One of the best decisions you will make in your life is to “simplify your life” Life is hard! As humans, we are wired to face hurdles, to continue to fight to stay alive, and find peace and purpose.
Reducing complexity, tension, and pointless distractions in your daily tasks is a key component of simplifying life. It involves putting your attention on your most important priorities and getting rid of extraneous things that don’t enhance your pleasure or well-being.
Although the term “simplifying life” can imply different things to different people, it frequently refers to removing material goods, planning time and space, giving relationships and self-care top priority, and cutting back on consumption and responsibilities.
Living a minimalist lifestyle or forgoing fun or excitement is not a must for simplifying life. Instead, it’s about living a more purposeful life that is in line with your values and priorities.
Ways To Simplify Your Life
1. Quit debts
Last year, I decided not to owe anyone a single dime. I stop buying anything I can’t afford. I just let go of so many unnecessary expenses I don’t actually need. I learned how to be happy with the things I already have.
2. Quit relationships
I quit a lot of relationships last year that was serving me poorly, draining me, and making me the worst person ever.
There are a lot of people that were just occupying space in my life and were actually offering me nothing but drama, stress, and chaos. I learned to dump them and dump them without any guilt.
3. Quit coffee
I quit coffee because my body has a negative tolerance for withdrawal syndrome. I practically suffer several days of migraine, even on some hours of coffee breaks. I naturally have Eating disorders, which ultimately means adding a cup of coffee on an empty stomach gives me ulcers and gastritis. So quitting coffee and adding a cup of warm water +1 spoon of pure honey did better.
4. Simplify wardrobe
Simplifying your wardrobe can save you time, money, and energy. Start by assessing your current wardrobe and identifying the items you wear regularly. Donate or sell clothes that you haven’t worn in over a year or that no longer fit you.
To Fasten things up, I got this work clothes organizer purposely for my work clothes so I can spend less time dressing up in the morning. On this organizer, I have my basic work clothes, shoes, bags, pieces of jewelry, and headbands.
Stick to a few basic items that can be mixed and matched, such as a few pairs of jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters. This will make getting dressed in the morning easier and less stressful.
5. Declutter space
Decluttering your space is the first step towards simplifying your life. Start by going through your possessions and sorting them into categories such as keep, donate, sell, recycle, or throw away.
I look around me and everything else that doesn’t fit into my daily routine, I pushed them into this large tote bag, put them in a corner in my wardrobe, and label them so I can easily find anything else I’m looking for in there.
Be ruthless and honest with yourself about what you truly need and use regularly. Focus on one area at a time, such as a closet, a bookshelf, or a kitchen drawer. Remember, the less you have, the easier it is to keep your space organized and tidy.
Decluttering streamlined my work and help me get through my things as quickly as needed.
6. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. When you practice mindfulness, you’re able to focus on the task at hand and let go of distractions and worries.
To practice mindfulness, start by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on your breath. Notice any thoughts or sensations that arise and let them go without getting caught up in them.
7. Unplug for peace
Technology can be a major source of distraction and stress. Taking breaks from technology can help you recharge and reconnect with the present moment. Try turning off notifications or putting your phone on silent during certain times of the day, such as meal times or before bedtime.
Set aside dedicated time to check your email or social media, rather than constantly checking throughout the day.
8. Create a routine
Establishing a regular routine for your day-to-day activities can make them more predictable and less overwhelming. Start by creating a schedule that includes time for work, exercise, meals, and relaxation.
Stick to this schedule as much as possible, but be flexible and adjust it as needed. Having a routine can help you prioritize your time and reduce decision fatigue.
9. Say no
Learning to say no is essential for simplifying your life. It’s okay to decline invitations or commitments that don’t align with your priorities or that will stretch you too thin. Be honest and respectful when declining, and offer alternatives if possible.
Learning to say no is a good habit, learning to say no to the people to who you need to say no is vital.
10. Reduce consumption
Reducing your consumption can help you save money, reduce waste, and simplify your life. Focus on buying only what you truly need and value, rather than accumulating more stuff. Consider borrowing or renting items instead of buying them, and be mindful of packaging and waste when shopping.
11. Prioritize self-care
Prioritizing self-care is essential for reducing stress and maintaining your mental and physical health. Make time for rest, relaxation, and activities that bring you joy and recharge your energy. This might include taking a bubble bath, going for a walk, or practicing yoga.
I do a lot of sleep, a warm bath, and journaling in my free time which has been very good for me.
12. Simplify meal planning
Simplifying your meal planning can save you time and reduce stress. Stick to a few easy and healthy recipes that can be prepared quickly and with minimal ingredients. Plan your meals for the week ahead of time and do your grocery shopping accordingly. This will help you avoid last-minute meal decisions and reduce food waste.
On Saturdays, I try to bulk create meals. I create any type of meal in bulk, freeze them with portable freezer plates and write a menu for the foods I have in my refrigerator for the whole week.
13. Automate bills
Automating your bills can save you time and reduce stress. Set up automatic payments for bills such as rent, utilities, and credit cards. This way, you won’t have to worry about missing a payment or incurring late fees.
14. Learn to delegate
Delegating tasks can help you save time and reduce stress. Ask for help from others when needed, and delegate tasks that don’t require your specific expertise or that you don’t enjoy. This might include hiring a cleaning service, asking a family member to help with household tasks, or delegating work tasks to a colleague.
15. Simplify your finances
Simplifying your finances can reduce stress and save you time. Start by organizing your financial documents and creating a budget. Use apps or software to help you track your spending and manage your finances. Consider consolidating your debts or simplifying your investment portfolio to reduce complexity.
16. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude can help you shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, which can reduce stress and increase happiness. Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you’re grateful for, whether it’s your health, your relationships, or your accomplishments.
17. Reduce social media use
Social media can be a major source of distraction and comparison, which can contribute to stress and anxiety. Consider reducing your social media use or taking a break from it altogether. Limit your use to specific times of the day, and be mindful of how it makes you feel.
18. Simplify your goals
Simplifying your goals can help you focus on what truly matters to you and avoid overwhelm. Identify one or two key goals that align with your values and that you’re truly committed to achieving. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps and track your progress. Celebrate your successes along the way and be kind to yourself if you experience setbacks.
Living more simply should not entail giving up fun or excitement. It’s about living a more purposeful, focused, and rewarding life. You can relieve tension, save time, and make more room for the things that really important by putting these 18 strategies into practice. Keep in mind that simplifying your life is a process rather than a final goal. When you build a life that is more in line with your values and priorities, be patient and kind to yourself.
