Tag: introvert

Posted on

How to make Decisions under Pressure when Standing at a Crossroads

Strategies for Introverts

Introduction

Time is ticking, the pressure is mounting, and a decision must be made. Whether you’re a leader steering your team through a critical juncture, a professional juggling multiple priorities, or simply navigating life’s daily challenges, the ability to make sound decisions under time pressure can feel like a superpower. Yet, in those high-stakes moments, clarity often gives way to doubt, and the fear of making the wrong choice looms large.

As an introvert, I have great difficulty with this. Making important descisions under pressure just doesn’t come naturally to introverts.

So what can we do?

Strategies for Introverts

Introverts CAN make decisions under pressure by using these strategies:

  1. Buy time: When faced with an immediate decision, ask for a brief moment to consider the options. This allows for a quick mental review without appearing indecisive.
  2. Prepare in advance: Anticipate potential scenarios that may require quick decisions and develop a personal “emergency response kit” for common situations.
  3. Seek trusted opinions: Quickly consult with colleagues or team members whose judgment you trust, even if they have differing viewpoints.
  4. Use intuition and analysis: Combine gut feelings with rapid analysis of available information to make more informed decisions.
  5. Practice crisis scenarios: Regularly rehearse decision-making in high-pressure situations to develop a more flexible decision-making style.
  6. Focus on strengths: Leverage introverts’ natural abilities for deep thinking and thorough analysis, even in compressed timeframes.
  7. Communicate clearly: When announcing a decision, articulate it clearly and empathetically, being open to questions and providing reassurance.
  8. Schedule recharge time: Plan for solitude after high-pressure situations to help recover and maintain energy levels.
  9. Use writing: If possible, communicate decisions through writing, allowing for clearer articulation of thoughts.
  10. Trust your judgment: Recognise that making a decision is often better than no decision at all, even if it’s not perfect.

By implementing these strategies, we can leverage our natural strengths while adapting to the demands of quick decision-making in our personal and professional lives.

Effective decision-making isn’t about eliminating pressure—it’s about mastering it. By leveraging proven strategies, you can cut through the chaos, focus on what truly matters, and move forward with confidence—even when time is scarce.

The Introvert’s Personal “Emergency Response Kit”

Below, I’ve listed 10 practical techniques to sharpen your decision-making skills, so you can function under pressure and make choices that drive meaningful results.

1. Use the Eisenhower Matrix:
This tool divides tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance:

  • Urgent and Important: Tasks needing immediate attention (e.g., deadlines, crises).
  • Important but Not Urgent: Strategic priorities you should plan for (e.g., long-term goals).
  • Urgent but Not Important: Tasks that can often be delegated or minimized (e.g., interruptions).
  • Neither Urgent nor Important: Low-value activities to eliminate or postpone.
    When time is short, this matrix helps you avoid wasting energy on unimportant tasks and ensures your focus stays on high-impact actions.

2. Apply the Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule):
The idea is that 20% of efforts typically drive 80% of outcomes. When deciding under time pressure:

  • Identify which few decisions or actions will have the greatest impact.
  • Avoid getting bogged down by trivial matters that won’t significantly influence results.
    For example, if you’re launching a project, focus on critical factors like stakeholder buy-in and core deliverables rather than minor details.

3. Implement Timeboxing:
Timeboxing involves setting a fixed period to complete a task or make a decision. For instance:

  • Allocate 15 minutes to finalise a meeting agenda or 30 minutes to choose between vendors.
  • When the time is up, move forward with the best option available. This approach minimizes overthinking and prevents “analysis paralysis,” where excessive deliberation delays action. It also creates a sense of urgency, promoting faster, more decisive behaviour.

4. Use the Two-Minute Rule:
Small decisions or tasks, such as replying to an email or approving a straightforward request, can quickly pile up. The Two-Minute Rule suggests handling these immediately.

This prevents clutter in your mental space and leaves more time for larger, more complex decisions. By clearing quick decisions off your plate, you maintain focus on high-priority tasks.

5. Leverage Decision Trees:
Decision trees are visual tools that outline possible choices, consequences, and outcomes. For example:

  • If you’re choosing between two vendors, a decision tree might map out factors like cost, delivery time, and customer reviews.
  • By considering these paths, you can clarify potential risks and rewards in minutes, enabling you to make well-informed decisions even in complex scenarios.

6. Trust Your Intuition:
Sometimes, after weighing the pros and cons, options may seem equally viable. In these cases, intuition—your subconscious synthesis of past experiences and knowledge—can guide you.

  • Intuition often provides a swift, reliable decision when logical analysis stalls.
  • However, balance intuition with rational thinking to ensure biases don’t dominate your judgment.

7. Use Simple Frameworks:
Simplified tools like a pro/con list or a basic decision matrix can help:

  • For example, list the advantages and disadvantages of each option, then weigh them against your priorities.
  • Frameworks like this streamline decision-making, particularly for mid-level choices that don’t require extensive deliberation.

8. Break Down Large Decisions:
Big, complex decisions can be overwhelming, especially under time constraints. Break them into smaller, manageable parts:

  • Instead of deciding everything at once, tackle one aspect at a time, like defining key goals or identifying top risks.
  • Progress on smaller decisions builds momentum and reduces the psychological weight of the overarching choice.

9. Consult Key Stakeholders:
Collaboration can uncover valuable perspectives you might miss alone. When time is tight:

  • Quickly identify and engage people whose input is most relevant.
  • Be concise and direct in soliciting feedback to ensure efficiency.
    Stakeholder input can validate your choices, surface blind spots, and provide critical insights for more confident decision-making.

10. Be Aware of Biases:
Cognitive biases, like confirmation bias (favoring information that supports your preconceptions) or groupthink (prioritizing consensus over sound judgment), can distort decisions.

  • Actively question assumptions and seek diverse viewpoints.
  • Recognise when emotions or external pressures may unduly influence your thinking.
    Awareness of biases enables you to approach decisions more objectively, even in high-pressure situations.

My Own “Secret” Strategy

In the heat of the moment in high-pressure situations, introverts can harness the power of journaling to make swift, effective decisions. A quick brain dump, can help you clear mental clutter and reduce stress, paving the way for clearer thinking. This can be combined with emotion processing, where getting stifling feelings out of you head and down on paper prevents emotional overwhelm from clouding your judgment. Creating a rapid pros and cons list can help to outline potential consequences and benefits and provides a structured approach to the decision at hand. Taking a moment to identify core values ensures that the decision aligns with what’s truly important to you.

As the pressure mounts, you can use journaling to perform an external influence check, briefly noting any societal pressures or expectations that might be influencing the decision. A worst-case scenario analysis, where writing down the most negative possible outcome can help rationalise fears and gain perspective. Reflecting on past experiences through quick notes can provide you with valuable guidance, drawing on lessons learned from similar situations.

Maybe you prefer to use mind mapping techniques, creating a visual representation of thoughts and connections to see the bigger picture. Writing down your expectations – what you anticipate will happen and why – can prevent hindsight bias later on. Finally, a physical and emotional check-in, noting how you feel both physically and emotionally about the decision, grounds the process in personal experience. By using these techniques, you can leverage yourr natural inclination for introspection to make more confident decisions under pressure, even when time is of the essence.

I always start by buying time, and then I usually chose the two or three most obviously effective options from the suggestions above.

Regular journaling can be a powerful tool for introverts to make decisions under pressure by providing these long-term benefits:

  1. Stress reduction: Regular journaling helps introverts manage stress, which is crucial for clear thinking in high-pressure situations.
  2. Enhanced self-awareness: Through journaling, introverts can deepen their self-awareness, helping them understand their preferences, values, and decision-making patterns.
  3. Clarity of thought: Writing down thoughts and concerns can help unravel overwhelming ideas, leading to clearer perspectives on challenges.
  4. Improved problem-solving skills: Articulating problems through writing enhances problem-solving abilities, which is valuable for decision-making.
  5. Emotional processing: Journaling allows introverts to explore and process complex emotions, preventing emotional overwhelm during decision-making.
  6. Safe space for exploration: Journals provide a judgment-free zone where introverts can freely explore various decision options without external pressure.
  7. Decision tracking: By documenting decisions and their outcomes, introverts can learn from past experiences and improve future decision-making.
  8. Creativity boost: Journaling nurtures creativity, which can lead to innovative solutions and decision approaches.
  9. Worst-case scenario analysis: Using techniques like worst-case scenario journaling can help introverts confront and rationalize their anxieties about potential outcomes.
  10. Quiet reflection: Journaling offers a quiet, solitary activity that aligns with introverts’ need for introspection, allowing for deeper contemplation of important decisions.

Journaling regularly allows introverts to develop a more structured and introspective approach to decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations. On my Camino de Santiago walking retreats, this practice becomes a transformative tool for self-discovery. As you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of southwest France, daily journaling sessions provide a quiet sanctuary to process your thoughts, gain clarity, and connect with your inner self. Guided prompts encourage reflection on your path—both literal and metaphorical—helping you identify what truly matters. If you’re navigating a personal crossroads, journaling amplifies this 5- or 7-dat Camino de Santiago retreat’s essence: stepping away from the noise to walk with purpose, reflect with intention, and emerge with renewed confidence.

A Life-Changing Decision

Chloe’s fingers drummed silently against her leg as she sat in the conference room, surrounded by eager faces waiting for her answer. The opportunity to lead the company’s new Singapore office had dropped into her lap just forty-eight hours ago, when Sarah had unexpectedly declined the position. Now, fifteen pairs of eyes bored into hers, expecting an immediate decision.

The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, a sound that usually faded into background noise but now seemed to drill into her consciousness. She needed time—time to research, to make lists, to carefully weigh every pro and con. That’s how she’d always made important decisions. But CEO Marcus Chen was leaving for Singapore in three hours, and he needed an answer now.

Her apartment, her carefully curated sanctuary with its reading nook and herb garden on the balcony, flashed through her mind. The thought of leaving it behind made her chest tighten. Then there was her sister Emma’s baby, due in four months. How could she miss becoming an aunt?

But beneath the anxiety, another feeling stirred. In her mind’s eye, she saw herself standing on a balcony overlooking the Singapore skyline at dawn, the air heavy with possibility. She thought of all the times she’d stayed in her comfort zone, choosing safety over growth. Each of those small decisions had felt right at the moment, but they’d piled up into a mountain of regrets.

Chloe took a deep breath, her heart pounding against her ribs. The silence in the room had stretched to nearly two minutes. In her normal world, two minutes was nothing—a breath, a blink. But here, now, it felt like an eternity.

“Yes,” she said, her quiet voice somehow filling the entire room. “I’ll do it.”

The word hung in the air for a moment before the room erupted in congratulations. But Chloe barely heard them. She was already thinking about how to tell Emma—not about leaving, but about how she’d finally found the courage to take the leap.

Final Thoughts

Making decisions under pressure is a challenge for anyone, but as an introvert, your natural tendencies toward thoughtfulness and introspection can be your greatest assets. By taking small moments to pause, reflect on your values, and weigh your options—even in high-pressure situations—you can make choices that feel authentic and meaningful.

When time is limited, perfection is often unattainable, and that’s okay. Focus on what matters most, trust your intuition, and accept that some level of uncertainty is inevitable.

It’s okay to embrace quiet strategies, like journaling your thoughts, mentally rehearsing scenarios, or seeking advice through one-on-one conversations rather than group discussions. These methods honour your introverted nature while empowering you to act with confidence and clarity.

Ultimately, every crossroads offers an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your priorities. Trust that even under pressure, you have the tools to navigate decisions with grace and intentionality. When you align your choices with who you truly are, the path forward will become clearer—one thoughtful step at a time.

“I am an experienced medical doctor – MBChB, MRCGP, NLP master pract cert, Transformational Life Coach (dip.) Life Story Coach (cert.) Stress Counselling (cert.) Med Hypnotherapy (dip.) and EAGALA (cert.) I may have an impressive number of letters after my name, and more than three decades of professional experience, but what qualifies me to excel at what I do is my intuitive understanding of my clients’ difficulties and my extensive personal experience of managing major life changes using strategies I developed over many years.” Dr M Montagu

In a world that feels increasingly unstable — politically, economically, emotionally — what will you do when the rug is pulled out from under you? That’s why I created Survive the Storm — a 7-part online course designed to be a lifeline during a life quake. This is your personal survival toolkit for uncertain times — lovingly crafted and packed with practical tools, emotional support, and soul-nourishing insights to help you stay grounded, resilient, and resourceful when everything around you feels like it’s falling apart. Enrol in How to Survive the Storm Protocol, with or without additional mentoring.

Posted on

Remote Work: A Tale of Two Temperaments – Introverts and Extroverts

remote work

Is working remotely really the introvert’s dream and the extrovert’s nightmare?

With so many people, nearly three years after the pandemic still working remotely, by choice, it might seem as if the statement above might well be true. Not for me, though. I consider myself an inveterate introvert, and I spend long hours working on my own, marketing my Camino de Santiago walking retreats, but I also need regular contact with friends and family to keep me grounded.

When I met my friend Hannah for coffee at our favourite bistro, I discovered I wasn’t the only one. According to Hannah, she had always felt out of place in the office. Open-plan desks, forced conversations about last night’s Netflix binge, and the dreaded “Happy Birthday” singalongs—none of it was her scene. So, when her company announced they were offering permanent remote work, she couldn’t sign up fast enough.

No more awkward coffee breaks. No more Karen from HR asking if she had “big plans for the weekend.”

The first week was everything she’d dreamed of. She woke up to birdsong instead of her alarm, brewed her own coffee instead of suffering through whatever tar-like concoction the office kitchen offered, and basked in the absence of small talk. She didn’t even mind that she spent half the day on Zoom. Turning her camera off and pretending to listen was far easier than surviving in-person brainstorming sessions.

By week two, cracks started to show.

Hannah, much to her own surprise, missed the routine of the commute. Now, her days started in a haze of endless sameness. Bedroom to laptop. Laptop to kitchen. Kitchen to couch. And back again.

The silence, once soothing, became oppressive. She noticed how loud her apartment was: the constant hum of the fridge, the neighbour’s dog barking, and the faint screech of tyres on the street. She tried to listen to music to fill the void, but it only made her more aware of how quiet her world had become.

By the end of the third week, Hannah realised she hadn’t seen or spoken to another human being fat-to-face for days. She appreciated the presence of her cat enormously, but although he talked a lot, he wasn’t always understandable. The realisation hit hard. She started lingering on Zoom calls just to hear voices, even if they were discussing budgets or quarterly KPIs.

She thought working remotely would free her, but instead, it felt like a cage she’d willingly locked herself into.

Desperate for connection, she started visiting a local coffee shop with her laptop. The hum of conversations, the hiss of the espresso machine—it all felt oddly comforting. She didn’t talk to anyone, of course, but being around people reminded her that she was still part of the world.

Eventually, she joined a coworking space. Just a couple of days a week, enough to strike a balance. Hannah wasn’t ready to give up her solitude entirely, but she’d learned a hard truth: isolation, even for an introvert, wasn’t as blissful as she thought it would be.

By the time her first day at the coworking space ended, she felt lighter, more human. And when a stranger in a striped shirt asked if the seat next to her was taken, Hannah did something she never thought she’d do.

She smiled and said, “Go for it.”

My own experience, mirrored by Hannah’s experience, made me think. I thought about Carl Jung said about Introverts vs. Extroverts: “… introversion and extroversion are the foundation of personality, the building blocks that influence the way we live, work and interact with others. Introverts are attracted to the inner world of ideas, thoughts and emotions, while extroverts are attracted to a vibrant social life and group activities.” That much is clear. But Carl Jung also said, “”There is no such thing as a pure introvert or a pure extrovert. Such a man would be condemned to spend his life in an asylum.” 

Seems to me that introversion and extroversion should be seen as a spectrum with introverts on one end, extroverts on another and ambiverts somewhere in the middle. Also, in certain situations, an introvert can respond like an extrovert, and vice versa. Sometimes, introverts need connection and extroverts need solitude.

So how does the existence of this spectrum influence our approach to working remotely?

The shift to remote and hybrid work has dramatically reshaped the professional landscape, affecting introverts and extroverts in distinctly different ways. This new work paradigm has created a unique set of challenges and opportunities for both personality types, fundamentally altering their productivity.

Introverts, who typically thrive in quiet, controlled environments, have found remote work to be a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of traditional office settings. The ability to work from home has provided them with a peaceful atmosphere that aligns well with their natural tendencies, allowing for increased focus and productivity. Introverts appreciate the reduced social pressure and the freedom to communicate on their own terms, whether through email, messaging apps, or scheduled video calls.

On the other hand, extroverts have faced significant challenges in adapting to remote work. The lack of in-person interaction and the absence of a dynamic office environment has left many extroverts feeling isolated and less motivated. Extroverts often draw energy from social interactions and collaborative environments, which are less readily available in a remote setting. This shift has led to decreased productivity and increased feelings of disconnection for many extroverts. Many report feeling disconnected from their teams and missing the spontaneous conversations that once punctuated their workday. As Sarah Martinez, a sales executive, shares, “I miss the energy of the office. Video calls just aren’t the same as stopping by someone’s desk for a quick chat.”

Enter the hybrid work model. Introverts may opt to work remotely more often, enjoying the solitude and ability to control their social interactions. Extroverts, in contrast, can return to the office, seeking out the face-to-face interactions and collaborative atmosphere they crave.

The transition to remote and hybrid work has also impacted communication styles. Introverts may find virtual meetings less overwhelming, as they can participate without the pressure of constant face-to-face interaction. Extroverts, however, might struggle with the limited non-verbal cues in virtual settings and the reduced opportunities for spontaneous conversations.

Balancing the benefits of remote work for introverts with the need for social interaction for extroverts has become a key challenge in creating effective and inclusive work environments.

Today, introverts are valued employees of many companies, which are looking for managers with soft skills. Published in 2013, the book Quiet (The Power of Discretion: The Power of Introverts in an Overly Talkative World), by the American Susan Cain, marks the beginning of the “silent revolution” of introverts. In this book, which remained on the US bestseller list for almost two years, she demonstrates, through surveys of psychologists, anthropologists and sociologists, the value of introverts, whose creativity fuels business, the arts and politics. Her TED talk has been viewed nearly 30 million times.

All this seemed pretty straightforward until Myers-Briggs discovered in a recent study, conducted by John Hackston, Head of Thought Leadership at The Myers-Briggs Company, that 82 per cent of extroverted workers would prefer a hybrid work model, with 15 per cent actually preferring full-time remote work. Self-described introverts, on the other hand — a whopping 74 per cent of them — said they wanted to be in the office at least part-time.

So, how does remote work impact introverts specifically? What advantages do they enjoy, and what hurdles must they overcome? And most importantly, how can they minimise the downsides to thrive in their professional and personal lives?

The Introvert’s Perspective: Opportunities

For many introverts, remote work has been a revelation. The elimination of open-office distractions and the ability to control their environment has led to increased job satisfaction. Without the constant buzz of office activity, introverts can focus on their tasks without the energy drain of constant social interaction.

For introverts, remote work offers undeniable perks.

  1. A Distraction-Free Environment
    Without the constant chatter of colleagues or the need to participate in spontaneous discussions, introverts can focus on their tasks. This environment allows for heightened productivity and creativity, as introverts excel in settings where they can work uninterrupted.
  2. Control Over Workspace and Schedule
    Being at home means having the freedom to design a workspace that feels comfortable and supportive. Introverts can customise their day to include moments of quiet reflection, aligning work rhythms with their natural energy cycles.
  3. Reduced Pressure for Socialising
    Introverts often feel drained by excessive small talk or obligatory networking events. Gone are the days of forced small talk around the water cooler. Working remotely eliminates many of these stressors, enabling them to conserve energy for what truly matters.

These advantages make remote work appealing for introverts, but they don’t tell the whole story.

The Introvert’s Perspective: Challenges

While remote work initially feels like an introvert’s dream, it can also present unique challenges. It certainly isn’t without its pitfalls for introverts. The very aspects that make it appealing can also create unexpected difficulties: without the natural boundaries of a physical office, many introverts find themselves working longer hours, struggling to disconnect from work when it’s always within reach.

  1. Blurred Boundaries Between Work and Life
    Without a clear division between the office and home, introverts may find themselves working longer hours, leading to fatigue. The sanctuary of home life can become overshadowed by work demands, disrupting the balance they need to thrive.
  2. Limited Professional Visibility
    Introverts may unintentionally fade into the background in a remote setting, missing opportunities to showcase their contributions or build relationships with colleagues and leaders. The limited face-to-face interaction can lead to decreased visibility within their organisations, potentially impacting career advancement opportunities.
  3. Isolation and Loneliness
    While introverts value solitude, they still require meaningful connections. The absence of regular face-to-face interaction can lead to emotional disconnection and feelings of being undervalued or unsupported.

These challenges can accumulate over time, leaving introverts feeling drained and even burnt out.

The Burnout Factor

One of the most overlooked risks for introverts in remote work is burnout. Paradoxically, the very environment that feels comfortable can contribute to their exhaustion. Without clear boundaries, introverts often overcompensate, working harder to ensure their contributions are recognised. Combined with a lack of social interaction, this can lead to feelings of isolation, stress, and diminished well-being. The constant need to be “on” for video calls, combined with the pressure to maintain visibility in a virtual environment, can drain introverts’ energy reserves more quickly than traditional office work.

This is where structured support can make all the difference. My course, ‘Building Resilience – a Roadmap from Burnout to Breakthrough during a Life Transition,’ is designed to help professionals— especially introverts—overcome these challenges. It offers practical tools to set boundaries, manage stress, and cultivate sustainable self-care practices. By increasing their resilience, introverts can not only prevent burnout but also thrive in their remote work environment.

Coping with the Challenges: Practical Tips for Introverts

To thrive in remote work environments, introverts can implement several key strategies:

Set Clear Work-Life Boundaries

  • Designate a specific workspace to create physical separation from your personal life.
  • Establish fixed working hours and commit to “clocking out” at the end of the day.

Schedule Regular Breaks

  • Regular breaks throughout the day are essential for maintaining energy levels. These breaks should be scheduled rather than left to chance, ensuring they actually happen.
  • Use these breaks to step outside, stretch, or take a short walk – this can help reset mental focus and prevent the fatigue that comes from extended screen time.

Stay Connected

  • Schedule one-on-one virtual coffee chats with colleagues to maintain a sense of camaraderie.
  • Participate in team meetings and contribute thoughtfully. These controlled interactions allow you to maintain visibility while managing your energy levels.

Leverage Technology

Technology can be a powerful ally in this environment.

Using productivity tools to automate routine tasks, manage notifications, and organise work can reduce mental clutter and preserve energy for more important activities.

  • Experiment with apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams to maintain open communication without being overwhelmed.

Prioritise Self-Care

  • Dedicate time to hobbies, exercise, and activities that nourish your mental health.
  • Explore resources to gain deeper insights into managing stress and building lasting well-being.

Conclusion: Thriving as an Introvert working (mostly) @Home

Remote work offers unique advantages for introverts, but success requires intentional strategy and self-awareness. By acknowledging both the benefits and challenges of this work style, introverts can create systems and habits that support their natural tendencies while protecting against potential pitfalls.

The key lies in leveraging introverted strengths – such as intense focus and thoughtful communication – while actively managing the risks of isolation and burnout. Resources like the Roadmap to Resilience course provide valuable support in this journey, offering structured approaches to maintaining well-being and professional effectiveness in a remote environment.

As the workplace continues to evolve, introverts have a unique opportunity to thrive in ways that weren’t always possible in traditional office settings. By embracing their natural tendencies while staying mindful of potential challenges, introverts can create a sustainable and rewarding remote work experience that supports both their professional growth and personal well-being.

Dr Margaretha Montagu – MBChB, MRCGP, NLP Master Pract cert, Transformational Life Coach dip, Counselling cert, Med Hyp Dip and EAGALA cert

In addition to the transformational retreats that I host at my little French farm near Bordeaux, I have also created a couple of online courses, ex. The Purpose Protocols – each course is available with or without one-to-one coaching. To receive notification of last-minute and early-bird specials on all of the above, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter which gives immediate access to my free Ready for a Radical Renaissance? Quiz.

It’s time to kick exhaustion to the curb and finally ditch that terminally overwhelmed feeling, evict your inner critic, declutter your mind and take control of your life like a boss. You’re about to turn your life from a comedy of errors into a blockbuster success story (with a much better soundtrack). This two-day online course is designed for anyone needing to dramatically reduce stress, end exhaustion and overwhelm, prevent or recover from burnout, AND create a positive impact on others. Find out more

Posted on

Solo Slow Travel: Best Option for Introverts

Slow travel along a lush tree-lined pathway in nature.

What is Slow Travel?

As the third wave of the pandemic starts to flatten here in France, I come across more and more articles about Solo Slow Travel.

Slow travel is a mindset that encourages travellers to take their time, savouring the experience of a place rather than rushing through a packed itinerary. It emphasises connecting with local culture, engaging deeply with the environment, and embracing the journey as much as the destination. This approach often involves staying in one location for an extended period, reducing the stress of constant movement, and allowing for a more meaningful connection with people, customs, and the natural surroundings. The benefits of slow travel include fostering a deeper sense of relaxation, reducing travel fatigue, and promoting sustainability by minimising frequent transportation and supporting local economies. Additionally, it allows travellers to cultivate mindfulness, making the experience more enriching and fulfilling.

Slow travel has evolved from being a quiet, niche idea to a well-studied and well-loved approach to exploring the world. Researchers have looked at it from every angle—psychological, social, economic, and environmental—and the evidence is pretty compelling. Whether through systematic literature reviews, conceptual models, or on-the-ground studies, slow travel keeps showing up as a powerful way to boost personal well-being, support local communities, and travel more sustainably.

Why Slow Travel Matters

People who travel slowly tend to experience more self-discovery, revitalisation, and overall satisfaction than those who rush from one tourist hotspot to another. When we stay longer in one place and take the time to really connect—with locals, with the landscape, and with the rhythm of daily life—we don’t just see a destination; we experience it.

Studies even suggest that this kind of travel can sharpen our minds. Travellers who take extended trips—like long cruises or month-long stays—often report improved memory and clearer reasoning afterwards.

There’s also an economic ripple effect. Slow travellers usually spend more in local communities—about 60% more, in fact—because they tend to eat at neighbourhood cafés, stay in small guesthouses, and buy from local artisans rather than big chains.

From an environmental point of view, slow travel helps reduce our carbon footprint. By choosing sustainable transport options and staying longer in each place, we naturally counter the negative effects of overtourism.

What Drives the Desire to Travel Slowly

Why do some people choose to travel this way? Research points to a mix of personal and social factors. Intrinsic motivation—like the desire for meaningful experiences and authentic connections—plays a huge role. So does cultural curiosity and, increasingly, a concern for the environment. When travellers care deeply about sustainability, they’re more likely to embrace slow travel, which in turn helps shape positive, eco-conscious travel norms and even enhances a destination’s reputation.

Of course, researchers note that there’s still work to be done. There’s a need for clearer, unified definitions of what “slow travel” really means and more long-term comparative studies. But despite these gaps, the evidence consistently highlights how powerful slow travel can be—for our personal well-being and for sustainable destination development.

Defining the Movement

At its core, slow travel is all about taking your time. It means longer stays, slower modes of transportation, and genuine engagement with the places you visit. And it’s not just a niche movement anymore. Global travel data—like average trip lengths and traveller surveys—show a clear trend toward slower, more mindful travel, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

slow travel

Solo Slow Travel in the Southwest of France

I have been asking myself what Solo Slow travel would mean for people who come to the south of France on a residential retreat. As I understand it, Slow Travel is the opposite of the Monday-Amsterdam, Tuesday-Paris, and Wednesday-Lisbon trips that were so popular in the past. The idea is that less is more and that quality is better than quantity. A Slow Travel trip is meant to educate and have an emotional impact, in the present moment and for the future, while remaining sustainable for local communities and the environment.

Slow travel allows us to relax and reflect, to connect with and integrate our experiences.

It seems to me that Slow Travel to a retreat here in the southwest of France has to begin with the trip here, by making the trip part of the retreat experience by travelling slower, maybe by taking the train instead of taking the plane, by stopping on the way to investigate a famous city, like Bordeaux or Toulouse, by using travel time to educate oneself about this region and by talking to other travellers, etc.

The Camino de Santiago Crossroads Retreat

At the moment, my Camino de Santiago Crossroads retreats are the most popular, possibly because they represent the slow travel idea so perfectly:

  • walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela always has an emotional impact, no one who walks the Camino comes away unchanged.
  • Gascony, the region in France where the retreats are held is the perfect host for slow travel. To discover why, Click Here.
  • during the walk, there is ample time for interaction with other pilgrims and for supporting small local businesses on the way.
  • staying in one place during the whole retreat, you’ll get more of an opportunity to interact with local people in a meaningful way.
  • it’s not only healthier for the environment (my take on sustainable tourism,) it’s also healthier for you.

Slow travel is less stressful, which is the whole objective of going on a retreat, so take your time to travel here and make the most of each moment you are here, even if it is just relaxing in a deckchair while watching the sun go down with a glass of local Rosé, is not only of benefit to you but also to the local community.

As for myself, I have always preferred Slow Travel to rushing around and seeing as many different places in as short a time as possible. I am still, after 11 years of living in this part of France, slowly travelling through my glorious region. When I drive here, I stop frequently to admire the majestic Pyrennées mountain range, explore a small farmer’s market, or check on a friend who lives in the middle of nowhere, on the way to a favourite restaurant. Here you’ll find me discussing the menu for 15 minutes or longer with the chef, asking about his family and his business, and then indulging in a lunch that takes…as long as it takes. After the meal, I linger to watch the world go by…

Solo Slow Travel – I highly recommend it.

The Bottom Line

The research is unanimous: slow travel benefits everyone involved. It nourishes travelers on a psychological and emotional level, strengthens communities economically, and supports the planet environmentally. In many ways, it’s becoming a model for what sustainable tourism should look like in the years ahead.

FAQ

There’s something quietly magical about walking the Camino at a slower pace. It’s not just travel — it’s a gentle exhale. A way to step out of the noise of everyday life and into a rhythm that lets you actually feel where you are. Slow travel on the Camino isn’t about how many kilometres you cover or how many landmarks you tick off a list. It’s about the morning light spilling over the path, the conversations with strangers who feel like old friends, the scent of wildflowers, the weight of your backpack easing as your heart lightens. It’s about allowing the journey to unfold — and letting it change you in ways you didn’t expect.

1. What does “slow travel” mean on the Camino?

On the Camino, slow travel isn’t just about walking at a gentle pace — it’s about giving yourself the gift of time. Instead of rushing to “get somewhere,” you allow each step, each village, and each conversation to become part of your story. It’s travel that’s felt, not just seen.

2. How is this different from a regular holiday?

Most holidays are about cramming in as much as possible — landmarks, tours, restaurants, photos. A Camino walking retreat is the opposite. It invites you to unplug, breathe, and simply be present. You’re not racing to a finish line; you’re arriving to yourself, one step at a time.

3. Do I need weeks or months to travel slowly on the Camino?

Not at all. Even a few days can be deeply meaningful when you approach the journey with presence. My retreats are designed so that in just five days, you can drop into a slower rhythm, connect with nature, and walk away feeling more grounded and alive.

4. What are the benefits of walking the Camino slowly?

So many. People often talk about how the Camino:

  • Clears their mind and calms their nervous system
  • Helps them reconnect with themselves during life transitions
  • Boosts their mental clarity and emotional resilience
  • Inspires a sense of belonging — with nature, others, and something bigger
  • Feels more like a soulful reset than a holiday

5. How does slow travel help the environment here?

Walking is one of the most sustainable ways to travel. By choosing to explore on foot, stay in local accommodations, and linger in villages instead of rushing through, you help keep the Camino’s natural and cultural heritage alive. Every slower step leaves a lighter footprint.

6. Is the Camino only for solo travellers?

Absolutely not. Many people walk alone, yes — but plenty come with a partner, a friend, or even a small group. What makes slow travel on the Camino special is the shared humanity you encounter along the way. Whether you crave quiet solitude or gentle connection, there’s space for both.

7. What kind of transportation fits the spirit of the Camino?

Your feet are your main mode of transport. But trains, local buses, and the occasional taxi help keep things flexible. The idea isn’t to rush from point A to B — it’s to let the journey unfold at its own pace.

8. Can I still travel slowly if I only have a short holiday?

Yes — in fact, that’s what my retreats are designed for. Instead of trying to walk the entire Camino in record time, you can sink into one beautiful stretch, fully experience it, and return home feeling rested and inspired rather than exhausted.

9. Does this kind of travel really make a difference to local communities?

It does — in a big way. When you walk slowly, stay in family-run gîtes, eat at local cafés, and linger in village shops, your presence supports the people who keep this route vibrant and alive. Slow travellers contribute around 60% more to local economies than fast-moving tourists.

10. How do I begin my slow travel journey on the Camino?

Start with a simple intention: to walk, breathe, and be present. You don’t need to plan every detail or prove anything. Just bring your curiosity, your walking shoes, and an open heart. The Camino has a way of meeting you exactly where you are — and gently guiding you toward where you need to be.

If you would like to read more about Slow Travel, here is the Slow Travel Guide Book

how to manage stress
self-abuse
couples hiking retreat
retreat at home
time management mistakes
self-sabotage
exhaustion
walking as medicine
walking retreats

10 Powerful Life Lessons Learned While Walking the Camino de Santiago – a free guide filled with 10 not just “quaint anecdotes” or Instagram-worthy moments (though there are plenty of those) but real transformations from real people who walked the same insight-giving trail you might want to walk one day – Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to Download the Guide

“I am an experienced medical doctor – MBChB, MRCGP, NLP master pract cert, Transformational Life Coach (dip.) Life Story Coach (cert.) Stress Counselling (cert.) Med Hypnotherapy (dip.) and EAGALA (cert.) I may have an impressive number of letters after my name, and more than three decades of professional experience, but what qualifies me to excel at what I do is my intuitive understanding of my clients’ difficulties and my extensive personal experience of managing major life changes using strategies I developed over many years.” Dr M Montagu

All content of this website is copyrighted. You cannot copy the content of this page