The Only Summer “Trends” You Need: Slow Living in Tune with Nature

Did I get you with the title? :D Slow living encourages us to step away from chasing trends and the constant pressure of FOMO (fear of missing out). But hear me out: Mother Nature is the first, original influencer.

If you think about it, fashion, home decor, food - they’re all ruled by the seasons. In Spring, we run to the garden centres. In Summer, we buy ice makers. Autumn is for sweaters and Winter is for coats and heavy boots. Remember last year’s biggest “trend” (apparently)? Burgundy for Autumn - just like the berries ripening in the hedgerows. And at Christmas, the food is always rich and calorie-dense - because that’s exactly what our bodies naturally crave in the colder months (perhaps just in smaller portions).

Trends and “must-haves” are deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature. So by tuning into the seasons, you’re actually aligning with what’s truly in — and you won’t be missing out on anything that truly matters.

Chasing trends often leaves us exhausted and never fully satisfied. The list of “must-haves” is endless, keeping you stuck in a cycle of always wanting more. It’s the opposite of seasonal, slow living. When you follow the seasons and nature’s cues, you’ll feel calm, present and nourished.

Watch My Most recent Vlog - Seasonal slow living, cosy homemaking & baking from the English countryside

 

So, let’s take a look at some slow living “trends” and must-haves for the coming Summer - the kind that will actually fill your cup:

Your 11 Slow Living Trends and Must-Haves for a Meaningful Summer

1.Saying No to Anything That Requires Rushing in Your Free Time

Work, school runs, appointments - life is busy enough. This Summer, say no to anything that asks you to rush or stress in your downtime. Protect your peace.

2. Meandering in Nature

I love a good hike or purposeful walk, but in the next few months, try also practicing meandering from time to time.  Especially in Summer I highly recommend meandering through a rose garden in bloom. You’ll find yourself completely lost in the beauty and scent of these special flowers.

3. Farm Shops and Farmers’ Markets

Sure, we can order the most exotic foods from across the world. But this Summer, visit your local farm shop or market and enjoy produce grown locally. Rhubarb, asparagus, baby potatoes, strawberries, radishes, lettuce… so much goodness straight from field to table.

4. Seasonal Cooking and Baking

Use those local, seasonal ingredients in your kitchen. Bake a strawberry cake. Roast new potatoes and asparagus with butter and herbs. What a delicious way to live in tune with the seasons.

5. Feeling Pretty and a Bit Romantic

I mentioned this in my May Slow Living To-Do List, but it’s worth repeating: the next few months in the English countryside are full of charm. Let yourself feel a little lighter - wear a pretty dress or a floral top, go for an afternoon walk when the shadows grow long and the sun turns everything gold.

6. Let Nature Into Your Home

Open the windows wide. Bring in a fresh bouquet (just be mindful and don’t steal from the bees!). Hang a wreath, plant herbs on your windowsill - so many ways to bring the season inside and feel connected to the world just outside your door.

7. Spend Less, But More Meaningfully

As a small business owner, I have to add this point: be more mindful about where you spend your hard-earned money. Don’t fall into the trap of filling your wardrobe with pretty dresses you never wear, or buying candles you never actually burn. Instead, visit a local craft market, treat yourself to freshly baked bread from a small bakery or choose a candle you’ll genuinely enjoy using - something that brings you comfort and a little daily joy. If I may suggest, try our Summer scents, hand-poured in our family-run studio in Somerset - find them here. By supporting small businesses, you support the British economy and your local area, and the items you purchase are timeless and created with care and love.

8. Visit an Orchard

Everyone flocks to orchards in Autumn (including me!), but I recommend visiting them throughout the year. See the blossom in Spring, the bees buzzing in Summer, and the fruits slowly forming before harvest. It’s a beautiful reminder of where our food comes from and how much care it takes to bring British apples, pears and other fruits to our tables.

9. Make a Preserve

Summer makes us want to prepare for the seasons ahead, just like our ancestors did. As fruits become abundant, preserve some as compote or jam for Winter. Imagine opening a jar of homemade strawberry jam on a cold grey day in January - a little spoonful of Summer.

10. Saying “No” to People and Invitations

Summer can be busy with social gatherings, so make sure you choose only the ones you’re truly excited about. You don’t need to attend every single BBQ you’re invited to. Once you skip a few, you’ll learn that you’re not actually missing out on much anyway.

11. Say “Yes” to yourself

With the long, warm days, we tend to feel like we have more time on our hands than in Winter, with its short and cold days. Use it to perhaps indulge a little in self-care and relaxing rituals. Practice yoga, catch up with a friend, reset your wardrobe - whatever makes you feel more like you.

12. An Unplugged Summer

Apparently, being offline is the new luxury. It sounds funny, but I kind of see the point. Even when you’re not actively scrolling, you’re still flooded by notifications, messages, emails. But not that long ago, phones were mounted to the wall and letters came on paper. It’s okay to fully unplug. Leave your phone in the car or at home. Try this while meandering, baking or doing yoga this Summer 💛

13. Mid-Year Summary

June is the 6th month of the year — aka halfway through. It’s a great occasion to look back and ponder what went as planned… and what didn’t. Use this moment to set intentions for the remaining months of the year, considering not only what you want to do, but also how you want to feel in the second half of the year.

A few final words

The list of cosy, soothing things we can do this Summer, all in tune with the season (ahem, the “trends” 😉), could go on and on. These are the things I’ll definitely be doing over the coming months. I’d love to know what would you add to the list?

Adriana x