If you are craving balance and calm in your life, this post will help you learn 17 new ways to simplify your life and create more ease and flow.
My body, mind and soul are just craving simplicity.
And because I know that your home is a physical expression of what's going on inside of you, I know this all stems from my relationship to myself and my home. If your home isn't set up according to what makes you feel good, it just won't support you in living your best life.
In the ever-evolving puzzle of life, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, especially when it comes to embracing a simpler, more fulfilling existence. Simple living isn't a strict rulebook to follow, but rather a personal path of discovery. It's about tailoring simplicity to suit your unique circumstances, family, lifestyle, aspirations, priorities, values, and daily rhythm.
Consider the following 17 simple living tips as stepping stones on your personal journey towards a more balanced, serene life.
Think of them as friendly invitations to experiment, not rigid directives to impose on yourself. The beauty of the journey is that it shouldn't be complicated or anxiety-inducing. Life already presents enough complexities and stressors, so the goal is to alleviate rather than amplify them.
Let simplicity gracefully infiltrate your life, one step at a time. Start by adding one or two of these suggestions, giving yourself ample space to adjust and adapt.
Pay attention to how each change resonates with your unique being and refine it until it feels harmonious. Once you've found your groove, explore another simple living tip. A slow and steady approach to simplifying your world is a powerful tool in creating a more peaceful, unburdened lifestyle for you and your loved ones.
17 ways to simplify your life to create more ease and calm
SIMPLE LIVING TIP #1: DEFINE YOUR PRIORITIES
If you're all about simple living, then it's only logical to start by getting in tune with your goals, values, and priorities. This step is a cornerstone in the journey towards embracing simplicity – a compass, if you will.
Getting crystal clear on what truly matters to you, what you want to accomplish, and what you hold dear, serves as your guiding light. These aspects become your North Star as you navigate the waters of simplification, helping you make informed decisions about your living space and the direction of your life.
Your goals, values, and priorities are like the wise, reliable friend who keeps you on the right path. They remind you of your purpose, steering you away from unnecessary clutter in your home, your thoughts, your heart, and your schedule. In essence, they are the lighthouse guiding your ship to a simpler, more intentional life.
A few questions that might help you get clarity:
I feel happiest, most at ease and content when…
I feel most stressed out and anxious when…
I tend to overthink and worry when…
3 things I want less of in my life…
3 things I want to experience more of in my life…
SIMPLE LIVING TIP #2: FOCUS ON ROUTINES
I like to create systems and rituals for almost everything I do. For example, I like to workout in the mornings, so I have my workout clothes in a separate area where I can easily grab & go while drinking my pre-workout drink or coffee.
When I get back from my workout, I set up my space by lighting a candle, making a smoothie, setting up my music and hopping in the shower.
Throughout the day I have specific routines for myself that I stick to. It helps me to stay on track for the day, it helps to keep focused on what I am doing and makes me feel at ease.
It's also good to focus on creating routines for yourself so you can make mundane tasks much more enjoyable and it helps for things to feel more streamlined.
SYSTEMS THAT WORK REALLY WELL:
Meal prepping. Pre-purchase beautiful containers to make it easier to store your food when you are ready to eat it. These are my favorite.
Laundry routine: Focus on using a synchronized system that works. I also like to choose specific days of the week for doing laundry.
Nightly clean up: If you can try to keep the living room and kitchen cleaned up before bed, that makes the mornings so much easier.
Simple Living Tip #3: USE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
Almost every other day I am out shopping, looking for things. One of my favorite stops is TJ MAXX & HomeGoods, especially when they are located right next to each other. I always spend about 10 minutes in the candle section because I absolutely love candles.
The other day I had about 4 candles in my cart when it occurred to me that I already have about 3423423 candles at home. Rather than come home with new delicious smells, I set an intention for myself to burn the candles I already have until the end before I buy another new one.
This made me think about everything else around the house. How often do we buy something even though we have plenty at home?
Here’s the best part about it: once your finished with what you have, reward yourself by treating yourself to a splurge on something you REALLY want without the guilt and the clutter.
Simple Living Tip #4: Clear out your commitments
Take inventory of the commitments and hobbies that you keep in your life. This one can really help if you tend to allow yourself to be spread too thin. I have heavy Libra energy in my birth chart so I am always enjoy being surrounded by people, however, I have to be incredibly mindful of who and what I allow to affect my energy.
Pay attention to what and who you are investing your time into.
This also goes for tv shows you watch, social media you consume and podcasts you listen to. Be sure to edit anything that takes up your time and attention.
A few questions you might want to ask yourself:
What environments are draining my energy?
Is it in a negative or positive way?
Allow your answers to guide you ….
Simple Living Tip #4: Clear Out Your Calendar
I have become a devout scheduler. Meaning that I write down everything I do into my calendar. I use the daily pages where it breaks down your day by the hour. At the beginning of my day, I try to give myself enough time for everything and I place it on the calendar. My rule is, if it isn't on the calendar, it doesn't get done. You'd be surprised how focused, clear and confident you'll become when you approach your days in this way. This is the calendar I currently use and have become obsessed with.
Be practical and don't over commit yourself. Make sure you factor in gym time, eating, napping if you need to. Design your day for the life you want to experience. It's important as an entrepreneur that we commit to creating a healthy work/life balance.
It's a big chunk of what I teach the women inside of my business mentorship program, Online Boss because if you don't get the fundamentals down, you'll be set up to fail. I learned a long time ago just how important it is to structure your business, its not only about smart marketing and selling strategies, its about the bottom line of being of solid mind, body, and home.
Simple Living Tip #6: Clean up your thoughts
This may be one of the most important things I have ever learned. I have read countless books on the power of the mind and once I began putting the principles into my life, I noticed how everything changed for me.
It started with negative self talk. In the book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hills encourages us to "Guard your speech. Never speak of yourself, your affairs, or of anything else in a discouraged or discouraging way."
Our brains are wild. Thoughts can go all over the place and have you worry, stress over what might come, etc. You absolutely can learn to harness the power of your mind and choose your thoughts wisely. Once you get your thoughts under control, your life will simplify and become a much more powerful tool for you to design a life that you love.
If you need a place to dump the thoughts that are keeping you overwhelmed, I highly encourage you to journal out everything that you think, even if its not so pleasant. Just letting it out on paper can really help you clear out your mind. You may want to try my favorite journal rituals:
♥️ My signature evening journal ritual
♥️ The journal ritual you didn’t know you needed
♥️ How to use journaling to awaken your feminine energy
Another thing I want you to try and do: write down everything as it comes up. As soon as you think of something, have a specific place to write it down. This way, you aren’t having to keep everything up in your mind. When there is a specific place where you write things down, your mind gets to relax and trust that your notebook, to do list or phone has it at all times for you to access.
This tip has absolutely changed my life. I like to keep a notebook where I write everything down I think about and want to remember throughout the day. I also have several lists for different things in life I want to keep track of you. You can see the 15 lists I make every month here.
Simple Living Tip #7: Practice saying no more often
Several years ago a friend of mine taught me that "saying no to something, is saying yes to something else." This really resonated with me because I tend to be a people pleaser. I found it easier to appease others requests and needs instead of checking in with myself first.
Once I began to change this for myself, I felt much more powerful in life. (This really became easy to do when I began using my calendar strategy I spoke about before)
You must prioritize yourself, your dreams, your life. If you are trying to get healthy and in shape, don't let friends encourage you to cheat or talk you off the ledge of your schedule. When you want to start a new business and your family wants to go on vacation, set a boundary. Make your work part of your travel schedule. It's easy to stick to your goals when you know what they are. So get in touch with your desires, implement goals and set boundaries for yourself to stick to them. You deserve it.
Simple Living Tip #8: The Art of Embracing Solitude
In the hustle and bustle of today's world, it's easy to forget the incredible power of solitude. Much like your newfound knack for saying no, embracing moments of quietude can be your secret weapon for simple living. It's an art well worth mastering.
Solitude, in its essence, is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and recharge. Think of it as a necessary pit stop on the road to your goals, dreams, and a simpler life. By carving out time for yourself, you're making a deliberate choice to say "yes" to your well-being and your personal growth.
Start by dedicating a few moments each day to solitude. It might be as simple as sipping your morning coffee in silence, taking a leisurely walk, or engaging in a daily meditation practice. These moments allow you to check in with yourself, assess your progress, and reinforce your priorities.
Remember, saying "no" to distractions and filling your life with purposeful moments of solitude is, in fact, saying "yes" to your own mental clarity and self-care. It's a gift you deserve, a key ingredient in your simple living recipe, and a powerful way to stay focused on your goals.
Simple Living Tip #9: Task-Oriented Days for Easier Time Management
Simplifying your life often involves managing your time and tasks more efficiently. A practical approach to achieving this is by assigning specific tasks to each day of the week. This method helps streamline your routine, making it easier to focus on your goals and priorities.
Start by designating themed days for specific types of tasks. For instance, you can reserve Mondays for administrative work, Tuesdays for meetings and communication, Wednesdays for household chores, and so on. This approach allows you to concentrate on one category of tasks each day, minimizing the stress of trying to juggle everything at once.
By saying "no" to a chaotic, disorganized schedule and "yes" to task-oriented days, you can enjoy a more structured and efficient approach to managing your time. This not only simplifies your daily routine but also provides a clear path to maintaining focus on your goals, values, and priorities.
Simple Living Tip #10: Digital Detox: Unplug and Reconnect
In our modern, tech-driven world, it's easy to become entangled in the web of digital distractions. We often find ourselves scrolling through social media, constantly checking emails, and responding to messages at all hours. This digital whirlwind can clutter our minds and erode the simplicity we crave.
To regain control and maintain a simpler, more intentional lifestyle, consider a digital detox. Take a conscious step back from your devices, and reclaim the precious time and headspace that often gets lost in the virtual world.
Start by designating tech-free hours or even entire tech-free days. Use this time to reconnect with the analog aspects of life. Engage in meaningful face-to-face conversations, immerse yourself in a good book, or take a leisurely stroll in nature.
Not only will a digital detox help you declutter your mind, but it will also reveal the beauty of the real world that exists beyond the screen. This break from digital chaos is your way of saying "no" to constant connectivity and "yes" to a simpler, more fulfilling life.
As you reacquaint yourself with the simplicity of analog experiences, you'll be amazed at how much more in touch you become with your goals, values, and priorities, bringing you closer to the life you envision.
Simple Living Tip #11: Mindful Consumption
In the pursuit of simple living, it's crucial to apply the principle of mindful consumption. This means taking a thoughtful, intentional approach to what you buy, use, and keep in your life.
The consumer-driven world bombards us with endless options and temptations, but simple living is all about conscious choices. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item truly aligns with your goals, values, and priorities. Will it enhance your life in a meaningful way, or will it add unnecessary clutter?
Additionally, consider the impact of your consumption on the environment and your budget. Opt for quality over quantity and invest in items that are built to last. Reducing waste and being a mindful consumer not only simplifies your life but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
Another aspect of mindful consumption involves decluttering your current possessions. Regularly review your belongings and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. This process of simplification can be liberating and create space for the things that truly matter.
By embracing the principle of mindful consumption, you are saying "no" to mindless accumulation and "yes" to a life filled with intention and contentment. It's the final touch to your simple living journey, helping you create a more meaningful, uncluttered, and purpose-driven existence.
Simple Living Tip #12: Cultivate Gratitude for a Richer Life
Gratitude is a powerful and often underestimated tool on the path to a simpler, more meaningful existence and for becoming a queen of manifestation. To truly embrace the spirit of simple living, it's essential to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your daily life.
Take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings you have, no matter how small they may seem. It could be the warmth of the sun on your face, a loving gesture from a friend, or a simple home-cooked meal. By acknowledging and appreciating these moments, you shift your focus from what you lack to what you have.
Gratitude has the remarkable ability to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. It helps you recognize the abundance in your life and can deter you from the pursuit of unnecessary material possessions.
Incorporate a gratitude practice into your daily routine. You might keep a gratitude journal, where you jot down a few things you're thankful for each day, or simply take a moment of reflection before sleep. This habit will ground you in the present, enabling you to connect with your goals, values, and priorities on a deeper level.
By embracing gratitude, you say "no" to the never-ending quest for more and "yes" to the richness of the present moment. It's the final piece of the simple living puzzle, allowing you to lead a more content and purposeful life.
Simple Living Tip #13: Quality Over Quantity in Relationships
In the quest for a simpler life, the quality of your relationships is just as important as the simplicity of your possessions. Consider embracing the principle of quality over quantity when it comes to your social circle.
Instead of spreading yourself thin by trying to maintain a vast number of acquaintances, focus your time and energy on nurturing deep, meaningful relationships with a select few. These are the connections that truly matter and bring value to your life.
Prioritize relationships that align with your goals, values, and priorities. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire, support, and challenge you to grow. These are the people who will walk alongside you in your journey toward a simpler, more intentional existence.
Saying "no" to superficial or toxic relationships can be one of the most liberating steps you take on your path to simplicity. It's a way of preserving your emotional well-being and protecting your time for what truly matters.
By concentrating on quality over quantity in your relationships, you're saying "yes" to a richer, more fulfilling life. These meaningful connections will help you stay grounded in your objectives, ensuring your journey toward simplicity remains steady and full of purpose.
Simple Living Tip #14: Cultivate Mindfulness in Everyday Activities
Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to rush through our daily activities without really being present. To truly embrace the essence of simple living, make mindfulness a daily practice.
Mindfulness involves being fully engaged in the here and now, savoring each moment, and appreciating life's simple pleasures. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths to center yourself before beginning a task or fully immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of everyday activities.
Whether it's savoring your morning coffee, preparing a meal, or going for a walk, let these moments be a sanctuary of simplicity. This practice not only reduces stress and anxiety but also strengthens your connection to your goals, values, and priorities.
As you become more mindful in your daily activities, you'll find that your life becomes richer and more meaningful. Mindfulness helps you recognize the beauty in the ordinary and appreciate the simplicity of the present moment.
So, as you journey toward a simpler life, embrace mindfulness as your guide. Say "no" to distractions and the constant rush, and say "yes" to the gift of the here and now. It's a profound way to keep your life aligned with your intentions and savor the joys of simplicity.
Simple Living Tip #15: Disconnect to Reconnect with Nature
In our digital age, we often find ourselves increasingly detached from the natural world. To infuse your life with the serenity of simple living, make a conscious effort to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the great outdoors.
Nature has a remarkable ability to soothe the soul, clear the mind, and remind us of the beauty in simplicity. Whether it's a stroll through a nearby park, a weekend camping trip, or a leisurely hike in the woods, spend more time in natural surroundings.
As you immerse yourself in the simplicity of nature, take the opportunity to reflect on your goals, values, and priorities. The absence of digital distractions allows you to reconnect with yourself and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
By disconnecting from the constant stream of information and reconnecting with nature, you are saying "no" to the noise of the modern world and "yes" to the peace and tranquility of the natural world. This balance can help you stay grounded in your journey toward a simpler and more intentional life.
Simple Living Tip #16: The Power of Self-Care
Amidst the pursuit of simplicity and the prioritization of goals, it's essential to remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it's a necessity. To lead a simpler, more intentional life, embrace the power of self-care.
Set aside dedicated time to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Whether it's a quiet evening with a book, a soothing bath, a yoga session, or a walk in the park, make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Saying "no" to neglecting your own needs and "yes" to self-care is an act of self-compassion. By recharging your own batteries, you become better equipped to manage life's demands and stay focused on your goals and priorities.
Remember that simple living is not about sacrificing your own well-being; it's about enhancing it. Prioritizing self-care is a profound way to nurture your inner balance, maintain your clarity, and create the space to work toward the life you truly desire.
Simple Living Tip #17: Learn the Art of Letting Go
In the pursuit of a simpler and more intentional life, one of the most powerful steps you can take is mastering the art of letting go. It's about shedding not only physical clutter but also emotional baggage that no longer serves you.
Start by decluttering your physical space. Take time to go through your belongings and let go of items that no longer align with your goals and values. As you declutter, you free up physical space and mental energy to focus on what truly matters.
Equally important is the process of letting go of emotional attachments. This might involve forgiving past grievances, releasing grudges, or simply learning to live in the present moment. When you let go of emotional baggage, you create space for peace and personal growth.
By saying "no" to clinging onto physical and emotional clutter and "yes" to the art of letting go, you'll experience a profound sense of lightness and freedom. It's the final step in your journey toward a simpler, more intentional life, allowing you to fully embrace your goals, values, and priorities with an open heart and a clear mind.
I really hope you enjoyed this post, come join me inside of my blissful living lounge facebook group.
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