joy of Missing Out: learn to embrace the pleasure of being right where you are.
4. Curate Your Environment
Your surroundings have a huge impact on your mood. A chaotic, cluttered space can create stress even when everything else is calm. On the other hand, a neat environment naturally invites relaxation, so keep only the items you use or love.
Bring in nature: add houseplants, use natural light, or open windows to let in fresh air, and you’ll feel the difference immediately.
Another great idea is creating a space for intentional relaxation. It could be a comfy couch for reading, a rocking chair on the porch, or even a hot tub in your backyard. Imagine relaxing in the warm water after a long day; a hot tub isn’t just a luxury item but also a peaceful escape.
5. Make Time for Pleasure
Remember that life is meant to be enjoyed. One of the most powerful ways to embrace a laid-back lifestyle is to make time for the things that make you happy and not feel guilty about it.
You have many opportunities to practice this idea. Cook slowly and enjoy your meals; listen to music while doing nothing else, dance around the living room, or simply nap on a rainy afternoon. These small acts of pleasure remind us that life isn’t only about what we achieve but how we experience the moments in between.
It’s a Way of Life, Not a Destination
The laid-back lifestyle isn’t something you arrive at one day—it’s something you continuously choose. We can’t promise you’ll never feel stressed again or that you’ll always be relaxed, but when your foundation is built, you’ll weather the storms with more grace.
Find what version of a laid-back lifestyle resonates with you and start building a good life—not just on paper, but in your heart.
