Living a soft life might just be the antidote to the rigours of hustle culture. While the term itself became a buzzword in autumn 2022 thanks to a group of influencers from Nigeria, the concept of a life centred around calmness and self-care feels deliciously timeless. These influencers sparked the trend as a response to the relentless pressures of the “girlboss” era and the grind of the 2010s. But let’s clear up a few misconceptions: the soft life isn’t about shirking responsibilities, quitting your job or avoiding the tough parts of life. At its heart, the lifestyle prioritises ease and peace, and in a way makes dealing with life’s challenges a little bit easier. So how do we sign up?
Adopting a soft life means building a good foundation of self-care and well-being. “It took me an entire year to harness a soft life,” says Spell Magazine editor Jemima Cousins. “But it’s all about building a disciplined routine that you can fall back on when times get tough. You’ll still have deadlines and hectic moments, but your environment and practices support a calmer, more balanced existence. That can be anything from an early night to learning to say ‘No’.”
In a society that sometimes feels like a never-ending episode of Survivor, this mode is about giving yourself permission to simply slow down, breathe and take it all in. As Caeli K. first tweeted, the vibe is: “Unbothered. Moisturized. Happy. In My Lane. Focused. Flourishing.” Rather than glamorising non-stop productivity, this approach encourages you to listen to your needs, to rest without guilt, and to give yourself grace.
Here, we’ve compiled a soft life starter pack. Alongside a touch of commitment on your part, your essentials include an oil diffuser for its soothing aromatherapy benefits; a meditation app to help you unwind and regulate your stress levels; and a daily journal to encourage you to build mental clarity. It may sound a little “woowoo”, but these small, sustainable daily habits can add up to a better version of *you*, not just what looks good on Instagram.
Ilapothecary Beat The Blues Reed Diffuser, £62
Calm App, £14.99 per month
Anatome Overactive Mind Sensory Point Sleep Oil, £24
Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak, £17
LIHA Glow Bundle, £98
‘Manifesto: Life The Life You Deserve’ by Candice Brathwaite, £20
Spell Beauty The Feme Collection Satin Sleeping Mask & Pillowcase Set, £13
Papier Wellness Journal, £26
Soho Home at Selfridges Dressing Gown, £85
