How to Live a Simple Life

In today’s world, it can be easy to get caught up in consumerism and materialism. But living a simple life can bring about a sense of peace, clarity, and contentment that can’t be found in excess. Simple living can mean different things to different people. For me, it’s about getting rid of the excess and streamlining the rest. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips on how to simplify your life and find joy in the little things. Remember that all of the following areas are interconnected, so it’s important to find balance between them.

Decide What is Important to You

Start by defining what a simpler life looks like to you. Brain dump your thoughts and ideas onto paper to clear your mind and reduce mental clutter. Then, prioritise what is urgent, important, time-bound, or in need of decluttering. Break these items into actionable steps to work towards building a path to the life you want.

Declutter and Organise

Declutter and organise by getting rid of anything that hasn’t been used in a year or that doesn’t add value or joy to your life. Focus on keeping the things that you truly need and let go of the rest. Once you’ve pared down your possessions, give everything a home and put things back where they belong. This will help you save time and reduce stress in the long run.

Live Within Your Means

Sorting out your finances can feel like a daunting task, but it’s an important part of living a simpler life. Having a clear understanding of your current financial situation is the first step in creating a plan that works for you. This involves taking into account your income, expenses, and any debts or financial commitments you may have.

But creating a budget is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s also important to prioritise your spending based on your values and goals. This means identifying the things that matter most to you and allocating your resources accordingly. For example, if you value experiences and travel, you may choose to allocate more of your budget towards these activities.

By following these steps, you can reduce financial stress and achieve a greater sense of financial freedom. With a solid financial foundation in place, you can focus on what truly matters to you, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing a passion, or simply enjoying the present moment.

Automate/Schedule Where Possible

Setting routines and automating tasks can make life much simpler. By automating certain tasks and creating structure in your daily routine, you can reduce stress and free up mental space for the things that matter most to you. Create a daily routine that works for you, this can help you stay organised and reduce stress. For example, you can create a morning routine that includes exercise, meditation, and a healthy breakfast. By doing this, you will start your day off on the right foot and be better prepared to tackle any challenges that come your way. Identify the tasks that you do repetitively and automate them. For instance, if you find yourself constantly sending out email reminders to colleagues or clients, you can use an app or software to automate this task. This will not only save you time, but it will also allow you to focus on more important things.

Practice Gratitude

Taking some time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can help shift your focus away from material possessions and towards the experiences and relationships that truly matter.

Enjoy “Good Enough”

Get comfortable with “good enough”! Ask yourself if you really need to upgrade your phone. Often, when something is working, it’s already sufficient. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the investment to upgrade. This approach can apply to any area of your life, from tea bags to cars, from TVs to homes. As we are bombarded with information promoting the ideal life, with the perfect home and the latest gadgets that promise to make our lives great, try switching to a “make do and mend” mentality. Repair items where you can and use them until they wear out.

Be Intentional

Be intentional with what you bring into your life. Consider whether or not a purchase aligns with your values and goals before making it. Invest in things that add value to your life and bring you joy, rather than accumulating possessions just for the sake of having more. To stop impulse buying in your home, create wish lists. If you want/need something, put it on the list. If it’s still there by the start of the next month and you still want/need it, you can buy it then. But because it’s on a list with other items, it has to be more of a priority than the other items before you would purchase it. Often, after the initial “I have to have this” moment has passed, you no longer really “have to have it”.

Experience Over Stuff

Prioritise experiences over possessions. While material possessions may bring temporary happiness, experiences and relationships can bring lasting joy and fulfilment. Consider spending time with loved ones, trying new things, and exploring the world around you. These experiences can create precious memories and enrich your life in ways that material possessions never could. Do you want those new jeans now, or a trip to Italy later?

Invest in Quality (when needed)

When it comes to the things you choose to purchase, it’s important to invest in quality. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in well-made items can save you money and reduce waste in the long run. Quality items often last longer and require fewer replacements, reducing your overall consumption.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create various looks. Having a capsule wardrobe will help you streamline your wardrobe and make getting dressed easier. Additionally, you won’t have to purchase as many clothing items, which can also save you money. When creating your capsule wardrobe, only include items that you love and feel comfortable wearing.

Get Bored

In a world that values productivity and constant stimulation, it’s important to take time to get bored and allow your mind to wander. This can help spark creativity and new ideas.

Living a simple life may not be easy in today’s world, but it can bring about a sense of peace and fulfilment that’s hard to come by in a life filled with excess and material possessions. By using the above ideas you can simplify your life and find joy in the little things. Remember, it’s the simple things in life that often bring the most happiness.

What helps you live a simple, calmer life? I would love to hear from you in the comments 🤍