I’ve heard people say that when the city calls to you, part of your story is waiting to unfold there. For me, that city has always been London. For years I’ve felt an undeniable fascination with Britain, and this spring I finally fulfilled it by spending 12 weeks at one of London’s most prestigious drama schools. It was a dream I had for years and I returned home with more than I expected. In addition to acting lessons and unforgettable memories, something was born that I had never imagined before: a completely different relationship with time.
You wouldn’t expect one of the world’s most congested cities to teach you how to slow down. But in the constant movement of London, I became aware of the rhythms of daily life that were quietly profound. The small rituals that people embraced, and that I gradually embraced, made me feel more grounded, present, and connected to every day. The best part? You don’t have to move abroad to experience them. These are London-style rituals that I take home with me and that I never want to leave behind.
daily gathering
European pub and cafe culture is different than America’s. There are always people outside, beer in hand, espresso in hand. Of course we have happy hour, but there’s something so magical about seeing people come together on a Tuesday or Wednesday night, chatting and having a good time. No need to wait until Friday!
You also don’t have to stay out late to waste your week. That’s exactly what going out for a beer means. One drink and an hour later, we’re off. I would like to have a more casual gathering in the middle of the week. You don’t have to wait until the weekend to connect with neighbors and friends.
tea as a ritual
The British will say, “If you want to slow down, turn on the kettle.” In the UK, tea is more than just a drink; it’s part of everyday life. Everyone had a kettle and all common areas at my drama school were ready to use. Life doesn’t end when you drink tea at 3pm every day, but I find myself reaching for a cup far more often than I do coffee. There was something comforting about the ritual itself. Wait for the water to boil, let the tea steep for a few minutes, and spend your day relaxing instead of rushing.
I also had the opportunity to experience two traditional afternoon teas while living in London. One at the Wallace Collection and the other at Raffles London at OWO. Both were unforgettable. Not only because of the beautiful surroundings, but also because it reminded me that sharing a pot of tea is really an excuse to linger. It was a great time to relax, drink tea, and enjoy the company of friends.
That ritual is something I take home. Whether it’s tea, coffee, matcha, or even Diet Coke, I’ve started treating my daily beverages as reasons to pause, rather than something to ingest while multitasking. It’s a small change, but it’s been one of the easiest ways to bring a little more immersion into my day.
A long walk as a reset
My favorite moments in London were the long solo walks that gave me an opportunity to mentally pause. Whether it was walking to school, grabbing a coffee for lunch, or heading home after a West End show, I was easily clocking in 12,000 steps a day by simply choosing to walk instead of hopping on the Tube or bus.
These walks clarified the decisions I needed to make and I felt like creative ideas found me at every turn. Just being there as I roamed the streets of London expanded my thinking in unexpected ways. If you haven’t taken a walk yet, lace up your shoes and head outside. Even if you’re already tracking your daily steps, try new routes and see what you discover.
mid week events
In addition to weekday pub dates, I’ve made it a habit to go to the theater on Wednesday nights. To my surprise, every show I saw on Wednesday was packed. Sure, there would have been plenty of tourists, but many of the performances were in small theaters that don’t usually attract tourists. The place was still full and I was very happy to see so many people out even though it was the middle of the week. Every Wednesday show provided inspiration for the rest of the week.
This was another lesson in not waiting for the weekend. Life can happen at any time. With so much to see and do in London, I was inspired to explore my city on a weeknight instead of saving everything for Saturday and Sunday. Who said weekday theater performances had to be canceled in the United States? If London has taught me anything, it’s that slowing down doesn’t necessarily come from doing less, it also comes from making more space for the things that truly fulfill you.
Adopt a work-life mindset
During my time in London, I couldn’t help but notice that my relationship with work was different. In America, it often feels like we embrace a live-and-work mentality. We pride ourselves on working late and working on one more project after hours. But in the UK? It seems like their way of thinking is a little different. They don’t live to work, they work to live.
Prioritizing rest, seeing friends, and spending time outdoors didn’t seem like a luxury. They felt like a normal part of life. While not everyone approved of leaving work at exactly 5pm, there was a clear respect for the end of the workday, which I found refreshing. Americans are highly entrepreneurial, and I truly respect their drive to build businesses, dream big, and create opportunities. But my time abroad reminded me that ambition doesn’t have to compete with rest.
The balance I hope to maintain as I return to life in the United States is to continue pursuing the goals that are most important to me, while still having enough space for slow mornings, long walks, time with friends, and time for rest. That’s probably the biggest lesson London taught me – not how to do less, but how to make space for a life that feels full in every sense of the word. cheers!
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
