If you’ve been scrolling through social media, you’ve likely encountered the term “soft life.” Far more than just a passing trend, the soft life embodies a lifestyle rooted in ease, simplicity, and prioritizing mental and emotional well-being. But what does it truly mean to live a soft life, and how can you incorporate its principles into your own daily routine? This guide explores the origins, cultural significance, and actionable steps to embrace a soft life, as shared by life and executive coaches.
What is the Soft Life?
At its core, the soft life represents a shift from hustle culture and stress-filled routines to one of peace, balance, and intentional living. Contrary to misconceptions, it isn’t about wealth or luxury. Instead, it’s about finding joy in small moments, prioritizing self-care, and rejecting societal pressures to constantly “grind.”
The soft life includes practices like:
- Nurturing mental and physical health through therapy, sleep, and joyful movement.
- Slowing down to savor simple pleasures, like a quiet morning or meaningful conversations.
- Creating boundaries and saying no to what doesn’t align with your values.
The Origins of the Soft Life
While the term “soft life” has existed for centuries, it gained traction as a social media movement in 2020, particularly among younger Black creators, especially Black women. These influencers redefined the concept to counteract generational struggles and societal pressures. By 2022, platforms like TikTok amplified the trend, with influencers such as Sisi Yemmie popularizing #softlife as a form of self-care and liberation.
For marginalized communities, the soft life isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a statement of reclaiming joy and rest as fundamental rights, rather than privileges.
How to Live a Soft Life
Here are expert-backed steps to incorporate the principles of the soft life into your daily routine:
1. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Engage in daily mindfulness exercises to center your thoughts and reduce stress. Life coach Guy Reichard suggests simple breathing techniques:
- Take a deep breath, hold for a moment, and slowly exhale.
- Focus on the contact your feet make with the ground to bring yourself into the present.
2. Address and Manage Stress
Stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to control you. Start by acknowledging when you feel overwhelmed. Amber Rosenberg advises identifying stress triggers and reflecting on their impact. Then, create a proactive self-care routine to minimize stressors and their effects.
3. Take Care of Your Body
Respect your body by maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising in ways that feel enjoyable. Small acts, like stretching or taking a relaxing bath, can rejuvenate your physical and mental well-being.
4. Set Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for maintaining mental health. Rosenberg advises being firm yet gracious when setting limits. Examples include:
- Politely declining commitments that overextend your time.
- Addressing disrespectful behavior calmly but firmly.
5. Honor Your Personal Values
Identify what truly matters to you by reflecting on moments of fulfillment and happiness. Use these insights to align your daily choices with your core values, whether that’s cultivating vulnerability, pursuing creativity, or prioritizing relationships.
6. Foster Positive Emotions
Embrace activities that spark joy, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, exploring nature, or savoring quiet moments. Practices like gratitude journaling can help nurture a positive outlook.
7. Be Intentional with Time and Energy
Life coach Jessica Elliott emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in how you spend your time. Focus on what you genuinely enjoy and let go of obligations that feel draining.
Cultural Context and Criticisms
The soft life isn’t without its critiques. Some argue that it’s a privileged concept, inaccessible to those juggling multiple jobs or financial stress. However, the soft life doesn’t require wealth or extravagance—it’s about making small, intentional choices that bring peace, even within limited means.
Others see it as a rejection of ambition. However, living a soft life doesn’t mean abandoning goals; instead, it’s about pursuing them in a way that aligns with your well-being and values.
Why the Soft Life Matters
The soft life challenges societal norms around success and productivity, advocating for a more holistic approach to living. By prioritizing rest, intentionality, and joy, it offers a path to greater emotional resilience and fulfillment.
Embracing the soft life is about reclaiming your time, energy, and purpose. Whether it’s taking five minutes to journal or setting a goal to spend more time in nature, you can create your own version of a soft life—one step at a time.
