A simple life has a different meaning for every person. For me, it means getting rid of anything that’s unnecessary and investing your energy into doing what’s most important to you. It means eliminating many of the things you do so you can give yourself more breathing space. It means getting rid of the clutter so you are left with only that what is essential.
Living a simple life is all about relaxing and chilling out so that you can have a space to breathe. It’s about doing less, what leads to greater freedom, lightness, and peace. It’s about finding happiness in very little because true happiness comes from realizing there’s beauty in every moment of our lives.
However, getting to simplicity isn’t generally an easy procedure. It’s an adventure, not a goal itself, and it can often be a journey of one step forward, and two steps back.
If you are interested in simplifying your life, this is a great way to start. I’ve gathered a list of ideas that I think should help anybody attempting to start the simple life. Please keep in mind that not every tip will work for you. Just pick the ones that apply to your life.
Identify what’s most important to you.
What are the factors that contribute to your happiness? Just pick 4 or 5 and write them down. These are the things you want to build your life around. My list: health, spending time with my friends, reading and photography.
Look at everything you’ve got going on in your life.
Think about what you do each day. Everything, from work to school to activities to hobbies to habits to other things. Pay attention to the time wasted on mindlessly scrolling through the internet, playing video games or bingeing on tv shows. Make a list of things you’d like to change. Think about activities that really give your life value. By reducing time stealers, you are simplifying your life and creating more space for the important things.
Redesign your day.
How do you spend your day? You don’t need to walk away from everything you do, but you should know that you can switch things up. Wake up earlier, make your bed right away, eat a healthy breakfast, do a quick meditation, take a shower, not check your phone first thing in the morning.
Learn how to say no.
This is one of the most important things for those trying to live a simple life. In any kind of negotiation, your ability to say no is your strongest tool. We all have limits. There’s only so much we can do in a day. Learn how to say no so that you can create space in your life. Some room for what’s most important, the things that you love, the people you like.
Limit your screen time.
Limit your media exposure.
There are a million blogs, people, radios, magazines competing for our attention. They can often dominate our lives. It’s a never-ending cycle. Take a minute and think about how much information you process every day. It’s an information overload. Become conscious of your distractions and let go of your need to stay updated.
Reorganize your living space.
As with anything, getting rid of stuff can be made surprisingly simple. Just go through your belongings, one section, room, furniture, or drawer at a time and get rid of everything that isn’t absolutely essential. Get boxes and trash bags for the stuff you that you don’t need or use that often. Donate items that are still in good condition and toss the useless ones.
Simplify your wardrobe.
Get rid of the clothes you don’t wear and then organize what’s left. If you have a cluttered wardrobe, it can be distracting and stressful. A clean closet is like a blank canvas, available to be used to create a new style. Getting truly organized and clutter-free can really improve your self-esteem.
Limit your buying habits.
Live a comfortable life, not a wasteful one. Don't be a slave to materialism. Get into the habit of buying less. Start focusing on quality because it is worth more than anything. By becoming a conscious consumer you'll learn that you actually need less to be happy.
Become a mindful eater.
Start taking care of your body. By simplifying your diet you can eliminate stress and get healthy at the same time. Eat more fresh fruits and green veggies, beans, dark chocolate, and whole grains.
Spend time alone.
Free up time for yourself. Give yourself space to create, unwind, and find peace. Take a walk, curl up with a good book, find a quiet coffee shop, take a relaxing bath. Always remember that being alone is empowering.
Start being present.
Move your body.
Exercising simplifies your life in the long run. Your health and energy will improve. It is going to make you feel more attractive and confident because when you work out on a daily basis, you feel strong and ready to take on the world.
De-stress your mind.
Find ways to decompress. Do something calming and relaxing, brew yourself a cup of coffee. pour a glass of wine in the evening. Massage your feet and hands, do some stretches, walk around. Go outside and smell the fresh air, take some deep breaths. Remind yourself how nice it is to connect with nature and take in the beauty around you.
Express yourself through creative outlets.
The great thing about self-expression is that you do not have to be the best in something in order to use it as an outlet. You can express yourself with art, singing, dancing. Writing is also a great way of expressing your thoughts and emotions. Whether it is, find something to distress from a long day.
Socialize in healthy ways.
Instead of going out to drink alcohol or gossip about others, get together for bubble tea or a walk in the park. You can watch a basketball game with friends, run, swim in the local pool, go on a bike ride, workout together in the gym. Spending time with the right people can help you cope with sadness, loneliness, or feeling bad about yourself.
Stay hydrated.
Many people drink soft drinks or coffee with cream and sugar. This is actually a common mistake that most people don’t realize is making them tired. Switching from high-calorie drinks to water can help you feel better. So, go get some relief, and drink plenty of water. Unsweetened tea can also be a very healthy choice.
Practice positive self-talk.
We all talk to ourselves. That’s normal, but when the voice inside our heads gets negative, it can absolutely ruin your life. You have to become more aware of the things you're saying to yourself. Stop criticizing yourself and tell yourself things that are positive. Remember that when you spend time worrying, you’re using your imagination in the wrong way. Instead, give yourself permission to be happy because you deserve it.
Don't be a judge.
We all have a tendency to criticize others. A constant judgment is an extreme negative mental space. Accepting people just the way they save you from needless stress. Instead of trying to change others, we should give them support and lead by example. Direct your focus towards the good things in people. Change and become a better person for yourself and others.
Obviously, these are not by any means the only lessons you’ll need for living a simple life. Try these and see what happens. Keep your life simple by doing what you know in your heart is right. It truly is that magically simple.
This article was written by @junieberry on the We Heart It Writers Team.
