Get Inspired By These 22 Slow Day Quotes To Press Pause And Recharge

Many of us would love a day that we could slow down. But let’s be fair, do we ever allow ourselves to do it? These slow day quotes and my other slow quotes can be an inspiration to take that time for you. 

Text slow day quotes that will inspire you to press pause over image of four empty chairs on lake dock.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can see my full disclaimer here.

Why Should You Consider A Slow Day As Positive?

Taking a slow day might feel lazy to you and go against every ‘productivity instinct’ in your mind. 

If you’re faced with some unexpected free time, you may fight the urge to slow down and enjoy the time. Usually, you want to fill the time with your never-ending to-do list of all.the.things. 

But, as you’re learning to live an intentional life, it’s important for you to take a slow day from time to time. It can be hugely beneficial to you. Hopefully, these slow day quotes will be just what you need to inspire you to do it. 

There are many reasons why a slow day is a good idea. But here are some of the most common reasons:

  • You need a break
  • You are exhausted 
  • You want the opportunity to enjoy family time or see friends 
  • You need the chance to refocus and collect your thoughts
  • You want the opportunity to experience life at a different pace

I know how hectic life can get. It can often be overwhelming. However, giving yourself the chance to intentionally embrace a slow day could be just what you need as you learn how to slow life down

A slow day could be any day of the week that works for you, whether it’s a slow down Sunday or a quiet Wednesday all to yourself. You can do what you want with it. 

Find your inspiration here… 

Inspirational Quotes for a Slow Day

“Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
— Maya Angelou

“The world may feel like it’s spinning out of control, but you don’t have to.”
— Hania Khuri-Trapper, Rest & Return: Weekly Reminders to Pause, Reflect, and Just Be


Stop telling each other how busy we are slow day quote in black text over faded image of four empty chairs on lake dock.

“Let’s stop telling each other how busy we are.”

“I like walking because it is slow, and I suspect that the mind, like the feet, works at about three miles an hour. If this is so, then modern life is moving faster than the speed of thought or thoughtfulness.”
— Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking

“I want to calm down, to rest, to outlive this nonsense.”
— Anne Sexton

“It was sunsets that taught me that beauty sometimes only lasts for couple of moments, and it was sunrises that showed me that all it takes is patience to experience it all over again.”
— A.J. Lawless


Henry David Thoreau true leisure quote in black text on white torn-paper background over image of woman in white dress reading a book.

“He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul’s estate.”
— Henry David Thoreau

“Take the next 24 hours and just relax with the knowing that everything is okay. Let go of the stress and worry for one day and see what happens.”
— Mike Basevic, No Limits, Mastering the Mental Edge

“The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep
Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends,
‘T is not too late to seek a newer world.”
— Alfred Lord Tennyson, ‘Ulysses’ 

“Relax wild one. It’s not your job to be everything everyone needs, and you don’t have to be impressive to be loved. Stop trying so hard. Just show up… and be real with the world. That is enough.”
— Brooke Hampton


Take time to do what make your soul happy slow day quote in dark blue and orange text on faded blue background.

“Take time to do what makes your soul happy.”

“Sometimes it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of every day, the slow walk toward a better life.”
— Veronica Roth

“I’m in no hurry: the sun and the moon aren’t, either.
Nobody goes faster than the legs they have.
If where I want to go is far away, I’m not there in an instant.”
— Alberto Caeiro (Fernando Pessoa), The Collected Poems of Alberto Caeiro

“Sometimes you need to press pause to let everything sink in.”
— Sebastian Vettel


Thich Nhat Hanh take little pauses quote for a slow day in black text over faded image of newspaper, glasses, and teacup sitting on sunny windowsill.

“We will be more successful in all our endeavors if we can let go of the habit of running all the time, and take little pauses to relax and re-center ourselves. And we’ll also have a lot more joy in living.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh

“Time drips, heavy, slow…”
— Albert Camus, Notebooks 1951-1959

“One day a week I seek to rest
from earthly toil and sorrow.
Revitalized, I find the strength
to battle new tomorrows.”
— Richelle E. Goodrich, Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year

“If you want to relax, watch the clouds pass by if you’re laying on the grass, or sit in front of the creek; just doing nothing and having those still moments is what really rejuvenates the body.”
— Miranda Kerr


Anna Quindlen days go slow years go fast quote in black text over faded image of empty deck chair with view of water.

“For the young the days go fast and the years go slow; for the old the days go slow and the years go fast.”
— Anna Quindlen, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake: A Memoir of a Woman’s Life

“What’s the rush? If you’ve given yourself permission to chase your dreams, than why is it so hard to give yourself permission to just be?”
— Nikki Rowe

“There should be no urgency.”
— Fennel Hudson, Traditional Angling: Fennel’s Journal No. 6

“I like cancelled plans. And empty bookstores. I like rainy day and thunderstorms. And quiet coffee shops. I like messy beds and over-worn pajamas. Most of all, I like the small joys that a simple life brings.”
— Unknown

Using Quotes About A Slow Day To Encourage You To Make Some Changes

  • Set up reminders on your phone 

Instead of your usual appointment reminders, put some of these slow day quotes as reminders on your phone. 

Think of a day that you can take a slow day, and then set up reminders a day before and in the morning. This will remind you to take things slow and embrace the slower pace. 

  • Add them to your diary or planner 

If you use a diary or planner, write them in at the top or on a specific day that you want to take a slow day. 

Every time you look at your planner, you will be reminded of the quote you have chosen for that day and it will inspire you to slow down. 


Four empty chairs on lake dock waiting for someone to enjoy a slow day.
  • Put them where you can see them 

Whether it is on your refrigerator door, the mirror in the bathroom, or next to your bed, write them down or print them off and stick them where you can see them. This will remind you that you need to take some time to slow down.  

It’s important to take time to slow down at different stages of the day, and using these slow day quotes may encourage you to take that time. 

Journaling allows you to think about how you may spend your time, as well as writing your thoughts and sharing your plans (with yourself first, and then later with others). You won’t regret it. 

  • Positive affirmations 

A slow day quote could be used for any day of the week. Perhaps it’s a day you have felt anxious or worried about. 

Saying some of the quotes that resonated with you out loud will help you to feel clearer about your decision to take that slow time. 

  • Making a plan

Finally, make a plan for your slow day. Use the quotes to set intentions for a day you have chosen or need to slow down. Whether you want to stay at home or be more aware of your feelings and actions on a busy day, planning for it will help you to keep control. 

More Slow Quotes and Intentional Living Motivation

12 Timely Slow Living Quotes to Revitalize Your Intentional Living Goals

Declutter Your Life: 6 Things to Purge for More Intentional Living

32 Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery and Clarity {Free Printable}

15 Slow Down Quotes to Help You Enjoy More Living

Are You Ready For A Slow Day?

Slowing down can be the hardest thing that we do. If you’re anything like me, you just feel like you ‘should’ be doing something all.the.time. 

But sometimes that can mean we’re busy, but don’t always have much to show for it. A slow day doesn’t have to mean you completely stop. It doesn’t mean you can’t do anything productive at all. 

Rather, you’re intentionally slowing down, taking most things off your plate so you don’t feel behind every moment of the day. 

It gives you a chance to breathe. You can refocus your thoughts and your energy. And in the end, it could mean you end up being productive anyway… just in a different way. 

Which will be good for your mind and your soul. 

You’ve got this!


Did you enjoy this post? Know someone else who might like it? Please take a moment to share on Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social media… (Click the sharing buttons at the bottom of the post.) Thank you!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top