The Art of Slow Living | Creating an Atmosphere of Calm at Home – Ethra Essentials

In a world that runs at a dizzying pace, slow living is a philosophy that invites us to slow down and enjoy everyday life with more awareness. I have once sat in the kitchen one afternoon to cook and cut the tomato with such vigor and speed that it seemed like the chef would scold me if I was a little late. Somewhere there, I stopped and said to myself "oh my, relax a little, prepare your food calmly". In this way, you bring all the stress into your home, while it should be a calm haven with a relaxed atmosphere.

1. Soft, natural scents for a warm atmosphere

The sense of smell is inextricably linked to our mood and memories. Natural aromas can transform a space, filling it with a sense of calm.

Essential oils like lavender, ylang ylang, and frankincense promote relaxation. You can use them in a wood diffuser or make your own aromatic room spray.
Scented candles made from natural soy wax with soft notes of vanilla, library, or salted caramel create a cozy atmosphere.
Shower steamers with essential oils offer an aromatherapy experience in the shower, making even the daily routine more mindful.

2. From sunlight to warm candlelight

Light significantly affects our mood:

Natural light: Leave the curtains open in the morning and place indoor plants near the windows for a more “lively” atmosphere.
Warm, subtle lighting at night: Small lights, low lamps or the light of scented candles help the body to relax naturally before bed.

3. Fewer objects, more peace

A cluttered environment affects our peace of mind. Slow living is based on simplicity:

Remove everything you don’t need and keep only objects that bring you joy.
Organize your personal belongings, avoiding visual chaos.
Choose natural materials (wood, linen, cotton) for a sense of warmth and grounding.

4. Create small rituals of calm

Slow living is not only about a beautiful atmosphere but also about a more conscious everyday life.

Start your day with a few minutes of meditation or just a quiet moment with your favorite drink. Choose activities that bring you joy and peace and try to avoid social media as soon as you open your eyes, no matter how difficult it might be some days.
End your day by reading a book instead of scrolling endlessly on your phone.
Create an evening self-care ritual with relaxing aromas and soft lighting, making it part of your daily routine.
Don't forget, however, that small moments of calm don't have to be limited to home. You can carry a roll on with essential oils with you to take calm and refreshing breaks when you're out and about or at work. That way, even in the midst of the tension of the day, you'll be able to return to the moment and recharge your mood.

5. Connect with your senses

We're so used to worrying about everything, doing everything quickly and always feeling the need to be productive. But when we are not constantly in a state of "full being", does it mean that something is wrong? Slow living is not laziness, but quite the opposite, it is a conscious choice to live with more meaning and to give ourselves space to breathe.

Constant pressures and the need to run non-stop do not help us to be well with ourselves. When the body and mind are constantly "on the plug", what is needed is a pause, a moment of relaxation. Because true well-being comes when we manage to slow down and live each moment with more awareness and calm.

Slow living is a way to regain our balance and remember what it means to live authentically, with less pressure and more joy.

Start with small changes and enjoy the journey.