My Slow Living Reset.. ( And 10 Soulful Ways to Try It Yourself )

You know those rare moments when life slows down just enough for you to actually feel it? When you’re not chasing deadlines or replying to a hundred messages.. but simply breathing, noticing, living?

That’s what this trip was for me.

A 15-day escape to the hills with my entire tribe.. my son, my husband, my parents, my sister, her husband (who’s honestly the brother I always wished for), and their beautiful daughter.. We laughed, we bickered a little, we shared endless cups of tea, and lived slowly.. so slowly.. that it felt like time decided to rest with us for a while. And it was glorious.

We stayed in a mix of hotels, warm cozy cottages, and even had one magical night on a boat. I still remember the first evening.. it rained. Not city rain, but soft, hill station rain. Big umbrellas. Muddy shoes. Misty air. We ended up hopping into each other’s rooms and sipped hot tea while watching the clouds kiss the windows. That became our thing.. evening teas, warm socks, random jokes, and long conversations with no phone in sight.. ( a bit for Instagram )

And the nature—oh, it healed us.

Horse riding by the water, quiet hikes through pine trees, and long dreamy rides across golden meadows that looked like paintings. That meadow… I’ll never forget it. It was like the world had paused to show off its beauty. We rode for hours, wind in our faces, nothing but open land around us. That’s when I thought.. this is why we all need to step away sometimes.

My dad joined in everything, full of joy, like a child rediscovering the world. My mom, because of her health, couldn’t walk everywhere, but she had her own version of slow living—sitting peacefully in beautiful spots, watching us with the softest smile. That image of her? I’ll carry it forever.

My husband finally slowed down. No strategy or client calls, no buzzing work chats. Just naps, walks, and silence. He reconnected with himself.

And Adi, my son.. away from screens, finally!

Running around with his cousin, throwing snow, chasing sheeps , and being wild and free like kids are meant to be.

And my brother-in-law? He’s the brother I never had but always needed. Easy, funny, comforting. His presence added a warmth I didn’t know I was missing..

So why am I sharing all this with you?

Because I truly believe that visiting beautiful places with your family isn’t a luxury … it’s a necessity. Here’s why:

10 Reasons Why You Need to Escape With Your People

1. Because nature resets your soul.

No matter how stressed or scattered you are, a mountain view or a lake breeze brings you back to yourself.

2. Because real conversations need time and space.

You can’t connect deeply when everyone’s rushing. Slowness lets hearts open.

3. Because your parents won’t always be this mobile.

Take them now. Sit beside them in beautiful places. Let them see their legacy unfold.

4. Because your kids need presence, not presents.

Adi doesn’t remember toys from last year, but he’ll always remember snowball fights with his cousin.

5. Because your marriage deserves a pause.

Time together, away from responsibilities, can bring back softness. And laughter.

6. Because the mountains teach you humility.

You’re reminded how small your problems are when you’re standing under a sky that’s this big.

7. Because it’s okay to do ‘nothing’ and still feel fulfilled.

Lying on grass, sipping tea, walking nowhere.. it’s healing, not wasted.

8. Because shared memories become family glue.

“Remember that boat night?” “Remember the rain?” These become your stories.” Or…

Remember how you fell 😂?”

9. Because you meet a softer version of each other.

Your stressed-out spouse becomes playful. Your dad becomes curious. Your child becomes peaceful.

10. Because life is meant to be lived, not managed.

This trip reminded me of that. We weren’t managing schedules.. we were living..

Yes, there were tiny dramas. We’re family!

But that’s part of the joy, isn’t it? We fought, we made up, and we shared another cup of tea. And in between all of that.. we really saw each other.

So if you’re reading this and thinking, “Should I plan that trip?”.. yes. Please do.

Even if it’s not fancy. Even if it takes effort. Just go.

Take your parents. Your kids. Your partner. Your siblings. Whoever your tribe is.

Go somewhere beautiful. Go slowly. Let the world fade away for a bit.

Because the emails can wait. The chores will be there.

But these moments? These meadows? This kind of stillness?

It waits for no one !!

Btw .. I didn’t plan this trip for peace. I planned it for control. A break where I’d be the serene hill-station goddess, sipping tea with a view, journaling deep thoughts, and gently reminding everyone to pack socks.

Instead?

I got muddy shoes, missed naps, ten thousand tea rounds, and a full house of opinions. And yet.. somewhere between the sibling bickering, dramatic weather, and my son’s snowball ambush.. I found something wildly unexpected: a kind of joy that no luxury resort or spa menu can offer.

This wasn’t just a trip. It was a beautiful, chaotic, soul-resetting reminder of everything that actually matters.

Love,

Dolly