12 Slow Down And Breathe Quotes For Your Busy Mind

Ever feel like you just need to stop and take a breath? We can all relate to that feeling of being overwhelmed when life puts a little too much on our plate. These slow down and breathe quotes can help you to take that moment you need to calm your mind and keep on with your day.

I *may* be slightly obsessed with all things slow, as you can see by these quotes and the rest of my slow quotes collection. And really, ‘just breathe’ quotes feel like the epitome of slow inspiration for an intentional life, don’t they?

Text quotes that will remind you to slow down and breathe on white background over image of woman wearing yoga outfit with hair pulled up sitting on stony beach and looking at blue mountain lake.

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Life can be chaotic and hectic. Often, slowing down to breathe and live an intentional life doesn’t seem possible. 

In the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in all the stressors: deadlines, meetings, traffic, our homes and families, news and social media…  

I truly understand! Too often I find myself chasing my tail, trying to make sure that I am doing everything that I am supposed to be doing… along with a bunch of stuff I don’t actually need to do. 

I’m pretty sure you know how that feels! 

But slow down and breathe — now there’s a message that everyone needs to hear more often! 

Why Should You Slow Down And Breathe?

It is important to slow down and breathe because it allows us to focus on the moment. When you slow down, your thoughts become less scattered and you can find clarity again. 

Breathing deeply gives our minds a break from being in constant motion, giving us an opportunity for calmness and contemplation.

According to researchers, it’s also a proven way to deal with overwhelm and anxiety, potentially even lowering blood pressure. When life is busy we are sometimes under pressure to do things and make decisions. These are the best times to slow down and breathe. 

Do you get to the point every day when you need to just collect your thoughts? This is the ideal time for you to take that slow down and breathe moment. 

The slow breathing and living quotes below will help you slow down your thoughts and take a deep breath whenever needed.

‘The Perfect Dozen’ Slow Down And Breathe Quotes

These simple quotes might sound ordinary at first, but they are actually quite profound. They will help you remember to slow down, clear your head, and just breathe deeply — all things that will help you find peace again and which are essential for your well-being. 

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
— Marcus Aurelius

“Take a deep breath. Get present in the moment and ask yourself what is important this very second.”
— Greg McKeown


Breathe today quote on white paper-like background over image of flowers, coffee mug, and open journal.

“Sometimes it’s okay if the only thing you did today was breathe.”

“We are capable of creating miracles ourselves and the greatest miracle is to create a masterpiece of joy out of your life with no excuses. The thing I focus on is going straight to heart. I go to mine first because if I don’t feel it, you’re not going to feel it. I take a deep breath and remind myself that before I give it to you I have to give it to myself.”
— Carlos Santana

“Breathe.
To Pause.
To make space.
To collect your thoughts.
To remember.
To face the next moment.
To choose.”

“Take a deep breath and think of the three things you are grateful for, right in this moment.”
— M. J. Ryan


Slow down and breathe quote in black text on background of woman wearing yoga outfit with hair pulled up and looking at blue mountain lake.

“Stop. Slow down and breathe.”

“Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste food when you eat, and when you sleep, really to sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. And when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough.”
— attributed to both William Saroyan and Ernest Hemingway

“Smile, breathe and go slowly.”
— Nhat Hanh

“I have so much chaos in my life, it’s become normal. You become used to it. You have to just relax, calm down, take a deep breath and try to see how you can make things work rather than complain about how they’re wrong.”
— Tom Welling


Remember to breathe quote in black text on white ripped-paper background over blurred image of woman holding white coffee mug with the word exhale.

“Remember to breathe.”

“When confronted by conflict and confusion, another practice is to take a deep breath, pause and ask: ‘Where is the gift in this?’”
— Diane Dreher

How To Use Quotes About Slowing Down And Breathing

We all need moments in our days to take stock of what we need to do — to refocus our thoughts and to calm our nerves, emotions, and feelings. This is when slowing down and taking a breath can be beneficial. Permit yourself to take these moments as often as you need them.

As with any changes, taking actionable and consistent steps to help yourself is the main objective. This is especially important when you’re working on something as difficult as how to slow life down.

This is where quotes can serve as reminders of what you want in your life and motivation to make those positive changes. 

  • Use them as daily affirmations 

A great way to make something an intention is to use them as daily affirmations. In the morning, you can say the quotes that have resonated with you while you are washing your face, brushing your hair, or getting ready for the day. Look at yourself in the mirror and say them with belief and faith that you can take it slow. 

  • Try some deep breathing 

Many people turn to things like yoga and meditation when they are wanting to calm a busy mind. These slow down and breathe quotes are perfect mantras for practicing meditation. 

But you don’t always have to go as ‘deep’ as yoga and meditation. These deep breathing exercises are a simple way to start reaping the rewards of better breathing. 

Woman wearing yoga outfit with hair pulled up sitting on stony beach taking time to slow down and breathe while looking at blue mountain lake.
  • Plan for those slow down and breathe moments 

Schedule breaks during the day when you can take a seat, get yourself a drink, and just collect your thoughts. You might have to get a little creative — like sitting alone in your vehicle to escape for 5 minutes. 

  • Put quotes where you can see them

Place your favorite quotes in strategic places as reminders to take those pauses you need throughout the day. Put them on your refrigerator door or dressing table mirror. Or grab this ‘slow down and breathe’ canvas wall art as the base for an inspirational wall grouping.

However you choose to display your quotes, enjoy them as they remind you of the purpose and intention you want for your life. 

More Inspiration for Slow And Intentional Living

12 Timely Slow Living Quotes to Revitalize Your Intentional Living Goals

30 Important Journaling Prompts for Adults

Characteristics Of A Good Life – Organized Motherhood

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

Favorite Motivational Quotes to Get You Through Every Day

Concluding Thoughts About Slowing Down

Keeping these slow down and breathe quotes in your life isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for every overwhelmed person out there. We all know there are times when we need to slow our mind to a near halt — or at least enough to be able to think things through and get stuff done. 

Use the tips in this post to slow down and bring back a sense of inner calmness that will allow you to take a step back, breathe deeply, and relax. 

You’ll slow down your overthinking brain, slow down the world around you, and probably slow your pace of life. It’s going to be slow and steady wins the race, and you’ve got this!


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