DIS Blog
The Danish art of slowing down
As a busy pre-med student passionate about global health, Harnoor (she/her, Georgetown University) didn’t have a “slow” mode before studying abroad.
During her first weeks in Copenhagen, Harnoor tried to keep a busy calendar filled with classes, extracurriculars, and time to try every last recommendation she received, but she quickly found herself tired of rushing through an endless checklist. It was time to pump the brakes and try something different: a slower, more intentional pace.
Read on for Harnoor’s reflections on appreciating the little moments and savoring Copenhagen in its most colorful season.
Hey! I’m Harnoor.
I am quite a go-go-go person. I’m used to big cities, my Google calendar is my holy grail, and being busy makes me feel productive. When I arrived in Copenhagen with a clear end date to my study abroad experience, I tried to fit in everything I could with back-to-back days of sightseeing and visiting every café possible. But eventually I started to feel exhausted, which was the exact opposite of what I wanted my study abroad experience to be. I realized that the most important thing to fit into this semester was time for myself. Ever since, studying abroad has allowed me to try a slow lifestyle.
The initial adjustment to slowing down was difficult, especially because I knew that in a few months, I would be back home in a bustling city with less time for myself and a much longer to-do list. I would largely attribute this experience of slowing down to the city of Copenhagen itself and its culture. Although it is a populated and exciting place, Copenhagen has a culture of balance and mindfulness that most cities don’t prioritize.
For example, urban planning and mental health are strongly integrated, so you will find many serene green places and fun structures, like trampolines in the city center. These spaces allow people to take a break from their city lives.
The city’s hygge or “cozy” culture is also a central part of Denmark, and it encourages people to spend time in comfortable spaces, like cafés and community centers, rather than running from one place to the next. Even the metro in Copenhagen feels like a calming experience to me.
Now, I cherish my morning commute, as I can plug in my headphones, get on a train with locals who aren’t in a rush to be anywhere, and admire the city as I walk to class. After class, instead of running to a meeting, I walk around the city or stop by a new coffee shop. I find myself making up my schedule as I go and prioritizing what I feel like doing in the moment, rather than boxing myself into an agenda. Most importantly, I have spent more time alone, and I think this solo experience has taught me so much about myself and how I like to spend my time.
Studying abroad can be challenging, with numerous cultural and lifestyle adjustments. But it is also a time for self-growth and reflection, especially when you have more time to pause and reflect. I often find myself being grateful for the everyday moments, such as grabbing a cardamom bun before class or the sun being out on my morning walk. And, over time, these small moments of gratitude have led to a lasting sense of appreciation for this slower-paced lifestyle, which has pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to prioritize spending time alone.
“I find myself making up my schedule as I go and prioritizing what I feel like doing in the moment, rather than boxing myself into an agenda.”
I am so grateful for the best friends, amazing food, and second home that Copenhagen has given me. But above all, I’m grateful for the shift in perspective and mindset that this city has shaped for me.
Although I expect that my Google calendar will once again be stacked in the spring, I’m sure these aspects of my study abroad experience will continue to impact my everyday life. I hope to prioritize finding time to slow down, and most importantly, using that time to reflect and appreciate the day-to-day moments.