1. Mindful Presence and Inner Peace One of the most profound benefits of slow living is cultivating mindfulness. By consciously slowing down, you begin to experience the world in a deeper, more present way. This helps quiet the mental chatter that often accompanies a busy lifestyle, reducing anxiety and promoting inner calm. Practices like mindful eating, where you savor each bite and appreciate the food in front of you, can transform mundane activities into moments of gratitude and joy.
2. Enhanced Emotional Well-Being The constant pressure to keep up with societal expectations can take a toll on mental health. Slow living invites you to step off that treadmill, reducing the strain of perfectionism and competition. By embracing a slower, more deliberate pace, you’ll find more space for emotional self-care, reflection, and self-compassion. This lifestyle fosters emotional resilience, allowing you to handle life’s challenges with greater ease and a balanced mind.
3. Stronger Connections with Others In Greek culture, slow living often manifests in the form of long meals shared with family and friends. These moments of connection, away from distractions, are central to well-being. Slow living encourages deeper relationships by creating space for more meaningful interactions. Instead of rushing through conversations, you take time to listen, to engage, and to be truly present with loved ones—fostering stronger emotional bonds.
4. A Deeper Connection with Nature Nature has always been a source of spiritual nourishment, and slow living encourages us to reconnect with the natural world. By taking the time to walk in nature, garden, or simply sit outside and enjoy the breeze, we not only reduce stress but also realign ourselves with the rhythms of the earth. This connection to nature offers a grounding experience, helping us to feel more centered and at peace with the world around us.
5. Increased Creativity and Productivity Contrary to what some might think, slowing down doesn’t mean being unproductive. In fact, taking a step back often allows for greater creativity and more focused work. By eliminating distractions and giving yourself the time to think, reflect, and create, you become more attuned to your inner thoughts and inspirations. The space slow living creates can lead to bursts of creativity and more intentional, high-quality work.
6. Simplicity and Minimalism Slow living naturally leads to a more minimalist approach to life. By focusing on what truly brings joy and value, you’ll find yourself drawn to simplicity. This might mean decluttering your home, simplifying your schedule, or cutting back on unnecessary commitments. The result is more freedom, less stress, and a life that feels lighter and more aligned with your true self.

1. Set Boundaries with Technology Technology is one of the biggest contributors to the frantic pace of modern life. To embrace slow living, consider setting boundaries around your use of devices. This could mean designating certain hours as screen-free or creating tech-free zones in your home. By reducing digital distractions, you’ll create more space for mindfulness and meaningful experiences.
2. Prioritize What Matters Slow living is about aligning your life with your values. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you—whether it’s spending more time with family, nurturing a hobby, or simply having time to rest. Prioritize these things, and let go of the rest. When you focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment, the quality of your life improves dramatically.
3. Practice Mindful Routines Even on the busiest of days, there are opportunities to slow down. Whether it’s preparing a meal with care, enjoying a mindful walk, or setting aside time for meditation, these small acts of mindfulness can make a big difference. Integrating these practices into your routine helps cultivate a sense of peace and presence, no matter how hectic life gets.
4. Embrace Imperfection Slow living isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about being kind to yourself and accepting that life doesn’t have to be rushed or flawless. Embrace the imperfections, the slower pace, and allow yourself the space to breathe, grow, and evolve.

• Focus on Interests: Encourage your child to pick one or two activities they are genuinely passionate about.
• Consider Age & Development: Younger children may need more downtime, while older kids may thrive on structured commitments.
• Set Limits: A manageable schedule ensures kids have time for schoolwork, family, and free play.

• Create a Family Calendar: Use digital tools or a physical planner to track commitments, ensuring you don’t double-book or miss an event.
• Coordinate with Other Parents: Carpooling can save time and reduce stress.
• Prepare in Advance: Keep gear and uniforms organized and ready to go to avoid last-minute scrambles.

• Check In Regularly: Ask your child how they feel about their commitments. If they seem overwhelmed, it may be time to scale back.
• Encourage Balance: Teach them the importance of balancing activities with rest and unstructured time.

• Family Meals: Even with busy evenings, try to have at least a few meals together each week to reconnect.
• Quality Over Quantity: Whether it’s a weekend hike or a movie night, make the time you spend together meaningful.

• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to enlist other family members or friends for support.
• Set Realistic Expectations: You can’t be everywhere at once; sometimes, you’ll have to make tough choices.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy to care for your family.

• Focus on Personal Growth: Whether it’s learning teamwork or building resilience, what matters is how the activity benefits your child’s development.
• Celebrate Achievements: Show your support by attending events and celebrating milestones, no matter how small.

• Reassess Annually: Each year, evaluate which activities are worth continuing and which can be dropped.
• Be Open to Change: If an activity no longer serves your child’s interests or wellbeing, it’s okay to move on.

The Birth of an Idea: A Vision for Change

The story of Ithaca Laundry began in 2016, when 3 students (Thanos Spiliopoulos, Fanis Tsonas, and Andili Rachouti) decided to bring a powerful idea to life. Inspired by a similar initiative in Australia, they set out to create the first mobile laundry service for the homeless not just in Greece, but in Europe. In April 2016, Ithaca’s mobile laundry unit hit the streets of Athens for the first time, launching what would become an ongoing mission to provide clean clothes to those in need. By January 2017, Ithaca began operating daily, growing both in the number of people it helped and the scope of its services. 

Fast forward less than a decade, and the Ithaca team is greater than ever, as is the work they do. From those early days, when resources were tight and their team small, Ithaca has grown into a comprehensive support system for vulnerable groups, constantly expanding its outreach and impact in the community.

Restoring Dignity, One Load at a Time

What makes Ithaca Laundry’s work truly extraordinary isn’t just the act of washing clothes; it’s the dignity it restores. For many, the idea of fresh, clean clothes might seem like a small luxury. But, for those without a home, those considered homeless, often invisible and struggling, as well as those living in overcrowded conditions or facing challenges such as lack of access to basic necessities like electricity and water, doing laundry can be an overwhelming challenge. Ithaca’s services go far beyond cleanliness, they are offering people an essential form of respect. It’s a heartfelt gesture, simple yet profoundly powerful, that says: “We see you and you matter.”

Ithaca Laundry doesn’t stop at laundry. They also collaborate with other organizations to distribute food to those in need. The individuals that came to take a bag of food were not only homeless individuals—their were elderly citizens who struggle to cook for themselves, people living in cramped homes with too many others, and even those who, despite having a roof over their heads, are financially strained and just need a bit of support to get through a tough time.

The beauty of Ithaca’s work is that there’s no discrimination: help is offered to anyone who needs it. Whether someone is coming for clean clothes or a bag of food, the help is provided with open arms, no questions asked. From the moment the Ithaca van rolls up at 10 AM, people are already there, waiting in line with bags of dirty laundry in hand. Many of them arrive early, not just for clean clothes, but for the sense of community that Ithaca provides.

As we observed, the connection between Ithaca and the people it serves is palpable. The gratitude in the eyes of those who take a bag of food, or get their laundry done, is unforgettable. The visitors are welcomed warmly, and as we stood there, it was impossible not to notice how every person who crossed our path smiled, waved, or said hello—a clear sign of the sense of belonging they feel. The sense of hope and appreciation was evident in every interaction.

What struck us even more profoundly was how familiar the staff were with the people they serve—they knew them by name and vice versa. Ithaca’s impact is so needed and so beautifully embraced that it planted a seed of hope and gratitude in our hearts, reminding us of the power of compassion and community.

Social Support & Job Counseling: Going Beyond Laundry

In 2021 Ithaca launched a social service to provide psycho-social support to vulnerable groups, assisting with everything from medical appointments to navigating the complexities of daily life. Many people visiting Ithaca don’t just need clean clothes; they need someone to help them reconnect with the systems and resources that can help them rebuild their lives. The social worker is there to lend a helping hand and offer solutions to these everyday challenges.

Moreover, Ithaca Laundry is a place where collaboration thrives. They work with other NGOs and organizations to ensure that each individual receives the support they need. It’s a network of care, a reminder that when we come together, we can make a lasting impact.

A Path to Employment: Empowering Through Work

In addition to the laundry services and social support, Ithaca also runs a program for employment reintegration. Many of the staff members are people who were once homeless themselves, now given the opportunity to work in a supportive and structured environment. Through this program, they gain skills, experience, and confidence that can help them re-enter the job market. To date, 26 people have managed to reenter the job market and gain equal opportunities to find a job again. This sense of continuity is invaluable; it shows that Ithaca is not just a temporary fix, but a sustainable solution in helping people reclaim their lives and their independence.

And now, it becomes evident what lies behind the name Ithaca. It's about the journey. The journey of reintegration and recovery, much like the poet Konstantinos Kavafis wrote: "The journey is more important than the destination." It’s not just about providing food or washing clothes but helping people rebuild their lives, step by step. We listened to stories of individuals who lost everything in an instant, and yet, they were standing tall with the support of Ithaca.

Ithaca Laundry's Weekly Schedule

Ithaca Laundry operates at different locations throughout the week to serve vulnerable communities. On Mondays, their services are available at the Club for UNESCO – Piraeus and Islands (Mikalis 51, Piraeus) from 10:00 to 14:00. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they are stationed at Koumoundourou Square, from 10:00 to 17:00. Wednesdays are dedicated to the Community Center “Cheirapsies” in Corinth, where the team is present from 11:00 to 16:00. On Fridays you can find them from 11:00 to 14:00 again at the Club for UNESCO – Piraeus and Islands (Kotyoron 35, Piraeus). Through this rotating schedule, Ithaca ensures access to its mobile laundry services in various key areas where the need is greatest.

Every month, at Koumoundourou Square, the Pop-Village arrives to create a warm, welcoming space of care and human connection. It’s a day where all three pillars of Ithaca’s mission combine in one meaningful event. Visitors come together to exchange smiles, thoughts, feelings, and experiences, creating a sense of belonging and support. The volunteers and staff of Ithaca join forces with others to offer a variety of services, ensuring that everyone who walks through the door feels valued and cared for:

• Laundry services with the Mobile Unit
• Psychosocial support
• Employment counseling
• Haircuts by The Box Hair Studio
• Distribution of essential items

The Youth Behind Ithaca: A Generation of Hope

What truly stood out to us during our visit was the youth and energy of the team behind Ithaca Laundry. These young individuals—many of whom started out as interns or volunteers—are dedicated to the cause and passionate about making a real difference in the world. It’s inspiring to see the next generation taking on such important work for the greater good. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t just about the future; it’s about what young people are doing today to create a better tomorrow.

We spoke with some of them, and the conversation was nothing short of inspiring. The common question we asked all of them was, "What made you want to work here and do this?" And the answer was always the same: "What we take back, because giving only makes you richer." It may be a cliché, but it's one of those truths that resonates deeply. Each team member had their own unique perspective and background. Sure, they came from different academic paths, but the common thread was their deep willingness to do good.

For example, Michalis' drive to help stems from his childhood, as his siblings are part of a vulnerable group. Marille started as a intern and simply couldn’t stop helping; it is kinda addictive. We also met Erica, who had just started her internship at Ithaca only three days before. Despite being so new, she had already felt the love and support that surrounds this beautiful action—there’s a certain energy here that you can’t ignore.

And then, there’s Konstantinos, who is responsible for the daily operations and the welcoming and service of Ithaca’s beneficiaries. He once found himself in a difficult place, but with Ithaca’s support, he made his way back. We witnessed firsthand the power of love and care for others. The entire atmosphere was filled with a sense of mutual respect and a deep commitment to giving back. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when people genuinely care for one another.

In closing, we'd like to leave you with something Thanos, a volunteer at Ithaca team shared with us: "We are all potentially homeless." It’s a reminder that life can change in an instant, and it’s through empathy and community that we can make the world a better place for all.