Do you turn off your phone all day because you don’t want to be bothered? Maybe you hear the doorbell ring, panic, and pretend you’re not at home. Or perhaps instead of washing the dishes, you imagine simply tossing them all into the trash. (Or is that last one just me?) If this sounds familiar, it might be time to simplify your life.
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for us to be pulled in a million different directions. Plus, if you’re living with clutter, it zaps even more of your time and energy. I think it’s only natural to feel like having more equals being happier, but when I began to simplify my life, I discovered the opposite.
When you Simplify Your Life, You Get More Room for What Matters
Throughout my childhood and early adult life, I collected vintage clothing and hats, Disney memorabilia, dolls, unicorns, and, I admit it, beanie babies. Thanks to all of these things I also collected a lot of dust and clutter. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed these things, but as I got older my priorities shifted.
I had other things I wanted to do, and I didn’t want to spend so much time cleaning, categorizing, and counting stuff. I started to declutter with abandon, focusing on what truly added value to my life. I read Marie Kondo’s Spark Joy, and it really did help me look at my belongings in a new light.
Another way to simplify your life is by cutting back on your commitments to lighten your to-do list. A busy calendar takes its toll on your mind and body, just like a cluttered house does. Therefore, it’s vital to say no to some things so you can say yes to what matters most to you.
Paring down clutter, chaos, and commitments — that’s how to simplify your life. Fewer things and to-dos require less time and decisions.
A Few Simple Living Tips to Create a Calmer You
When you hear, “simplify your life,” maybe your mind immediately jumps to a vision of a sparse cabin with a writing desk, a teacup, and a wood-burning stove. Or maybe your idea of minimalist living is more modern, and you picture a black-and-white studio apartment with a sleek platform bed, towel, and a toothbrush.
These extreme versions of simple living might be the cat’s meow for some, but they aren’t the only way to simplify your life. Instead of getting rid of everything and having no commitments, reframe your viewpoint. You don’t need to go to the extreme to live more simply.
Here are a few simple living tips to get you started. Build these habits over time to help you simplify your life and create a more peaceful, happier existence.
1. Get Rid of Energy Drainers
Basically, this applies to anything (and anyone) that zaps your energy and drains you instead of adding value to your life. Assess your belongings and declutter items you don’t need. Cut out toxic people (you know who they are) who take and never give, and power down the screens routinely to simplify your life.
2. Practice Saying No to Simplify Your Life
I get it, saying no is hard. I struggled with this for much of my first 35 years. I was burning the candle at both ends and setting the middle of it ablaze, too. It’s critical to remember that there are finite hours in the day, and you don’t need to fill them all with obligations.
3. Keep It Simple
A great way to simplify your life is to literally keep your choices simple. When you don’t have so many choices, you don’t get so frustrated and exhausted. It’s no wonder that having fewer choices fuels happiness.
For example, if you’re cooking dinner for friends, consider three menu options instead of an entire cookbook. Another place where decision overload occurs is the closet. Paring down your wardrobe works wonders.
I went through my clothes and got rid of everything that I didn’t love or didn’t fit me at my current season. These items were just getting in the way. I never wore them, yet I had to dig through them daily to find something to wear.
4. Practice Gratitude
It might seem a little zen, but practicing gratitude is a great way to remind yourself about what truly matters to you. When you take stock of what you have, you start to realize you don’t need as much as you think you do. Consequently, you simplify your life because you’re not constantly chasing the desire for more.
Are You Ready to Simplify Your Life?
These four steps are an excellent starting point for how to simplify your life and live with less stress. It’s okay to be cautious. Start with one idea, take baby steps, and work your way through the other tips. Need more encouragement? Make sure to follow MaKayla @makay.la27 for continual inspiration and ideas.
