You don’t need a gadget for every problem — you need a rhythm. Kitchen overwhelm usually comes from a lack of flow, not a lack of appliances. Slowsteading your kitchen means building rhythms that make cooking, cleaning, and feeding people feel doable. When your kitchen has rhythm, it works with you instead of against you, and peace replaces clutter.
Three Natural Cleaning Swaps
These simple pantry-based cleaners save money, reduce toxins, and help you regain control of your space.
1. Surface Cleaner
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil.
2. Room Freshener
Simmer water with citrus peels, a cinnamon stick, and rosemary to naturally scent your kitchen.
3. Dishwashing Liquid
Combine:
- 1 cup liquid Castile soap
- 1 tbsp washing soda
- A few drops lemon essential oil
Start with one or two swaps rather than replacing everything at once.
Why This Matters (Research + Psychology)
- Sense of Agency: Small hands-on tasks increase confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Ritual as Stress Relief: Repetitive actions like chopping or stirring lower cortisol.
- Reduced Decision Fatigue: Fewer ingredients = fewer choices.
- Health Benefits: Natural cleaners reduce exposure to allergens and synthetic residues.
- Financial Freedom: DIY cleaners can cut costs by 50–70%, freeing up budget.
Making things from scratch is grounding, regulating, and empowering.
DIY Pre-Mixes: The Slowstead “Fast Food”
Pre-mixes let you cook from scratch quickly without relying on processed ingredients. A homemade chicken bouillon mix, for example, replaces stock blocks cleanly and cheaply.
Anytime Soup Mix
Prep once a month for instant, nourishing meals.
In a jar:
- 2 cups red lentils
- 1 cup dried split peas
- ½ cup dehydrated onions
- ½ cup dehydrated carrots or mixed veg
- 1 tbsp dried garlic granules
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp salt
To cook:
Combine 1 cup mix with 4 cups water or broth. Simmer 30 minutes. Add tomatoes, coconut milk, greens, or leftover meat for variety.
Basic Muffin or Cupcake Pre-Mix
A dry mix turns weekday baking into a 5-minute job.
In a jar:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
To bake:
Use 2 cups mix +
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
Fold in berries, chocolate chips, or grated apple. Bake at 180°C for 18–20 minutes.
Hack: Make two jars at a time and label them for easy grab-and-go baking.
Smart Ingredient Swaps
Quick mental substitutions for calmer cooking:
- Lemon juice → salad dressing (add olive oil + salt)
- Blitzed oats → breadcrumbs
- Greek yogurt → sour cream
The “Use What You Have” Mindset
Before tossing something out, ask: What can this become?
- Veggie scraps → stock
- Stale bread → croutons
- Limp vegetables → roasted blended soup
This mindset reduces waste and increases creativity.
Rhythm Over Gadgets
Most kitchens don’t need more appliances — they need better rhythm. Clutter from unused gadgets often causes more stress than it solves.
Rhythm looks like:
- A nightly wipe-down
- Sunday prep
- Soaking beans overnight
These habits require intention, not equipment. The goal isn’t Pinterest-perfect — it’s functional and peaceful.
Reflection Prompt
Ask yourself:
“What single hack would make my kitchen feel 20% calmer tomorrow?”
It could be clearing one countertop, prepping a jar of soup mix, or mixing a quick vinegar spray. Choose one small action and do it.
Your Invitation
You don’t need to buy more to feel better in your kitchen. You need rhythm — learned slowly, one small hack at a time. Each simplification creates space for presence, creativity, and connection.