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I remember the exact moment I realized I was done with the constant hustle.
It was one of those days where everything felt overwhelming—emails stacking up, endless to-do lists, and this nagging feeling that I wasn’t doing enough.
I was running on empty, and for what?
That’s when I started exploring the idea of a “soft life.” At first, it sounded a bit like a dream—who wouldn’t want more ease and less stress?
But as I dug deeper, I realized it wasn’t about escaping responsibilities or living in luxury. It was about reshaping life in a way that felt calm, intentional, and most importantly, kind to myself.
In this blog, I’ll share how I made that shift.
But first, what does “soft life” really mean?
At its core, a soft life is about embracing ease, intentionality, and well-being.
It’s stepping away from the grind culture that glorifies exhaustion and replacing it with a lifestyle that prioritizes peace, self-care, and joy.
Now, soft life isn’t about laziness or avoiding responsibilities. It’s more about finding balance—working smarter, not harder, and recognizing that your worth isn’t tied to how much you achieve or how busy you are.
So, how does that translate into real, everyday actions?
Below I’ve shared 7 things that have helped me embrace soft life with ease, and most importantly, at my pace:
1. Reprogramming my inner dialogue
We’re often our own harshest critics.
That inner voice, the one that whispers doubts and demands perfection, can feel relentless. Shifting this mindset is key to embracing a life that feels more compassionate.
- Start by simply observing your thoughts. Are you constantly comparing yourself? Criticizing your flaws? Write down those thoughts—it might surprise you how often they pop up.
- Imagine a friend facing the same challenge. What would you say to them? Offer yourself that same empathy and understanding.
- Write down affirmations that resonate with you. “I am worthy of love and happiness.” “I am strong and capable.” I repeat them daily, like a gentle mantra.
Cultivate a loving relationship with yourself, one that celebrates your strengths and gently guides you through the tough times.
2. Decluttering my physical and mental space
For me, decluttering is more than just tidying up my home. It’s about creating a space—both physically and mentally—that fosters calm, focus, and joy.
A cluttered environment often leads to a cluttered mind, so simplifying your surroundings can significantly impact your overall well-being.
- Start small, start now: Begin with one drawer, one shelf. Does it spark joy? If not, let it go. Trust me, it’s liberating!
- Create a sanctuary: Imagine your home as a hug for your soul. Soft lighting, cozy blankets, and the scent of your favorite essential oil. Let your space nurture you.
- Untangle your digital life: Unsubscribe from those endless newsletters. Delete unused apps. Create order in your digital chaos.
- Journal your way to clarity: Write down your thoughts, worries, and dreams. It’s like emptying your mind onto the page, making room for clarity and peace.
- Find your breath: Even 5 minutes of meditation can shift your perspective. Focus on your breath, let go of your thoughts, and reconnect with the present moment.
By making these small, intentional changes, you’ll create an environment that supports a softer, more peaceful way of living.
3. Building non-negotiable self-care rituals
The concept of self-care goes far beyond the occasional bubble bath or indulgent spa day.
It’s more about cultivating a deeper connection with yourself—understanding your needs, recognizing your limitations, and consistently showing up for yourself.
This includes:
- Creating sacred rituals that work for you
What truly nourishes your soul? Is it the quiet joy of a morning cup of tea, the thrill of a cold breeze sitting on your face as you go for your evening run, or the simple act of journaling your thoughts?
Identify these sacred rituals—the activities that make your heart sing. These are your non-negotiables, the anchors in the storm of everyday life. Commit to them no matter how busy life gets.
- Cultivating a rhythm of self-love
Consistency is key.
Just like a gardener tends to their plants, nurture your well-being with consistent care. Take time out of your busy routine specifically for self-care. Treat it just as you would a work meeting or doctor’s appointment.
- Turning ordinary moments into extraordinary
Transform everyday tasks into opportunities for mindfulness. Savor each bite of your meal, truly listen to the music, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.
These mindful moments bring you back to the present, grounding you in the beauty of the now.
- Nourishing your body and soul
Forcing yourself into exercise you dread? Can’t work, won’t work.
Instead, move your body in ways that bring you joy, whether it’s a vigorous hike or a gentle dance. Couple this with intentionally curated meals that are not only healthy but also screen-free.
- Never ignore or suppress your emotions
Ignoring your emotions can lead to burnout and stress. So, check in with yourself throughout the day.
How are you feeling? What does your soul crave? What is overwhelming you?
Take a deep breath, acknowledge your emotions, and take proactive steps to address any issues before they escalate.
4. Prioritizing quality over quantity when it comes to relationships and connections
Meaningful connections go beyond surface-level interactions. They involve vulnerability, trust, and mutual respect.
So, how do you do that?
- Instead of spreading myself thin across numerous acquaintances, I’ve started investing in fewer, but deeper relationships.
- Truly listen, not just to the words, but to the feelings behind them. Asking thoughtful questions and validating their feelings builds trust and shows you value the relationship.
- It’s hard to be vulnerable. I know. But when you open up about your emotions, you encourage your friends or loved ones to do the same, which eventually strengthens your connection.
- Support is most valuable during challenging periods. Whether it’s a listening ear or a helping hand, I try my best to be present for someone during tough times.
- I’ve made it a habit to regularly check in with my close friends and family. This could be a weekly phone call, a monthly dinner, or even a quick text to show I care.
5. Embracing slow living
For years, I chased the elusive “more.”
More productivity, more achievements, more to-dos crammed into every waking hour. Until I stumbled upon the philosophy of slow living, and it felt like a breath of fresh air.
It had me:
- Re-evaluating my priorities. What truly brought me joy? What activities drained my energy? I answered these questions until I recognized what was actually pulling me down.
- Saying NO to things that didn’t align with my values, or to commitments that left me feeling depleted. More than that, I started communicating clearly without justifying why I was saying no.
- Single-tasking. I brought my full attention to each task, whether it was washing dishes or writing a letter.
Yes, it felt a bit uncomfortable at first, even selfish. But as I began to prioritize my well-being, I discovered a newfound sense of freedom.
(I recently did a post on easy slow-living activities. Feel free to check it out to learn how to preach this philosophy in real life!)
6. Financial freedom and simple living
Financial freedom means having enough resources to live comfortably without the constant pressure of financial insecurity. In the context of soft living, it’s about aligning your money habits with a life of simplicity and fulfillment.
This starts with:
- Creating a budget that reflects your values: Where do you want to spend your money? On experiences, on supporting local businesses, on contributing to causes you care about? Pinpoint areas where you can cut back without giving up your comfort.
- Limiting impulse purchases: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it aligns with your goals and values. A 48-hour rule for non-essential items can help you avoid unnecessary spending.
- Streamlining your bills: Review your subscriptions and recurring expenses. Cancel services you no longer use and consider consolidating your bills to make them easier to manage.
- Building an emergency fund: Begin by setting aside a small percentage of your income each month. Over time, aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
7. Nurturing my inner world
Living a soft life isn’t about stagnation. It’s about evolving at your own pace, without the pressure to constantly hustle or prove yourself.
Here are some things that can help you achieve this:
- Adopt a curious mindset: Approach everyday situations with curiosity. Ask questions, explore new topics, and be open to learning from those around you.
- Set learning goals: Set realistic learning goals, like reading a certain number of books a year or mastering a new skill. However, don’t beat yourself up if you are unable to achieve these goals. Life happens. Cut yourself some slack.
- Ask reflective questions: Use prompts like “What did I learn today?” or “How did I grow this week?” to guide your reflections. These questions help you dig deeper into your experiences and extract valuable insights.
- Develop empathy: Make an effort to understand others’ perspectives and emotions. Active listening and compassionate communication foster deeper connections and improve your emotional intelligence.
- Attend personal development workshops or seminars: Look for personal development workshops that resonate with your interests. These can range from mindfulness retreats to leadership seminars. Engaging in these experiences broadens your horizons and equips you with new skills.
Related articles to how to live a soft life
- You’re Not Loving Yourself Right if You Don’t Even Know Your Self Love Languages. Here’s 101.
- Broken? Nah, Say—Just Upgrading Because Here’s How to Heal Yourself and Get That Spark Back!
- 25 Solid Tips to Stop Caring About What Doesn’t Matter & Go From Overthinking to Overthriving
- 32 Elite & Fave Hobbies for Introverts Who Know How to Chill
